Planning And Executing

Plans

To the Editor:

We have been reading a lot about planning over the last few months, but that’s only half the story. A long-range planning process can only be effectively utilized if the plan is subsequently implemented. Plans sitting on the bookshelf may look nice, but they have little impact on getting things accomplished. In order to mobilize everyone to achieve the plan, it is critical that everyone knows what their role is, what needs to be accomplished, and when it needs to happen.

In order to get the most out of our tax dollars, Newtown needs to implement an effective performance management system. This system starts with a long-range plan and the vision of where we want to go. The Board of Selectman and other appointed and elected boards then need to establish their objectives and goals in support of the plan. The different municipal departments need to develop implementation plans in support of these goals.

As first selectmen, I will implement a new reporting system for town departments that will encourage operating efficiencies and better communicate to taxpayers how their tax dollars are being invested.

As we develop the town budget, I will ask each municipal department to develop a plan as to what they will accomplish during the next 12 months. This plan will lay out specific objectives along with committed dates to accomplish the objectives. Each department’s goals will be put up on the town website.

On a quarterly basis, the actual accomplishments will be posted on the web so the voters can see the progress being made on the annual departmental goals. Monthly staff meetings will be held as they are now, but with the added focus on whether the town is achieving the objectives it promised the voters it would accomplish.

Bringing this well-accepted business practice to town government will bring a number of benefits to our residents.

Residents will have a better understanding of where we are going and what we are trying to accomplish. They will better understand how their taxes are being used by understanding the objectives, goals, and accomplishments of town government.

Newtown government will be better focused on our goals and we will accomplish more. Coordination of efforts, including various departmental expenditures, will reduce expenses.

The long-range plan and its schedule of implementation will prevent us from drifting from our purpose and will keep us from spending time and effort on activities which add little value to taxpayers.

What I’m suggesting is that we can make government work better, more efficiently, and with a long-range vision in a way that is better understood by the voters. And that’s what I will do as first selectman.

Bruce W. Walczak

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown September 29, 2009