What's The Real Reason For LZA Patrols?

By CURT CLARK

Published: Oct 17, 2008 12:00 am

Whatâs The Real Reason

For LZA Patrols?

To the Editor:

As a former treasurer and commissioner on the Lake Zoar Authority and currently a volunteer with the Leaps of Faith (LOF) Disabled Waterskiers, I have a unique perspective on this issue concerning permits for ski clinics for the disabled. First let me state for all, closing off a portion of a lake and running these clinics are permitted under current DEP regulations. The stumbling point is whether or not police officers are necessary where the clinic boundary area is cordoned off.

The DEP permit leaves this decision up to the âlocal law enforcement authority.â The initial permits for the LOF, based in Newtown, for this past season were signed off by Newtown police Chief Kehoe and did not require law enforcement.Â Since this began, over a year and half ago, the LZAâs initial response was not one of âhow can we make this work for all concerned?â Instead two of the LZA commissioners chose to renew an effort started over 15 years ago to gain sole law enforcement authority on the lake.

The DEP granted the LZA this authority to make any and all law enforcement decisions on Lake Zoar; I feel that decision was a major mistake on the DEPâs part. The public should know that none of the LZA commissioners has any law enforcement training or experience. I guess they know better than the chief of police. These same two commissioners pursued, without authorization of the full commission, the Oxford finance board and the Monroe first selectman with misinformation that resulted in these two boards issuing letters to the LZA asking them not to use LZA funds for these clinics.

Never once since the beginning of this issue has a single LZA commissioner bothered to check and see what the other lake authoritiesâ policies are. The Leaps of Faith provided the LZA with numerous examples of other nonprofit, as well as for profit groups, closing off sections of lakes with authorization from the local lake authority and DEP permits without cost to the groups.

The Bee article of 10/10/08 [âLake Authority And Water Ski Clinic For Disabled Clash Over Fees,â A6] states numerous times of LZA chairman Steve Jaroszewskiâs concerns related to the personal liability of the commissioners if there are no police present. Connecticut law 7-151a (paragraph e) clearly states that all towns must âprotect and save harmless such towns delegates from financial loss and expense, including legal feesâ¦ etc.â Personal liability is not a concern. The article also says that Mr Jaroszewski offered his points that âthe roughly $241 fee per clinic simply to cover costs is reasonable.â This cost started at $800 per clinic a year ago and has changed numerous times since then.

It seems to me that the only reason the LZA feels a police officers presence is needed is to protect the commissioners from personal liability. Mr Jaroszewski, if I am mistaken, then please tell me the real reason why police officers are needed?

DEP permits allow for a group to provide their own patrol, this is all that we have asked the LZA for.

Paul Gallichotte

95 Lee Farm Drive, SouthburyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â October 14, 2008

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The Way We Were

The Editor suggest a meeting between the "Rock This Democracy " and the Police Commission. As a former Police Commissioner the Chief should have followed the chain of command and discussed this with the Police Commission. The Chief reports to the Elected Police Commission not our Republican First Selection. Can't help but feel this is Republican politics again making an issue out of a non issue.

Assembly Ordinance?

I support Chief Kullgren’s request to explore permitting, and cost-sharing for large gatherings. The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I fully support the constitutional right to free speech and assembly. However, where and how often these protests occur matters. Main Street is not just a symbol — it’s a vital artery for daily life in town. When events are held there monthly, and at increasing scale, they cause disruption to residents, businesses, and traffic. While the Rock This Democracy group may describe these protests as unique or urgent, the frequency — roughly once every two weeks this spring — suggests more of a recurring series than a singular, spontaneous moment of civic expression. This isn’t about silencing anyone. It’s about fairness, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Every time a protest happens, our police department is forced to assign resources, often on overtime. That expense adds up quickly. If any group wants to use public space regularly, particularly in a way that impacts traffic and requires police presence, then it’s reasonable for the town to consider permitting and cost-sharing — just as we do for other organized events like races, festivals, or parades. Let’s protect everyone’s rights — including the right of the community to function smoothly and the right of taxpayers not to bear undue cost for repeated events. I trust the Council to consider a reasonable path forward that balances speech with responsibility.

David, your passion for transparency would carry more weight if it weren’t routinely wielded like a cudgel. Let's set the record straight: no one is against easier access to documents or better online availability—we all want an informed public. But there's a difference between constructive advocacy and the kind of grandstanding that costs this town time, morale, and taxpayer money. You cite Ridgefield’s practices—great. Let's talk about that like adults. But instead, what we see is a steady stream of accusatory posts, legal challenges, and FOIA blitzes aimed less at solving problems and more at creating headlines. It’s not “slander” to point out that your approach often does more to divide and exhaust than to help. I’ve been at the very meetings you claim are inaccessible or opaque. I’ve seen your group turn logistical hiccups into conspiracy theories. I’ve watched as staff—who already work overtime—are dragged into another fishing expedition while real civic needs are left hanging. You’re not just pushing for access; you’re using the tools of open government to grind its gears to a halt. That’s not progress. That’s obstruction dressed up as advocacy. And the people paying for it—literally—are your neighbors. Let’s stop pretending it’s just about uploading PDFs. The issue here is how we engage. We can have real conversations about modernization without constant accusations, FOIA skirmishes, and Facebook pile-ons. Until then, I’ll continue to call out tactics that undermine, not uplift, our town.

Calls For Policies To Create Greater Transparency

The bottom line is this: costs are up, and no group—including teachers—is exempt. Ignoring Anthem’s recommended 22% increase last year may have directly caused the $2 million shortfall. Everyone has to share in the fix. That might mean higher premiums and leaner benefits. Complaints alone won’t solve the problem—realistic solutions will. I urge all Newtown Teachers to email their Union leaders and express their support for higher premiums.

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Its really easy to make assertions and cast doubts from behind a keyboard....a little too easy aparently. You might try conducting the actual research BEFORE doing it next time. If you do, you too will find that there's no need to imagine such a policy to improve public transparency and participation. Take a look at Ridgefield's P&Z meeting agendas on their website for starters. They are just one town that provide links to electronic copies of applications and other public documents, so that their commissioners and residents can easily access them and be well-informed, before meetings and public hearings occur and without making them drive to town hall (during business hours) to ask their land use staff to pull the files and make copies of them, saving everyone time (time is money), and gasoline, and missed work. Most applicants alrleady submit electronic copies, and for those who don't, it's a lot easier for a staffer to scan them once, than to have to make copies every time someone asks for them. And please don't misrepresent or slander those who advocate for smart, low impact & sustainable development policies and practices as 'anti-development'.

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What's The Real Reason For LZA Patrols?

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