A Candidate’s Goals

To the Editor:

The race for Police Commission has been exciting, and at times heated. Knowledge of the Police Commission and its role has been heightened and some important issues identified.

Now voters have an option:

You can agree with the commissioner’s suggestion that all is well, that they have done the best job possible and are meeting all the needs of the community and return them, in mass, to the commission. Maintain the status quo for the next four years.

Or you can agree with me that there is more work to be done, greater energy to be applied, more questions to be asked, and initiatives to be put forward and worked on. I believe the status quo is not acceptable; improving, not just maintaining, must be the objective.

As many of you know, I got involved passionately when the town government, including the Police Commission, started the Queen Street Traffic Study and it became apparent that the real needs of Newtown residents were for a comprehensive traffic management plan, not just a plan for one road. As I learned more about the process and the functions of the Police Commission I decided that I had to be part of the solution, not just a writer of letters to The Newtown Bee.

I did not ask, inquire, nor solicit the nomination of the Democratic or Republican parties, rather deciding that the voters of Newtown needed an independent representative on the Police Commission. I felt the residents needed someone who could really represent everyone in our community.

Some voters have asked me how I would proceed if elected to the Police Commission. This is something I have given a great deal of thought to over the last year.

1. I would help the Police Commission develop a proactive hiring, training and retention program so that we always have a complete roster of officers. I would urge the commission to explain and support the resources the police department requires during the budget process to get the job done, including facilities and automobiles.

2. I would encourage the Police Commissioners to appoint an advisory committee to work on a townwide plan for managing traffic. I would initiate a “Slow Down in Newtown” campaign, working with existing groups such as the PTA, Parents Connection, and Newtown Youth Services, to educate drivers of the dangers to themselves and other from speeding and reckless driving. Once this effort is implemented I would encourage the commissioners to be proactive in identifying and addressing other issues within the town

3. I will insist that the Police Commission’s decisions are thoroughly discussed in public, in language the voters will understand. I will suggest that public participation be allowed at the beginning and at the end of meetings so citizens have an opportunity to provide input to the commissioners.

I look forward to November 6 and hope you will give me an opportunity to serve you on the Police Commission.

Bruce Walczak

Independent Party of Newtown

Candidate for Police Commission

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown                           October 30, 2007