A Game Of Musical Chairs

To the Editor:

I’m sorry Richard Woycik decided not to complete his term on the Legislative Council. This is the second change in District 2 in the past 18 months.

First, Chris Laroque quit the Legislative Council, and his seat was filled by Kathy Fetchick, who quit the Board of Education to take this position. Now Mr Woycik has quit his position representing District 2. When you consider the resignation of John Aurellia in District 1 last year, this is the third Republican position on the LC that will be an appointment rather than someone elected by the voters. (Bob Merola was appointed to take Mr Aurellia’s seat.)

A similar situation has occurred with changes to the Republicans serving on the Board of Education. I understand that personal situations change, such as someone moving, which makes it necessary to resign an elected position. However, the Republican retirements and replacements in District 2 do not seem to fall into that category. Certainly, Mrs Fetchik’s resignation from the BOE to become chair of the council’s Education Committee raised some eyebrows from nonpartisan observers. Why quit the Board of Ed to pursue an education agenda with the council?

Those who elect their representatives deserve their full commitment to the positions to which they are elected, no matter how difficult or frustrating serving in that position may be once elected. Public service should not be a game of musical chairs or a matter of personal or political convenience.

Bruce Walczak

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown                                          August 9, 2010