Don’t Abandon Civility

To the Editor:

Thank you to Bruce Walczak and the IPN for their candor. At least they were upfront about what we can expect for the next few months as we move toward the November local elections. Mr Walczak was correct in his statement to The Newtown Bee that the Democratic Party is “focused on civility in government [and] is a critical election issue.” Clearly it is not the only issue, but it is one of the keys to solving present problems so that we can return to the days of a Blue Ribbon High School, affordable taxes, and a functioning infrastructure; the days before the IPN.

Gary Fetzer and Joe Hemingway believe that without respect and civility for one another, ideas are less readily exchanged, personal vendettas are initiated, friendships are divided, a town splits, and issues go unresolved. That’s why Team Newtown means everyone, with civility, Democrats, Republicans, IPNers, unaffiliated voters, all working together, listening with respect to one another, sharing ideas, and finding common ground to make it “Nicer in Newtown.”

To the contrary, where Gary Fetzer and Joe Hemingway seek to unite Newtown, Mr Walczak clearly dislikes civility, as demonstrated by past personal attacks on the Police Commission members, a member of the Board of Selectmen, a member of the Fairfield Hills Authority, etc. In speaking to The Bee, Mr Walczak stated that it wasn’t “civility” but “vigorous debate” that would drive the IPN. In other words, more personal attacks, more divisiveness, less respectfulness, and less civility. Unfortunately, Mr Walczak sees “civility” and “vigorous debate” as mutually exclusive. They are not. We would not teach or permit our children to make personal, mean-spirited attacks on well-intentioned people just because of a difference of opinion. Yet at the top of the IPN ticket and scattered throughout the IPN ticket are numerous candidates that persistently engage in such conduct.

In short, we need a first selectman who is a leader, not a Michael Savage. We need a first selectman and selectman who row in the same direction, not work against one another. We need candidates that are respectful and act as adults, not bratty children who don’t get their own way 24/7. I hope you will consider Gary Fetzer and Joe Hemingway for first selectman and selectman; they are ready, willing, and able to lead Team Newtown.

Gene Vetrano

Campaign Chairman

For Fetzer/Hemingway

6 Camelot Crest, Sandy Hook                                   August 19, 2009`