Some Goals For Town Officials

To the Editor:

First Anniversary of Newtown Voters’ Revolt. Labor Day marks the start of the one year anniversary of the 2007 voters’ revolt in Newtown. Voters ushered in a new group of elected officials whom have been hard at work trying to impact changes in the way Newtown governs and what we accomplish.

I would like to challenge the elected and appointed Newtown government representatives to rise up to an even higher level of performance. We have much to accomplish and having goals, objectives, and measuring our progress is critical to success. So here it goes.

1. Please stop the political maneuvering and get our school system fixed. The voters overwhelming said they wanted the high school addition. Repair the schools so our children have a safe and learning environment. Let us get back to Newtown having a Blue Ribbon school system.

2. Get the voters reinvolved with Fairfield Hills. Build a consensus on what the plan should be, be honest as to what we have spent, including bonded money, grants, and operating funds, and let the voters decide how much more we need and want to spend.

3. Make all our roads safe for all our children. Move from a public relations program to a real traffic management program which benefits each and every voter in Newtown, not just a few politically well-connected streets.

4. Present the voters with a well-thought-out and well-communicated budget, one which voters can understand what we are getting for our ever-increasing real estate taxes. Create an aggressive tax deferral program which will help our senior citizens remain in their beloved Newtown.

5. Start involving more citizens in the governing process. Move beyond the current “Newtown Club” and get new people on boards and committees. It’s time to involve the “New” Newtown as well as the “Old” Newtown in our governing process. Perhaps we need term limits to give others a chance to participate and help govern.

6. Be accountable for your actions. We voted for our elected officials to do the right things, not pass the buck to other boards and committees. Incorporate checks and balances and start governing, not just meeting. There is an old saying: “You get what you inspect, not what you expect.” Set measurable objectives and tell us what and how you are doing.

7. Finally, get over the voters’ revolt of 2007 and start working for Newtown again. We are tired of the political shenanigans, the uncooperative behavior, and the attempts to embarrass. Work together to make it Nicer in Newtown.

This Labor Day is the start of another year for Newtown. I hope we establish goals and make significant progress in achieving them. That is the challenge at hand.

Enjoy the parade and remember when you’re driving around town to “Slow Down In Newtown.”

Bruce Walczak

Police Commissioner

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown                                       August 27, 2008