To the Editor:

Dr Neil Chaudhary is seeking election to the Newtown Police Commission — the town’s traffic authority. I would like to explain from personal experience the reasons Neil would be the right choice for voters.

During my 20 years as Assistant to the Commissioner of the State Department of Motor Vehicles and in the last two years as Chief of Staff before I retired, I worked closely with Neil on a number of important statewide traffic safety issues. His professional background and national reputation as an analyst of public safety issues is rooted in understanding how to improve it locally and on a statewide level.

For instance, Neil helped to guide DMV policymakers for over ten years in collecting and analyzing teen driving data related to the most effective measures with the highest potential to save lives. He has conducted many studies that helped to shed light on effective ways to curb drunk drinking, reduce distracted driving, and educate the public on the risks of speeding. His work through the state and other entities (for example, the US DOT) has also formed the foundation for various state initiatives with police departments statewide (and nationally).

At the DMV he also helped us understand older drivers and the problems they faced. His work brought insight when seeking ways to help seniors retain their licenses and stay safe on the roads. This is important because independence and mobility are critical to thwarting depression and loneliness that can cut short the lives of our seniors.

Neil is a professional who welcomes all opinions, studies his facts, looks at all available evidence and then explains to those around him the best route to sound public policy. He is a unique resource for any community examining public safety issues and wanting to be a model for others.

Bill Seymour

324 Cavan Lane, Glastonbury September 9, 2019