Fresh Perspectives And New Energy

To the Editor:

I want to thank The Newtown Bee for arranging and hosting the first selectman’s debate on Monday night. It was an honor to be on the stage with the other three candidates to discuss the issues deemed most critical to the voters of Newtown.

The Newtown Bee has covered this campaign extensively through articles, The Letter Hive, and, most recently, the debate. The voters have a great deal of information to use to reach their own conclusions on which first selectman candidate can lead Newtown forward into the positive period of change for which a majority of town residents have been calling.

The Independent Party has reenergized the political landscape in Newtown by running an extensive candidate slate for the November 3 municipal election. It has been a long time since Newtown has had this many viable and capable candidates competing for elected office.

The first selectman candidates from the RTC and DTC have endorsed much of IPN’s policy positions, as was demonstrated at the recent debate. That is a testament to the leadership IPN has shown in developing new approaches to address longstanding issues. As I said during the debate, the RTC and DTC have had their opportunity to govern; perhaps it is time for a new group, the Independent Party of Newtown, to have a larger role in our local government to offer fresh perspectives and a new energy.

It is surely a wide open election and the voters will decide the outcome shortly. We have a very educated population. Newtown voters clearly are capable of making this decision on who to support on their own. I appreciate the unbiased approach The Bee has taken to date in reporting on this election and in presenting the candidate positions on important issues like Fairfield Hills, and improving the way our town government operates. This belief that voters should make up their own minds without undue pressure from others telling them how they should vote is the true basis of democracy.

Shortly after Election Day, residents will soon have a new group of dedicated and reenergized elected officials leading the community. I hope to have the privilege of leading that group as your first selectman.

Bruce Walczak

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown                                 October 20, 2009