To the Editor:

I am writing in support of the proposed new police station project, which is on the November 6 ballot. While I am a member of the Police Commission, I am writing in my individual capacity as a taxpayer and my opinion is not intended to represent that of the Police Commission.

The proposed police station project is long overdue, as our current facility has been outgrown and inadequate for over 20 years. The new project, if approved, will serve the needs of our police force and our community for a long time to come.

The location selected for the proposed project will benefit Newtown. The location (191 South Main Street) is on a main road in a commercial area, which affords flexibility for future use. It will also allow for easy access to Sandy Hook via Pecks Lane and other areas of town. It is close to Public Works, where they fuel up. While 191 South Main is not in the center of town, there should be no lost response time in the event of an emergency. Police do not dispatch like a fire department does. Officers are out in their assigned zones and dispatch from there, so the response time should be the same as it would be in the current location.

I hope you will join me in supporting our police and our community by voting Yes to the new police station project on November 6.

Joan Plouffe

9 Sturges Road, Newtown         October 24, 2018