It’s Part Of

The Record

To the Editor:

As the election draws near I’ve been paying close attention to articles and letters to the editor in The Newtown Bee. I have noticed that candidates will say and write anything to cloud the issues or print misleading statements to try confusing the citizens of Newtown. A letter written by Bruce W. Walczak, “Police Commission’s Problems Seem to Be Escalating” [October 12] is one of those misleading and “cloud the issues” letter.

Mr Walczak uses terms like “mismanagement,” “understaffing,” “maintaining a Police Force,” and “leaves of absence” in a manner that is totally out of concept. Of the eight years I was part of the Police Commission, those items Mr Walczak mentioned are “part of doing business” and handled per police and town procedures. Each budget given to Chief Kehoe and Captain Rios by the Police Commission has always been within several percentage points of budget at the end of that budget year. The Police Commission and the police management team, Chief Kehoe and Captain Rios, have always managed superbly, within budget and per police and town guidelines. “Leave of absence” is a benefit for a police officer’s use when changing their working careers for whatever reason. Staffing changes in any business is a fact of life. When a police officer uses this option, the rehiring process, at best, will take up to nine months to replace that officer. Staffing is a statewide issue, not just in Newtown. At no time when I was on the Police Commission were the citizens of Newtown at risk for any reason.

Mr Walczak likes to write about public record. Let’s explore his record of recent years. 1. Not re-appointed to the economic development commission because of absenteeism. Is this the sort of person the citizens of Newtown want on a Board or Commission? 2. Mr Walczak’s previous party is endorsing candidates to the Police Commission, why aren’t they supporting Mr Walczak? Wouldn’t you think that party would find room for him if they thought he was good enough to represent the people and that party? I am not misleading the citizens, not making up facts and not telling half truths, but simply sharing the public record. Is this the kind of person the citizens of Newtown want? I hope not!

The leadership team at the Newtown Police Department and the Police Commission are doing the best they can do based on law, police, and town procedures. As I mentioned in my previous letter, this team is always approachable, willing to listen and always available for ideas. I urge all of you to attend their meetings and meet that team. This team should be left intact based on public record.

Richard Simon

3589 NE 107 Street Road, Anthony, Fl  32617     October 23, 2007