Worthwhile Work

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Independent Party of Newtown, I want to congratulate all those who ran for office and, of course, offer special congratulations to all those who were successful. I also want to congratulate Pat Llodra for running an effective campaign for first selectman and on her ultimate election. IPN intends to work collaboratively with the new Board of Selectman and our other boards and commissions to accomplish the goals and objectives they discussed during the election campaign.

It was certainly an energized campaign and passions ran high. Hundreds of letters were written, numerous position papers were issued and many conversations were held. I’m sure, in retrospect, many candidates and their supporters (including IPN ) might have done things a bit differently. Now, however, is the time to look forward and leave behind the emotions of those moments. We must focus on what we can accomplish together, not on what we believe to be our past differences. Let us make the expression “build bridges not stone walls” a reality, not just some catchy phrase.

Much work lays ahead of those who will govern in Newtown during these troubled times. The recession will make achieving our budget objectives all the more difficult. Maintaining and enhancing the quality of our public schools will necessitate creative and cost-effective solutions. Reviewing and reporting our progress at Fairfield Hills, developing an updated and realistic master plan and gaining community consensus for that plan will be challenging, but worth the effort. Making the hard decisions on where, when, and how to spend precious capital dollars over the next five to ten years will call for clear and practical business thinking. Stabilizing Newtown’s taxes will take cooperation, planning, hard work, and more effective lobbying of our state government for tax reform. Effectively communicating with the residents, understanding their needs, developing and then implementing effective strategic and long range plans will take transparent collaboration between the voters and all three political parties.

The IPN again wishes to thank and congratulate all candidates for their energy and willingness to discuss the issues this year. We encourage all to continue reaching out to the voters and each other. Collaborative work, as First Selectwoman-elect Llodra said, is good work, worthwhile work. Let us all work to make Newtown an even better community now and for future generations.

Bruce W. Walczak

Chairman

The Independent Party of Newtown

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown                                    November 9, 2009