Yearning for Change
Yearning for Change
To the Editor:
Two years ago, almost 3,000 voters answered my pledge to reenergize and bring positive change to the Police Commission by electing me. My presence on the commission has fostered a reenergized environment and made positive strides towards addressing issues such as traffic congestion and better Newtown Police Department policies.
As I meet with voters, the desire for change in Newtown appears to be even stronger. At every turn I hear comments such as, âGreat, we sure need a change!â when I say Iâm the Independent Party candidate for first selectman.
The IPN candidates have worked diligently over the last few months to outline what we would do to make things even better in Newtown. We have promised (1) an enhanced and greatly expanded communications program, (2) a full review of Fairfield Hills and a voter-supported plan for its future, (3) strategies to control expenses and stabilize taxes, (4) to restore the Blue Ribbon status of our schools at an affordable cost, and (5) a comprehensive planning and implementation program with appropriate checks and balances put in place.
The other candidates and their party leaders have criticized the IPN for offering you, the voters, a choice to elect a new voice for Newtown in November. They have suggested that our ideas for improvement have already been implemented or they intend to make the same changes we have suggested.
It is peculiar that the other two parties, who have been governing for years without seeing the need for change, are now embracing it during this campaign. Over and over they have blocked IPN recommendations to review the FFH Master Plan, for a long-term plan to be established, to institute best practice measures for budgeting and approving capital improvement plans. Their actions actually seem to preserve the status quo to maintain power. With four IPN elected officials now in office, Newtowners have seen that change is possible.
The suggestion that the candidates from the same old parties, in a new set of clothes, will somehow govern differently is hard to believe. Should you trust that they now represent your best interests? Or are they telling you what you want to hear to earn your vote to stay in power to pursue their party agendas?
 It is time to give IPN candidates, with new ideas and the conviction to see them through, an opportunity to govern. The Independent Party, Bill Furrier, and I are ready to govern. We have fresh ideas, energy, and a desire to make a difference. We are ordinary citizens, like you, who have stepped up because we are deeply committed to making Newtown better.
We hear your call for change on every corner and in each conversation we have with you. You, the voters, initiated change by supporting the IPN in 2007 and now I am asking you to come out in force on November 3 and help us to help Newtown be the best it can be. Please vote Independent on Election Day!
Bruce Walczak
12 Glover Avenue, Newtown                                     October 13, 2009