Pre-Election Promises

Are Sometimes Hard To Keep

To the Editor:

The Newtown Bee’s editorial last week stating that “The New Openness Starts With Us” is a welcome beginning for residents. The Bee went on to say that the new administration is committed to openness and engagement. Implicit in both statements is that this new culture is a dramatic change from past administrations and the practices of elected officials.

New Year’s resolutions, like pre-election promises, are sometime difficult to keep. A great deal of will power is required to carry out such a significant change in the culture of Newtown government. It will take commitment and leadership to fight the temptation to slip and go back to the old political practices. Like quitting cigarettes, it may not happen on the first try, but trying again and again is imperative to implementing the new culture.

Playing an important lead role in nurturing this new culture is Pat Llodra. In her new role as first selectman, she has been demonstrating by her actions that she is committed and serious about changing the culture. Everyone — her direct reports, appointees, other elected officials, and political parties — are watching her every step. It is that old saying “It’s what you do, not what you say” that will drive the new process, and so far Pat has walked the talk. Openness and engagement at each and every step will be required, and that will not be an easy course as those who fight change and resist sharing power will be around every corner.

The Newtown Bee and its editor can and should also play a role in supporting this new culture. The Newtown Bee is often residents’ major source of news concerning town government and local issues. The Bee must be diligent that all sides of an issue will be written about in an open and objective manner so residents feel engaged in the process. The Bee is also in a position to encourage our government to live up to the new culture of openness, and to fairly reflect all sides of an issue, something that could be argued has not always been the case. The Bee should be a catalyst insisting that local officials act in an open manner and are willing to engage the residents in the decisionmaking process. When the new culture isn’t followed, The Bee should be informing its readers. This is surely a situation that supports the adage, “If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem.”

I think most Newtowners are excited to see that so far we have a new government that is being assertive in looking after their interests, in a fair, balanced, and open approach that is respectful and incorporating different points of view. This new culture can bring the town together, aligned and willing to seek solutions to our problems and our future, reinforcing what we all believe, that it is “Nicer in Newtown.”

Bruce Walczak

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown                                    January 20, 2010