Letters To The Editor:
How will Old Saybrook repair the damage that has been done to the reputation of the Police Department and police personnel? Can we trust the same Police Commission to make the Police Department whole and well? Why hasn't it taken proper steps to discipline or censure the police chief for his role in this scandal?
The Police Commission needs to act independently and not take orders from the police chief. What assurance do we have that this change will take place? By changing the membership on the Police Commission on Election Day. We need to re-elect members who are strong, principled and representative of the taxpayer, not power brokers.
Ray Dobratz should be re-elected to this commission because he has earned the seat. He has served proudly and bravely in spite of the hostility he has encountered from other commission members and most notably First Selectman Mike Pace. Mr. Dobratz has always acted as his own person fighting to bring balance and fairness to a biased commission.
The Democrats have put together a Police Commission slate that can work together to effect a positive change. They have a positive attitude and confidence that can heal the wounds and rejuvenate the morale of the Police Department's rank and file. These are the people who have the skills to start the healing process and to begin a proactive dialogue with the Police Department.
The decision of the state Labor Department has left no doubt that there must be immediate change on this commission. Please consider Ray Dobratz, Richard Metsack, Emilio Scamparino and Robert Kiehm when voting for Police Commission members on Election Day.
For additional information regarding the state Labor Board's decision, please read the document at the following web link: www.ctdol.state.ct.us/csblr/decisions-pdf/2005/4089.pdf
David Hansen
Old Saybrook
© The Day Publishing Co., 2005
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