Letters to the Editor

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letters to the editor. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com to have them published here.

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In his speech resigning from the BOE [Monday] night Matt Campbell accused fellow Board members of defamation, unethical behavior and collusion–the latter term defined as including dishonest or deceitful conduct. He provided no specifics. This is completely unacceptable. 

I know Phil Hogan and Erica Schwedel to be honest, ethical, respectful, collaborative and fully dedicated to the success of our schools. These are precisely the qualities New Canaan’s residents demand, especially on the governing board of the Town’s most important asset, our schools. Unjustified personal attacks against Phil, Erica and others are potentially detrimental to the Board of Education and to every family and property owner in Town. 

Perhaps the only aspect of this unfortunate episode that benefits our community is Mr. Campbell’s resignation.

Tom Butterworth

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As Chief of Police, people often ask me what keeps me going after 30-plus years in law enforcement. My answer is always the same, and it has never been more true than it is today:

I am profoundly grateful for the trust that the people of New Canaan place in their police department — and, by extension, in every one of us who wears the badge.

That trust is not something we inherit; it is something we earn every single day. It shows up when a parent waves us down on Elm Street just to say thank you for keeping an eye on the schools. It shows up when a teenager feels comfortable enough to call a school resource officer because a friend is struggling. It shows up when residents leave their doors unlocked (please don’t, by the way) because they genuinely believe nothing bad can happen here — and then, when something does, they call us first, without hesitation.

In a time when many communities across the country are wrestling with fractured relationships between the public and the police, New Canaan stands apart. Our officers are invited to read to kindergarten classes at East School, coach youth sports, have coffee at Zumbach’s on Saturday mornings, and sit on panels at the Library discussing everything from traffic safety to mental health. 

That mutual trust is the single most powerful crime-fighting and community-building tool we have. It is why our crime rate remains among the lowest in Connecticut. It is why our officers can focus on helping rather than just responding. And it is why, when I drive through Waveny or around God’s Acre on a crisp November afternoon, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the privilege of serving a town that still believes — truly believes — that we are all in this together.

So to every resident, business owner, student, and visitor who has ever offered a kind word, a plate of cookies at headquarters, or simply a nod of appreciation: thank you. Your trust is the one thing in New Canaan for which I will never stop being grateful.

Stay safe, look out for one another, and have a happy Thanksgiving.

With respect and gratitude,

John W. DiFederico, Chief of Police 

Town of New Canaan