IPN Grass Roots

In 2005, in an effort to bring awareness to the community about issues affecting our schools, Po Murray and Gary Davis  created a grass roots group called WECAN (We Care About Newtown).   As WECAN gained momentum, Nancy and Bert Roznicki , members of “Friends of Fairfield Hills” and Ruby Johnson who is a former Legislative Council Member, BOE member and also “Friends of Fairfield Hills” member, expanded the issues to include Fairfield Hills.   They were soon joined by then MG PTA President, Desiree Galassi, and HOM PTA Vice President, and Charter Revision Commissioner, Joan Plouffe, who had been working to educate the members of their respective PTAs about the importance of the budgetary process.  The group grew to include Attorney Bob Murray and Charter Revision Commissioner Guy Howard.  

On February 4, 2007 before an audience of 400 citizens that had been mobilized through the efforts of these individuals, elected leaders refused to be held accountable or seek viable alternatives to the prioritizing and funding of projects such as a new town hall over more dire and pressing needs, such as our high school the accreditation of which was placed on “warning” status by NEASC.  Po and Gary united the members of the group into what is now IPN, Independent Party of Newtown.   Much to the surprise of their counterparts, IPN pooled their talents to mount an unprecedented and highly organized campaign and won seats on the Legislative Council, BOE and Police Commission. IPN created a “platform”, or a predecessor to a “Long Range Plan” for addressing the collective needs of our community in a more timely, cost efficient way. 

Today, Po Murray and Gary Davis sit on the Legislative Council,  working to streamline the budget process, ensure the accountability of the FFH project, and seek alternative and creative funding to make the most of our tax dollars.  David Nanavaty sits on the on the BOE working to ensure adequate funding for educational needs for all families.   Bruce Walczak ensures the safety of all our citizens as a member on the Police Commission, advocating “Slow Down in Newtown”.   IPN members Desiree Galassi and Joan Plouffe were appointed to the Newtown School District’s Strategic Planning Committee, the charge of which was to map out the future direction of Newtown Public Schools.   All our members take active roles in making Newtown a better place to live by continuing to promote clarity and inclusiveness in town government, and above all, holding the elected leaders accountable for decisions that affect the taxpayer’s pocketbook and the quality of their lives.  

We hope you’ll take the time to get to know us on a personal level.  You will be pleasantly surprised at how welcoming and open we are.  We believe in working collaboratively across all parties and all walks of life.  Consider hosting a neighborhood “meet and greet” coffee, or meet us at one of Newtown’s many events.  You will soon realize that you do have a choice in November!   Join us!