Philip J. Cruz

For any community, the Police Department represents the front line on the quality of life. With issues relating to law enforcement, public safety, and community relations, therefore, it is paramount that its efficiency and fiscal responsibility are interwoven with “state of the art” equipment and top notch law enforcement personnel. As a member of the Board Police of Commissioners, I will have a solemn duty to represent the financial interests of the taxpaying community in a way that is supportive to the goals and objectives of the Police Department in concert with the needs of our community.

My name is Phil Cruz and I have been a resident of Newtown for the past 30 years. I married my high school sweetheart Sandy and we were blessed with two children, Amanda and Andrew, both of whom attended and graduated from our public school system. Amanda is now married with two beautiful children Lilly and William. Andrew has since passed but lives on through all of us who loved him and also with the many people in the community that he influenced with his kindness and compassion.

After growing up in Danbury, I joined the United States Army Reserve as an enlisted man. I am humbled yet proud to say that I was selected as one of a very few enlisted soldiers to obtain a direct commission as an Officer in the United States Army Reserve from the Secretary of the Army in 1980. During the course of my military service to our country, I obtained the rank of Major while attending many military leadership programs. I served as a Logistics, Transportation, Training and Civil Affairs officer within the duration of my 25 year tour of service. I am also a graduate of the prestigious school, United States Army Command and the General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth KA. I attended Danbury Schools and graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with Teacher Certification in Social Studies. I also have a Master of Art in Teaching from Sacred Heart University. I am proud to say that for the last 16 years of my entire teaching career I have taught Elementary and Middle School Students right here in Newtown. In addition to my teaching experience, I have 17 years of executive business experience as a Sales Engineering Manager for three nationally prominent Semiconductor companies Intel Corporation, National Semiconductor Corporation, and Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation all in the electronic and information processing fields. But it was always teaching that captured my passion.

My Formal service to municipalities includes the following:

• Planning Commissioner for the City of Danbury (6yrs)
• Environmental Impact Commission member City of Danbury (2yrs)
• Board of Directors for the Newtown Youth and Family Services (5yrs)
• Alternate Planning and Zoning Commission for Newtown (elected)
• Water and Sewer Commission Member for Newtown (appointed)
• President of the Newtown Federation of Teachers (elected)
• Treasurer of the Newtown Federation of Teachers (elected)

The voter is compelled to make the most important decision as to who will become the stewards of the public trust. The personal and professional qualifications that I am placing on the table are what I believe to be very well suited to serve on the Police Commission. I am asking for your vote along with your support for the entire IPN slate that stands for integrity, competence, and passion for community governance. Thank you so much!