Response to letter: “Residents should decide fate of Montville PD,” (Nov. 22).

To enlighten the writer; appropriations for new radios were required to ensure compatibility with new state upgrades. The new system allows Montville PD to communicate with state and other towns and cities. A positive benefit to Public Safety!

The unused space was designed by the architect of record with oversight by the (then) Building Committee to ensure that no future costs would be a burden on taxpayers as the town advanced to an independent force. What is the rationale for not wanting an independent force when all of the necessary tools to better the operations and functionality of modern police work are at hand?

In our area, Chief of Police salaries are in the range of $100,000. The town budgets twice this to retain the Resident Trooper position. The transition to an independent force also would be less of a burden on taxpayers over time. As per state statutes, "Not a single town or city loses the assistance of the State Police in the time of need."

New radios and the transition into the awaiting spaces by an independent force are a true win, win for the town!

William Bucko

Uncasville

Past member of the Town of Montville Building Committee.