Vavrek: Monroe Needs to 'Work Together As a Team'

The Monroe first selectman appeared strike a conciliatory tone in an open letter to town residents.

The Monroe Courier said Steve Vavrek posted a 450-word statement on social media outlets.

The statement was issued after Vavrek, a Republican, was re-elected Nov. 3 by a smaller margin than in 2013.

In the statement, found on the Town of Monroe Connecticut Selectman’s Corner Facebook page, Vavrek thanked the voters for “their confidence and support.”

He went on to say that the people of Monroe “do not want Town politics to resemble our current State or Federal gridlock policies. They want all public servants to move Monroe forward and they want us to compromise on issues without compromising on our principles.”

Vavrek said he was going to ask for standing monthly meetings with the Town Council’s Democratic caucus.

“As I have done in the past, I will ask Democrats and Republicans for recommendations of candidates to serve on various boards and commissions,” he said.

Vavrek stressed that he cannot do the job alone.

“I am asking everyone to demonstrate good faith and work together as a team,” he said.

The Courier said Monroe Democrats reacted with a cool reception, with Chairman Pat Paniccia quoted as calling the statement “ridiculous.”

For the complete article, read the Monroe Courier here.

Photo credit: Screenshot from the Town of Monroe Connecticut Selectman’s Corner Facebook page.