Patch Candidate Profile: Stephen Sedensky, Newtown Police Commission

NEWTOWN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Newtown and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Newtown Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Stephen Sedensky, 65, is running for re-election to the Newtown Police Commission as a Democrat.

Education.

Bachelor of Science in Business Adm. with an Accounting concentration from Plymouth State University. Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School.

What is your occupation?

Special Assistant State's Attorney. 38 years as a state prosecutor with the last 19 serving Newtown in the Danbury Judicial District. I retired as the State's Attorney in July 2022.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My wife and I have lived in Newtown for 25 years. We have 2 wonderful children. Our oldest, a daughter, is a nurse and our son is a senior in college. We raised our children in Newtown participating and volunteering in youth soccer, football, basketball and lacrosse. We have watched and marched in the Labor Day parade many times.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am a part time state prosecutor, having retired as the full time State's Attorney in 2022.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Other that being the State's Attorney, I am currently serving on Newtown's police commission, having been appointed to replace a commission who moved our of the area. It is for this position that I am now running. Years ago, I served on Newtown's Board of Ethics.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office because I have unique qualifications as a former state's attorney and full-time prosecutor who served crime victims and their families for over 38 years, working with numerous police departments and community organizations, including Newtown. The Newtown Police Commission is the traffic authority for the town, and I bring an extensive working knowledge of our motor vehicle laws to the position.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is __, and this is what I intend to do about it.

From the Police Commission standpoint, the single most pressing issue is the growth of our town and the increased traffic and law enforcement issues that this growth brings.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The major differences are my having extensive knowledge of our motor vehicle and the criminal justice system. I have worked with crime victims, police departments and community organizations.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

If elected I intend to continue to be part of a nonpartisan police commission that works only for the benefit of Newtown.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Certainly, my having successfully been our State's Attorney for many years, which included investigation and prosecution of crimes and motor vehicle offenses in our area. I am board certified in criminal trial advocacy. As a prosecutor, I actively participated on numerous committees statewide and local and have trained police and prosecutors on the law and trial skills. The committee work included collaborating with many community stakeholders to achieve group goals.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Semper paratus (Be prepared).

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a member of the Police Commission, I promise with the Democratic slate to:
*Continue to support a nonpartisan approach to the Police Commission that has served our Town well.
*Continue to appoint, promote, suspend, and remove Town police officers, as well as serve as the traffic authority for the town of Newtown.
*Support traffic safety, including proper markings for our roads.
*Pass and promote police regulations supporting best practices for our police department.
*Hire and promote qualified officer candidates who demonstrate commitment to the Town, our citizens and upholding our laws and protection of our citizens.
*Support and strengthen Newtown’s schools and Town communities through education, mentorship, and police/community awareness programs.

Please vote. I respectfully ask for your support and for your vote.