Janowski Proposes Safety Task Force — Education Program

Given the recent increase of violent incidents in Vernon, as well as growing traffic safety issues, former State Representative and Mayoral Candidate Claire Janowski said today she would establish a Task Force to help develop a community safety education program. The major focus of the Task Force would be to assess and address safety in all of Vernon’s public spaces including parks, trails, school grounds, and recreation facilities.

The task force would report directly to the Mayor and include the Superintendent of Schools, Police Chief, Youth Service Bureau, Senior Center, community-oriented nonprofits, student representatives, and two citizens at large.

“There is always room for improvement, and the Task Force would be in a position to look at preventive measures and help address emerging needs,” Janowski said.

Some suggestions she has already received from students, school groups, and citizens include the possibility of a Community Teen Center for high school-age students and a more robust approach to teen services outside of school hours that might include sports, mentoring, and homework assistance.

“The Police Department is a vital part of the process because they are out on the streets night and day and are the eyes and ears of our town. Their community policing outreach works and already makes a big difference,” Janowski said.

Janowski said, “Public safety is always a priority, and I also want to make sure our police department has the staff it needs to meet current and emerging demands on their time.”

Janowski served as Vernon’s State Representative for 16 years. She served on the Vernon Town Council for 7 years and was appointed to the Youth Services Task Force that developed the plan for the current Youth Service Bureau.