Patch Candidate Profile: Robert Kozlowsky For Weston Police Commissioner

WESTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Robert Kozlowsky

What office are you seeking?
Police Commission

What town do you live in?
Weston

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Retired police captain, instructor at Housatonic Community College, adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University

Family:
I have two children. My daughter is 14 years old and does dance. My son is 12 years old and plays lacrosse and basketball. I also live with my fiancée, who is a doctor, and her two kids who are in the Weston Public School System.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for the board of police commissioners because I believe I have the knowledge and expertise to assist the police department. I had many roles and responsibilities throughout my 25-year law enforcement career at a medium sized department. I served as the evidence officer, court officer, detective, and the public information officer. I was in charge of the patrol division, records, communications, and internal affairs. I drafted the budget, handled purchasing, was involved in the hiring process, and assisted with accreditation. I implemented our body camera program and handled FOI requests.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The lack of cellular coverage along with the T-Mobile cellular service issue. Residents are relying on cellular service more and more each day and getting rid of landline phones. Cellular phones have also been a necessary tool for first responders to effectively do their jobs.

I would like to see a plan that would improve the cellular coverage throughout the town while also keeping the rural charm of Weston. This would include responsible agreements with the major cellular carriers.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My 25 years of police experience at a CT municipal department. I started as a patrol officer and rose up through the ranks to captain. I have been involved in numerous aspects of the police department during my tenure in law enforcement. My former department is in the same retirement system as the Weston Police Department so I have firsthand knowledge about CMERS.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
From the outside looking in, the Weston Police Department seems to be doing a tremendous job. I would ensure officers continue to have the equipment and resources to effectively do their job, all while being fiscally responsible to the tax payers.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I assisted my former department with obtaining state accreditation and CALEA accreditation. My former department was consistently ranked as one of the top ten safest cities in CT.
However, I am most proud to have served as chairman of the Board of Directors at Homes for the Brave from 2019-2021. My time as chairman included the beginning of the pandemic. I worked jointly with the leadership team to ensure we were able to provide housing and services to our local veterans in need during that unpredictable timeframe. We were consistently updating policies and procedures and making leadership decisions on a routine basis.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
As a leader, you may not always make the right decision, but you need to make a decision.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Outside of work I have been involved with many volunteer opportunities and charitable organizations. I have been a volunteer basketball coach, the police department liaison of the law enforcement torch run for Special Olympics, a money counter for St. Lawrence Church, and a member of the exchange club. Additionally, I have served on the board of directors for Homes for the Brave (HFTB) since 2015. Based out of Bridgeport, HFTB is a local veteran based non-profit organization that provides the housing and services necessary to help homeless individuals return to productive and meaningful lives.