Does it matter that only a small percentage — around 2,300 people — in Newtown are affected by the upcoming April 13 special election in the 112th District? The answer, in a nutshell, is yes.

Whichever of the three candidates vying for the seat vacated in February by former legislator JP Sredzinski is elected, he will have a say in issues that affect not only our neighboring town, Monroe, but local residents. Republican Tony Scott, Democrat Nick Kapoor, and Independent Bill Furrier are the candidates who would like to be the spokesperson for the remainder of Sredzinski’s two-year term, and presumably get a foot in the door for the future vote.

The candidate who garners the most trust from Newtown voters will hopefully be the representative these residents can turn to in times of natural catastrophes, or to discuss state bills that affect them, and is the person who will be their voice in financial matters and more. When questions arise on varied topics, the representative is the one to whom citizens turn for help.

A representative must be accessible, compassionate, thoughtful, fearless, and trustworthy. They must be able to quickly integrate at the state level with other lawmakers and, hopefully, be willing to reach across the aisle. An ability to translate expertise into words and actions that can make a difference at the local and state levels is demanded.

A marketing professional and Monroe resident, Scott has experience on that town’s Economic Development and Parks & Recreation Commissions, and serves on the Monroe Town Council. He has, in these capacities, learned to work with residents’ concerns. He is familiar with handling millions of dollars as part of his current employment and respects the need for thriftiness with taxpayer dollars.

Furrier hails from Newtown, and is familiar with town needs as a former selectman and member of the Public Building and Site Commission. He sees a difference between town and state politics and is prepared to address the economy, the pandemic, and tax burdens if elected to Sredzinski’s seat.

Monroe resident Kapoor has served on the Monroe Town Council, as well as the Board of Education. His state experience includes an appointment to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and as an aide to former 106th District Representative Chris Lyddy. A visiting math professor at Fairfield University, he sees his place at the state level one in which he can help address higher education, energy, and technology.

For details on each of these candidates, see “112th District Contenders Introducing Themselves To Local Voters” in the March 19 print edition of the paper or at https://www.newtownbee.com/03192021/112th-district-contenders-introducing-themselves-to-local-voters. Individual candidate profiles can also be found in past editions and online at newtownbee.com.

The next 112th District representative must be willing to shoulder the responsibilities that come with the job. Choosing the person who will respect the lesser number of constituents in Newtown along with the Monroe majority is important.

Eligible voters who care about representation will turn out on April 13, or vote through absentee ballot, to elect the right person. Your vote matters.