To the Editor:

Balance.

That one word neatly sums up my message as I campaign for a second term representing District 1 voters on Newtown’s Legislative Council.

Balance. How do you keep the roads paved, the lights on in our town buildings and schools, and meet substantial payroll obligations while keeping Newtown affordable for everyone who lives and does business here?

It starts with discipline, creative thinking, and an ability to compromise and collaborate with your fellow elected leaders all while keeping a sharp eye on the future. Before being elected to the Legislative Council in 2021, I proudly served on the Board of Finance, where we prioritized longer term planning for things like building renovations, replacement of fire apparatus, bridge reconstruction, and even some “fun” stuff like recreational trails and playground improvements. On the Council, I have advocated for strong and properly funded schools and the continuation of an aggressive effort by public works to reconstruct and pave our crumbling roads. I serve on subcommittees that have drafted new ordinances and recommended improvements to our recycling program.

We’ve accomplished quite a lot on the Council in two years, but there is always much more to do. There will be many new faces on the Council no matter how the election breaks in November. Experience matters. I hope that my years of elected service to Newtown; my familiarity with our budget process and capital improvement plan; and record supporting our schools, public safety personnel, and town employees has earned me your vote.

Now a little more about me. I grew up in Newtown and moved back after college with my wife, Kath, to raise our children, Andrew and Caroline, who are both graduates of Newtown Public Schools. I am a communications director at Yale School of Medicine. As a former journalist, I was twice recognized by New England’s largest press organization for uncovering wasteful spending in municipal government. I like to dig into budgets and find ways to be more efficient. It has served me well on the Board of Finance and Council.

I currently serve as Senior Burgess for the Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses. I am Newtown’s “Keeper of the Flagpole,” in charge of maintaining our town’s iconic Main Street flagpole. If you see someone out in the wee hours of the morning with a paint brush touching up the flagpole after it’s been sideswiped that’s me. I am former Chairman of the Board of Newtown Youth and Family Services and have coached youth softball, baseball, and soccer in town.

I like to be involved and I like to give back. Newtown is my home and it’s important that it remains a welcoming, affordable community for all who want to live or operate a business here. For me, this election is about Newtown, nothing else, and I hope I’ve earned your trust to serve another term on the Legislative Council.

Respectfully,

Chris Gardner

Newtown