To the Editor:

I am honored to endorse the candidacy of Brian Leonardi for election as a regular member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Brian has served as an Alternate on the Commission since his election in 2021, and he has distinguished himself in discussions on applications before the Commission by consistently offering reasoned analysis and common sense in making decisions. This reflects his background as an attorney working as Associate General Counsel and Vice President of Sompo International Holdings Ltd, a company in the (re)insurance business.

Brian has shown clear commitment to his position on the Commission both in terms of mastery of the subject at hand and also his participation, missing only three meetings of the Commission (due to out-of-town travel) since his 2021 election as an alternate. This is real dedication, because as an alternate he can only vote when a member is absent and it is his turn to serve.

Brian is married to Elena and they have two daughters, Avianna, 9, and Marcella, 7. They have lived in Newtown since 2016 and care deeply about the community. That desire to serve is another reason that keeping Brian on the P&Z is so important.

Quoting from Brian’s profile (newtownrepublicans.org), “I will be a strong advocate for keeping planning and zoning matters a local decision, safeguarded from distant influences. Local control is irreplaceable, and I am committed to protecting our town’s character while considering thoughtful growth initiatives.”

You cannot find a clearer statement of what a P&Z member should do. I urge you to vote for Brian Leonardi on November 7th, Row B on the ballot.

Sincerely,

Scott Reiss

Newtown