Board Of

Assessment Appeals

 

John D. Godin

 

4 Quarry Ridge Road, Sandy Hook

203-304-1312

E-mail: jgodin1312@charter.net

Family: Married to Elizabeth Godin of North Haven, 19 Years.  We have two sons, Chris at Newtown High School and Mitchell at Reed Intermediate School.

Party affiliation: Republican Party

Newtown residency: Seven months, recently moved from Naperville, IL  where our family had lived for almost ten years.

Education: Woonsocket High School in Woonsocket, RI; BS in marketing, Bentley College; MBA in finance, University of Connecticut.

Occupation: VP, Market Research for General Electric Real Estate. I relocated back to Connecticut for my current role and have been in it for almost a year.  However, I have been with various business groups of General Electric for 13 years.

Question responses:

1. Successfully meeting the needs of a town with a diverse age demographic that has a large potential for growth.

2. By showing empathy to our residents during the assessment appeals process and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.

3. I have over 20 years of business experience, the majority of which has been in commercial banking or commercial real estate financing in both New York City and Chicago.  About ten years has been spent in commercial real estate where my knowledge of real estate valuation would prove valuable in the assessment process.

4. Charter Revision – Our town has too many boards with little or no formal authority to make decisions. It leads to very unproductive government and too much debate. The Board of Assessment Appeals is not involved in Charter Revision.

5. Four Points: 1.) The Board of Education should focus on keeping the student-teacher ratio in our schools low.  This would allow our children the chance for individualized attention and nurturing.  The educator, on the other hand, will have a more manageable classroom size which gives them the ability to use their talents to the best of their ability. 2.) Retain our teachers and administrators through market compensation and investment in personal development and education.  We’re in a competitive employment environment today so it makes better sense to retain our quality people because experienced talent is difficult to find. 3.) Allocate regular capital expenditures into the physical plant of our buildings, which also includes investments in technology for use by the students, educators and administrators. 4.) Invest in extra-curricular activities such as athletics, music, and clubs to make the student experience well rounded and build pride in the schools.

6. Fairfield Hills provides a great opportunity for successful urban planning and should become another central point for community gathering and connection.  I think a 50/50 split between commercial and recreational uses would help build additional tax revenue and economic activity for Newtown while also giving families and friends a central town location to pursue activities. Also, the central location of all municipal offices at Fairfield Hills is a terrific opportunity for our governmental officials to better serve our community through improved productivity and better collaboration between departments. 

7. I’m not the best judge of this given that I have been a resident for less than a year and don’t have a lot of historical perspective.  However, having just come from a community of 145,000, I find Newtown to be refreshing compared to some of the attitudes that prevail in a much larger city.  I find the people of our community to be very genuine and not afraid to speak their mind.  Besides, freedom of speech is one of the key foundations of our country. As a member of the Board of Assessments Appeals, you sometimes have to hear tough stories, and individual hardships.  The best way that I could give back to the community as a member of the board is to use my talents, show empathy at every appeal, and treat individuals fairly as both a taxpayer and resident of our community.

Charles V. Framularo

 

26 Orchard Hill Rd, Newtown

Party affiliation: Democrat

Newtown residency: 35 years

Education: Post College - degrees

Occupation: Teacher for 39 years, employed by the City of Bridgeport Board of Education.

Question responses:

1.  Stabilizing the local taxes that all Newtown taxpayers are required to pay.

2. The Town of Newtown is in the midst of a revaluation of real estate property. It is of the utmost importance that we arrive at a fair and accurate valuation of all the real estate property in our town.

3. For almost 30 years, I have been committed and dedicated to serving my fellow citizens of Newtown as a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals.

4. We must constantly seek new and creative ways to assist Newtown’s Senior Citizens who need some form of a tax relief benefit.

5. We must continue to maintain the high quality of our public school system. Our top notch school system is a crucial component in the mix that maintains our excellent property values. Finding the means to do this, while at the same time not impacting on our local property taxes, should be our greatest priority.

6.  I believe that the master plan for the continued development of the Fairfield Hills property should be followed. It is of the utmost importance to have constructive citizen input in all decisions.

7. We are so fortunate to live in such a wonderful community. Our beautiful community is the result of great citizens who adhere to the core principles for a quality way of life. These principles include hard work, commitment, dedication, sacrifice, team work through volunteering, and mutual respect. I have been honored and humbled to have been able to serve our community for so long. I encourage all citizens to bet involved and work for the benefit of our community.

Planning & Zoning Commission

 

Robert A Mulholland

 

21 Russett Rd, Sandy Hook

270-1129

E-mail: mulbob@gmail.com

Family: Wife, Linda Dale Mulholland, math teacher at Newtown Middle School.  I have three children, all graduated from Newtown school system. Son Seamus, graduated from Syracuse University, teaches art in New York City and is a professional artist. Daughter Kara, graduated from Cornell University, is a marketing executive for Corporate Executive Board Inc, living in London UK. Daughter Tracy, graduated from Northwestern University, is an actress living in Hollywood CA.

Party affiliation: Republican

Newtown residency: 22 years

Education: High School  Croton-on-the Hudson NY; College of William & Mary and Pace University.

Occupation: Marketing Executive for IBM for 36 years, now retired.

Question responses:

1. Finding the most practical and strategic way to control taxes and town expenses.

2. From a P&Z perspective, I would like to insure that commercial growth is encouraged within our existing land use ordinances while remaining flexible enough to stimulate new commercial opportunities.  Control housing development to help ease the burden on our school system and protect Open Space opportunities.

3. Extensive management of extremely large complex development projects. This background gives me the tactical as well as the strategic viewpoint to help keep Newtown’s land use needs and controls consistent with the desires of the community at large.

4. This question is not applicable or specific to the P&Z Commission.

5. This question is not applicable or specific to the P&Z Commission.

6. The Fairfield Hills Master Plan needs to be brought current with today’s community needs and current with today’s cost. The community needs to evaluate the strategic direction and realistic cost for Fairfield Hills’ development, set priorities, and vote on an appropriate master plan.

7. Yes.  I think my answers to questions 1&2 above would be a positive step towards improving community concerns.  Getting control of taxes, reduce town spending and improving town infrastructure would, I feel,  be a start to making it nicer in Newtown.

 

Dennis Bloom

 

25 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook

270-7703

E-mail: Dbloom1205@aol.com

Family: Wife, Barbara; Son, Billy

Party affiliation: Republican

Newtown residency: 15 years

Education: Abbott Technical School; US Army 1971-1977.

Occupation: Manager for Drywall Supply, a building supply company, for the past two years.

Question responses:

1. Property taxes. If they continue to rise at their current rate, more residents will find it unaffordable and will be driven out of town, particularly the elderly and the young.

2. We need to attract businesses to our town by showing them it is “Nicer in Newtown.” That will help with the tax base.

3. Working in the building industry helps a great deal with Planning and Zoning. I know what needs to be done and how it needs to be done to be done right. I can also encourage environmentally friendly building for our children’s future.

4. The Department of Public Works. Our Highway Department does a great job in the winter, but there is more that can be done to improve our roads the rest of the year. Part of the problem is equipment that is outdated or in need of repair. We need to concentrate a little more on that part of the budget, which suffers in deference to the school budget.

5. Checks and balances are crucial, which is why it is so important to keep the Board of Finance. The taxpayers should have the right to know how every cent is spent. I would like to see the town budget and the school budget split.

6. I believe we need to leave that to the Fairfield Hills Authority. I think they have been doing a great job.

7. I believe property taxes must be brought under control, but I also think, as a whole, our current government is doing a good job. For every one person who is critical, I believe there are ten more who are satisfied.

 

 

Robert Poulin

 

85 Boggs Hill Road, Newtown

426-6803

E-mail: rpoulin85@earthlink.net

Family:  Married 48 years to wife, Sylvia, two sons, three grandsons.

Party affiliation: Democrat

Newtown residency:  40 years

Education:  BS in mechanical engineering; MS in chemical engineering; 5th Year Certificate in Pulp and Paper; Army Helicopter Flight Instructor (Vietnam vet).

Occupation:  Retired design engineer, Sikorsky Aircraft

Question responses:

1. Concerning P&Z issues:  It’s trying to balance the need to protect the rights of each landowner while achieving the desires of the community such as stabilizing population growth, generating more open space, protecting the environment and water sources.  Economic development must be sandwiched in this mix to help curtail higher property taxes.

2. My best response to this question is:  If you feel in the last eight years that I have been a member of P&Z, that this commission has acted in the best interests of the town, then reelect me; if not, you need to vote for someone else.  – It’s that simple!

3. I am a retired engineer.  I enjoy walking land, and I think have an excellent relationship with the other members of the commission.  This allows for an atmosphere in which compromises can be made to generate the best solutions for the town.

4. There is a need to keep more seniors in town.  At least 70 percent of one’s taxes goes toward school which means seniors get much less in returned direct services for their “dollar” than do school-age parents.  There should be more incentives to keep them from leaving. They are a tremendous revenue source, and volunteer pool, which should be appreciated – not ignored.

5. I believe that the school board spends its tax dollars well but does not advertise itself well. If the board showed how much money is spent per each student as opposed to surrounding towns this might help their ability to “sell” a school budget.  I think we all know a student gets an excellent education in Newtown but are we overpaying or underpaying for this achievement?  Most of us feel that we might be overpaying.  If the school board can justify the cost per student as compared to other towns this would go a long way in getting the votes needed to pass a budget.

6. When I voted to buy Fairfield Hills it was advertised as a “make money” or at least “break even” proposition.  I am slowly becoming a pessimist in believing that it will be a financial burden to the town.  I hope that we can get back to the original premise.  I leave that to other boards/commissions.

7. I believe that Newtown has tremendous New England small town charm but property taxes are unbearable.  Many seniors are having to give up the charm in order to remain financially solvent by moving to other locations.  I hope my efforts as Vice Chairman of P&Z are in some way working to reduce this situation.

Richard English

 

3 Curry Drive

203-426-1998

E-mail: mailboxrae-newtown@yahoo.com

Family:  Spouse, Jan. Children, Andrew, Michael and Elizabeth, all graduates of Hawley School, Newtown Middle School and Newtown High School.

Party affiliation: Democratic

Newtown residency: 20 years

Education: Hewlett High School, Hewlett, N.Y.; AS in education from Nassau College, Garden City, N.Y.; BS in education from SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY; MA in education from Adelphi University, Garden City, NY; CAS (post-Masters) in Educational Administration from SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY; permanent New York State Certification in Administration and Education, grades K-12.

Occupation: Retired New York State Educator (26 years).  Currently work part-time as a substitute teacher and consultant.

Question responses:

1. In this period of growth for Newtown during sensitive economic times, it is critical to continue to examine measured growth and assure a positive impact on both the residential flavor and the overall tax base of Newtown.

2. As a member of Planning and Zoning, I would represent the people in the application of town zoning regulations and provide judgments that are in the best interests of the residents of Newtown.

3. I believe that it is vital to provide leadership in representing the people vis-à-vis Planning and Zoning.  My professional background in education has fostered my ability to provide analysis and decision making pursuant to the agenda at hand.

4. The current town administration continues to serve the citizenry in an exemplary manner and has given appropriate attention to the many demanding issues of the day.  As a member of Planning and Zoning, I would be afforded the opportunity to examine P&Z related issues in detail and assure that considered measures are taken to address those issues.

5. Programs meeting the needs of all students must be provided.  If you are a parent, think of your children and the separate and distinct needs of each child. Imagine the enormity of the task faced by the Board of Education and the school district to provide appropriate programs and support services for all the children of Newtown. The entire student population must be served, both career focused and college focused students.  The services provided must include mandated and non-mandated services to students with identified special needs and/or students in need at any given time.  In order to provide the programming, appropriate professional staff and resources are needed in addition to safe, secure and efficient facilities.  Education remains the most crucial responsibility of any town, including Newtown.  

6. The Fairfield Hills Authority should continue to seek opinions from the entire spectrum of the community via focus groups, community forums, community organizations, school organizations and the general public at large.

7. My experience is not one of a “prevailing” negative attitude and dissatisfaction in the community, and I find people generally happy with their community and proud to live in Newtown.  My family has found it Nicer in Newtown for over 20 years.  Our community is no different from many others in our country. Property taxes, town services, demand for excellence in public education, escalation of property values, current housing crisis, condition of the roads, tax relief for those on fixed income, appropriate economic growth, are among the focus issues for our community.  These issues continue to be dealt with both in Newtown and across the nation and we are fortunate to have effective and visionary town leaders to guide us during these demanding times.

Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate

Daniel Cruson

 

174 Hanover Rd; Newtown, CT 06470

426-6021

E-mail: dcruson@charter.net

Family: Three sons, Daniel Jr., 25, Thomas, 20, and Benjamin, 17.

Party Affiliation: Republican

Newtown residency: 37 years

Education:  Joel Barlow High School class ’63; Trinity College (Hartford) BA ’67 MEd ’68; Wesleyan (Middletown) MLS ’83.

Occupation: Retired high school teacher.  Taught anthropology and local history at Joel Barlow High School for 37 years.

Question responses:

1. From my perspective as town historian, the most critical issue is the loss of our heritage.  Every year historic (and prehistoric) sites are being lost usually without the opportunity to investigate them and save what information is available from them.  Efforts also need to be made to preserve those sites that are important to the town’s history and its identity as a 300-year-old community.

2. I would specifically work toward Planning and Zoning regulations that would accomplish the following: 1) allow for temporary suspension of demolition work while a site is investigated,  2) cause developers to have an archaeological survey of property that is to be subdivided and developed to determine its potential historical and prehistorical significance, 3) to allow archaeological investigation of known sites to recover as much information as possible before the site is destroyed, 4) To influence developers to preserve sites where ever possible through donations of open space land, 5) to work with builders to arrange their construction to avoid historically sensitive areas, 6) to compile an exhaustive historical inventory of all known and suspected historically sensitive areas that can be used in future planning.

3. My extensive knowledge of Newtown’s history and prehistory gives me a unique perspective and ability to guide local historical preservation.  In addition, my ability to communicate with people in both speaking and writing, honed by 17 years of teaching is an important talent and one that is necessary to accomplish the goals outlined in #2 above.

4. Obviously, the need for historic preservation as outlined above.

5. This is really not applicable for the position for which I am running.

6. In addition to balancing commercial and recreational use, space should be made at the old hospital for offices and a museum to house and curate artifacts and documents relating to Newtown’s past.  This would become a community resource where residents could come to get information on their house and neighborhood (or any other area of town about which they are curious), and where school children can come to learn more about the history and heritage of their town.  This is also a location from which programs and lectures could be given to perpetuate Newtown’s heritage.

7. No!  What is currently being heard is the cry of a few vocal critics of Newtown in general.  This is nothing new.  Such critics have always been there.  The issues about which they complain change somewhat but the criticism remains pretty much the same.  The core community of Newtown residents, those who are interested and active in town, form the essence of what makes Newtown unique and a truly great place to live.

James Belden

 

3 Oak Ridge Drive           

426-6039

E-mail: jbeldenpootatuck@yahoo.com

Family: Wife, Margaret, and three children.

Party affiliation: Republican

Newtown residency: 5 ½  years

Education: BA urban planning/earth science, political science minor from UNC-Greensboro.

Occupation: Stay at home father, President of two non-profit organizations: PWA and CVTU. Formerly middle and upper management in the recycling and waste management industry for 5 ½  years

Question responses:

1. Balanced approach to growth. Newtown is a great place and our challenge is to keep it great while preserving town character, the environment, social fabric and long term vitality.

2. Promote honest discussion and decisions based upon science, public input, personal experience and long term planning.

3. A pragmatic approach to issues and a sense for logical thought processes with a strong resolve to pursue the correct action. No issue is insular and every change has ancillary impacts. No matter will come before me without a discussion of its impact on all.

4. Strategic growth and planning. Encourage greater focus on planning and real impacts of decisions regarding what, where, when and why.

5. n/a

6. Discussion is too complicated and convoluted for this venue, ask me in person.

7. Yes, perhaps, and there are as many different reasons for it as there are interests in the community. It is easy to blame leadership and becoming involved takes much energy, but we all need to listen as well as speak, I plan to do both. Communication is key to continuing on a path in the right direction and to repair relationships that have been damaged.

 

Zoning Board of Appeals

 

Timothy Cronin

 

Address: 10 John Beech Road

270-9010

Family: Married to Susan 26 years with two daughters, Jennifer and Ashley.

Party affiliation: no response

Newtown residency: 15 year resident Newtown

Education: AS in industrial management.

Occupation: Account Manager since 1987 for Fraser Papers

How Long: 1987 to present

Employer: Fraser Papers

Question responses: no response

Charles E. “Skip” Annett

 

18 Cannon Drive

Family: Wife, Peggy, Hawley School nurse.

Party affiliation: Republican

Newtown residency: 40 years

Education: MBA University of Con-necticut

Occupation:  Manufacturing manager at Belimo for 10 years.

Question responses:

1.n/a

2. n/a

3. Having participated as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for over 1,500 hearings and completing land use training courses at WestConn, I believe my background will best serve citizen applicants and the Town of Newtown to achieve decisions both fair and appropriate for all parties involved.

4. When participating in hearings, clearly inform applicants of the Town of Newtown regulations and vote on the hearing testimony in a manner that supports the Town regulations or applicant hardship.

 

5. n/a

6. n/a

7. I believe that there is a de-creasing knowledge base on the part of the citizens of Newtown about the role and functions of their Newtown government.  There are an excessive amount of com-peting activities and tasks for citizens and only when a micro bit of government ouch hits them do they par-ticipate.  I am willing to educate the public on the role of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

 

Ross Carley

 

66 Currituck Road

203-426-4148

E-mail:  vns1943@yahoo.com

Family: My wife, Geri, is an elementary education teacher and library media specialist for the Town of Ridgefield. Our son, Christopher, is a chemical engineer and metallurgist with degrees from UConn, and has a teaching degree. He teachers chemistry at Newtown High School. Our daughter Lindsay, has a degree in marketing from Eastern CT State University and works in her field at Met Life

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Newtown residency: 20 years

Education: I was born and raised in Bridgeport. Graduated from Bassick High School in 1964. Further education includes Bullard Havens Technical School for printing and darkroom procedures. I also received credits from The University of New Haven for Engineering Management as well as the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee in documentation management and document achieving.

Occupation: I worked developing documentation and ISO procedures and systems for several corporations in Connecticut for 30 years. I am now self-employed as a consultant and an OCE supplies dealer for engineering and architectural firms.

Question responses:

1. To achieve a fair balance between fiscal responsibility and growth.

2. By looking long and carefully at any petition placed before me.

 3. My many years working with engineers and architects will allow me to give a fair hearing to the applicant.

4. I also serve as a volunteer on The Commission Of The Aging. The seniors in our town now number almost 5,000. We must as a town face the responsibility of their care. Herb and Joe have taken this responsibility head-on with the proposal of a new Senior Citizen Center. Not to forget our food bank and assistance in all matters from health to fuel.

5. Getting the most for our tax dollar. During this administration Herb and Joe had a commission overseeing major building projects. This has proven to be a cost saver for the taxpayer.

6. I feel it should be used to support the athletic programs in town as well as expand the tax base.

7. A lot has been put forward based on half truths. That said as a former Bridgeport resident and property owner as well as a property owner in New Fairfield I can tell you without a doubt, Newtown residents get a lot of bang for their buck.

ZBA Alternate

Roy Meadows

 

43 Poverty Hollow Road Newtown

203-426-0430

E-mail: meadowsrg@gmail.com

Party affiliation: Republican

Newtown residency: 18 years

Education: BS in chemical engineering, University of Tennessee; MS in chemical engineering, West Virginia University.

Occupation: Retired Chemical Engineer/Manager from Union Carbide/Dow (33 years). Currently a consultant in engineering matters and a handyman for A1 Handyman LLC (6 years).

Question responses:

1. I believe the town budget and therefore the taxes necessary to support it is Newtown’s most critical governmental matter. All items especially increases must be justified. The budget must support what the town “needs” and not just what special interest groups and politicians “want.” People see many items in the budget they don’t utilize. Many town residents, especially those retired and those not so well off financially, are having a difficult time paying taxes.

2. The zoning regulations of the town are good but not perfect for all circumstances. As a member of the ZBA where deviations are justified, they should be granted. The town, neighbors, and future development potential should be considered along with the individual’s needs and desires.

3. Having a technical engineering background helps me to balance all sides of the is-sue when reaching a decision. I understand trade-offs; there is always more than one side to an issue.

4. Our town roads could stand more attention. Our town is growing and we have ever increasing traffic. The roads have many safety issues such as trees, poles, and rocks encroaching on the pavement. I would look carefully at any road related issue where a ZBA decision may have an impact.

5. The Board of Education and the administration should give high priority to addressing the personnel and facilities required by special programs that are utilized by only a few. Perhaps these should be financed outside the tax supported budget.

6. The base plan, as currently proposed, for Fairfield Hills needs to be communicated so that all Newtown citizens and taxpayers can understand exactly what is being proposed, its cost, and the overall timetable. It should delineate what are commercial, what are recreational, and what are municipal facilities. Items not already under contract which could be commercial should be so indicated and advertised to solicit commercial interest.

7. I feel the general attitude/mood toward the Newtown community is tending in a less positive direction than I would like to see. I believe lack of open communication with the town citizens is a major contributor. As a member of the ZBA I would do what I could to enhance open two-way communications and would encourage other elected officials to do the same.

Janis Nezvesky-Schertzer

 

24 Clearview Drive, Sandy Hook

203-426-3047

E-mail:  janez414@yahoo.com

Website: JanisRealEstate.com

Family: My family have been Newtown natives for six generations.  My husband, daughter and family have been involved in the Newtown Community for many years.

Party affiliation: Republican

Newtown residency: Six generations

Education:  Newtown High, University of Bridgeport and Teikyo Post University

Occupation:  Realtor for over 10 years, employed by Prudential CT Realty

Question responses:

1. To me the growth of Newtown is a critical factor.  Do we have the right people and plan in place to help us continue at the fast pace we have been growing?  The roads, buildings, school system and other areas of the infrastructure have been taxed to their maximum.    

2. I think it is important that as the town continues to grow. We have a plan in place to save open space while allowing property owners to enhance the value of their estate. Individuals who present a case to improve their property will be listened to and their hardship will be fairly addressed, while maintaining the beauty of Newtown.

3.  I have a diverse background in real estate that helps me understand individuals desire to create their own estate. 

4. Again, this relates to the growth of town.  As we continue to grow and add to the town’s services the taxes continue to rise which takes a toll on certain individuals.  There are many who no longer can afford to live in town, we need to have a balance for all.

5. A check and balance system must be put in place to address the waste within the school system.  What is the cost to the children as we continue to change programs based upon the whim of a few?

6. It comes down to planning for the future.  By allowing a few carefully selected commercial businesses it would help offset the cost of recreational amenities to service the towns people. 

7.  In general there are many factors that have contributed to the discontent.  The overall economy, the need for more services, the school system as well as individual’s own issues, job, family etc, contribute to the negative attitude. When you are stuck in a situation it seems difficult to pull yourself out.  If we each contribute some amount of time, we can help make Newtown a better place to live, rather than dwell on the negative.

Police Commission

 

Brian Budd

 

9 Rose Lane

426-6768

E-mail: buddsrus@charter.net

Family: Married to my wife, Donna, for 17 years and we have three children, ages 15, 14, and 6.

Party affiliation: Republican

Newtown residency: 13 years

Education: Graduated Bethel High School. Attended WCSU and graduated from the Connecticut Municipal  Police Academy in 1994.

Occupation: Police detective for 13 years, employed by the Town of Stratford.

Question responses:

1.  I believe that balancing the infrastructure needs of our community with the increasing tax burden has become one of the most critical issues facing not only our town, but also our entire state. As a police commissioner, it will be my responsibility to help the men and woman of our police department secure the equipment needed to deliver the police services that our community demands and deserves. 

2. My goal is to help make sure that the fiscal pie is distributed as fairly as possible. Every town department has immediate needs. As a commissioner, I will need to help make sure that the Board of Selectman and the Board of Finance have all the information needed so they can distribute our tax dollars based on real tangible needs, not political posturing.  

3.  I consider myself to be a very fair and reasonable person. I do not believe that when someone tries to bully his or her way through an issue or belief, that the outcome will end up being positive. I know that during my 13 year career as a law enforcement officer, I have always been willing to listen to both sides of a story and sort out the facts before making important decisions that could end up having a significant impact on an individuals life. I am eager to continue applying these same basic principles of openness and fairness before I make decisions that will affect the public safety of our community.  

4. Newtown has many dedicated, hard working employees and volunteers. I do not think that the majority of them are thanked or recognized enough for the positive contributions they make for our town on a daily basis. Most of them go about doing their jobs diligently every day. I believe that they need and deserve more positive attention for their commitments to the residents of Newtown. 

5. I think that it is time to have a healthy dialogue about splitting the BOE budget from the rest of the town budget. Seventy percent is obviously a very large number to manage, especially when the remaining 30 percent of the town budget is added in, almost as an after thought. I believe that the residents will have a greater say about how and exactly where our tax dollars are spent, if the BOE budget is split from the rest of the town budget.   

6. I believe that the Fairfield Hills Campus should be an equal mix of commercial and recreational use. The location right off I-84 makes the campus an ideal location for corporate development, which will increase the grand list and create more professional employment opportunities for Newtown residents. The possibilities for recreational uses would remain in place, with half of the total footprint dedicated to developing current and future recreational facilities.

7. The rapid pace of growth in Newtown over the past 15 years has been tremendous, with a large corporate turnover rate. With that growth comes growing pains. I do not believe that any single person in town government over the past 15 years has purposely set out to create a prevailing negative attitude. I think that it is important now, to determine if after a Newtown resident has lived in the same home for a 20 or 30-year period, can a provision be made to permanently freeze their property tax rate? When a property is sold or inherited by a non-titleholder, the property would then revert back to the current property tax rate. I believe that this will help bridge the divide between the senior residents of our town who have lived here for most of their adult lives and the evolving fiscal needs of our town. Future spending of tax dollars would need to be spent in a more balanced and prudent fashion. This will help generate more voters to support the fiscal referendums in Newtown, because the senior residents of Newtown will not be left on the hook for a higher property tax burden on a fixed income. My belief is that discussing and possibly implementing this type of property tax relief strategy to our senior residents will help to make it “Nicer in Newtown.” 

Duane H. Giannini

 

6 Sawmill Ridge Road

203-426-1166:

E-mail: dgiannini1166@charter.net

Website: http://www.newtownrepublicans.org/bios/duanegiannini.shtml

Family: Married to Debbie for 35 years. Three daughters,  Amy , Alison, Amanda. Two granddaughters, Molly and Emma with one more on the way. And last but not least…our family pet Abby the Lab.

Party affiliation: Republican

Newtown residency: We have been in Newtown for over 20 years

Education: MBA from the University of New Haven.

Occupation: Vice President of Human Resources for the past 2½ years at Newtown Savings Bank.

Question responses:

1. There are so many critical issues facing our town that could be mentioned here.  I think it is appropriate to frame my response around my position as a standing member of the Board of Police Commissioners.  Therefore, from my seat on the board, traffic is the most critical governmental matter facing Newtown today. Newtown sits at the confluence of four state roads and one interstate.  They are, Route 6, Route 25, Route 34, Interstate 84 and Route302.  Odds are that anyone traveling to Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford or Danbury/New York, will somehow find their way through Newtown.  Add to this the volume of normal day to day activities of the citizens in a busy community, and you have an infra-structure that is stressed and needs relief. 

2. For the past four years, the Board of Police Commissioners has worked very hard to address the traffic problem throughout the town.  Our members have worked closely with the Housatonic Valley of Chief Elected Officials (HVCEO) to identify critical areas in the town for development and/or improvement.  It is important to know, that for a transportation project in Newtown to obtain a commitment of federal transportation funds, the project must first appear in the HVCEO list.  Earlier this year, the Board completed a prioritization of road improvement projects that affect nearly every major state road in the town. For a complete listing of the projects, I urge you to visit the HVCEO web site at: http://www.hvceo.org/transport/transport.php. In addition, in July of this year, the commission presented a response to the Queen Street Area Traffic Improvement Plan detailing the board’s recommendations for improvements in the center of town.  If elected, I promise to keep the traffic issue a priority for the Board of Police Commissioners.  I will also keep pressure on our elected officials in Hartford to be sure that the needs of the town of Newtown are not overlooked. 

3. I think my most valuable asset is my ability to dissect problems, gain consensus and successfully solve problems with one interest in mind…the citizens of the town.  I also feel that my prior law enforcement experience is invaluable when making decisions involving selection, promotion, discipline and planning. While I would like to think that the board has been successful 100 percent of the time in solving problems to everyone’s satisfaction, the reality is we can’t, as the old saying goes, “please all of the people all of the time.”  What I can do however, is to work as hard as possible to be sure that the voice of the public is heard, and their views discussed earnestly and sincerely before decisions are made. 

4. The one issue that I would like to bring more attention to involves the fleet of police vehicles that the men and women of the Newtown Department of Police Services operate on a daily basis. For the past four years, we have battled sometimes unsuccessfully during budget time to get ahead of the curve, by replacing vehicles before they exceed their useful life.  The men and women who are sworn to protect and serve deserve better, and with greater public awareness of this issue I think we may be able to give them what they deserve. Our police vehicles are in constant use, 24 hours a day, every day for 365 days a year; they are not used the way you and I use our family car.  They are out in all types of weather, and on occasion pushed to their limits.  While each vehicle is inspected at the beginning of each shift by the officer operating it, there is no way of knowing when a mechanical failure will occur and under what circumstances…and as the vehicle ages, the probability of failure increases. My goal is to look for alternative funding methods that will allow us to accelerate the turnover of vehicles, and keep our fleet in peak condition.  I will also work to establish a five-year vehicle replacement plan that clearly outlines the funding required for vehicle replacement as well as maintenance costs. 

5.  Not Applicable

6.  After reviewing the Master Plan, and the associated documents, I believe the plan as it is now designed is well thought out, presents a nice combination of recreational facilities and commercial development and makes excellent use of the entire site. 

7. I’m not sure there is a “general mood of dissatisfaction in the community.”  Exactly how does one measure “general mood” for a population of over 26,000?  We have a survey in process right now; let’s wait to see what the results say.  It is no secret however, that the political atmosphere in town is much more contentious than in previous campaigns, and perhaps this has contributed to the perception of a general mood of dissatisfaction. I am not linking this perceived phenomenon of discontent to any one specific issue. I have always found that speculating on the cause of any problem tends to takes you down a very slippery slope, usually with disastrous results.  And, I am certainly not prepared to lay this problem at the feet of any one individual or political party.  Placing blame serves no useful purpose.  What I am deeply concerned with, and what the citizens of Newtown should be concerned with, is the long term effect that the campaign rhetoric will have on the efficiency of town government…post election.  One has only to look at our representatives in Hartford and Washington to see the kind of legislative gridlock that can develop when elected officials cannot put their differences aside and work together to make it “Nicer in Newtown.”  Those who know me well, and those who have worked with me, understand that I have a passion for teamwork and cross functional cooperation.  I enjoy building consensus and achieving results through collective effort.  I assure you that if the citizens of Newtown see fit to elect me to another term on the Board of Police Commissioners, I will work to build bridges, not walls between the boards and commissions that we interact with on a regular basis, and the citizens of the town.  I would like to close with a quote that has been an inspiration to me for many years.  Do what you can with what you have, where you are. -Theodore Roosevelt. I hope I can have the pleasure of serving the town for another four years. 

 

 

Gerald J. Finnegan

 

2 Driftway Drive, Newtown, CT 06470

203 775 0228

E-mail: gjfinn5@aol.com

Family: My wife Nancy and I have lived in Newtown since 1971. Our three children, Amy, Gerry Jr, and Diane, and our daughter-in-law, Julienne Steck Finnegan, all attended Newtown public schools.  We are the proud grandparents of Ayden Finnegan, Ronan Finnegan and Hannah Paolino.

Party affiliation: I have been a Democratic member of the Police Commission for six years acting as vice chairman for the past four years.

Education: BBS in business administration in 1963 from Iona College and MA in history in 1991 from Western Connecticut State University.

Occupation: Retired United States Treasury Agent (25 years) and State of Connecticut Liquor Control Enforcement Agent (13 years).

Question responses:

1. The need to maintain Newtown’s quality of life, which is under pressure from growth and rising taxes.

2. As a member of the Police Commission, I hope to continue to insure the people of Newtown the best police protection possible keeping in mind the reality of budgetary constraints.

3. As a Treasury Agent and Liquor Control Enforcement Agent, I worked with numerous police departments in the State of Connecticut.  In my elected role as a member of the Police Commission, I believe that this allows the use of my experience to insure that the Police Department continues to address the concerns of all citizens of Newtown. 

4. No issues concerning the Police Commission come to mind.  Our policy of public participation at our monthly meetings serves to allow citizens to voice their concerns. Their concerns are then acted upon by the Police Commission and the Police Department.

5. The school district finance question is not applicable to my acting as a member of the Police Commission.                

6. The growth needs of the Police Department call for expansion of the department’s present facilities.  Whether that growth will be at the present site or possibly at Fairfield Hills has not yet been determined. Our growth and location proposals will be developed in concert with the recommendations of a professional study that will be undertaken in the future. 

7.  I am disturbed at the personal attacks and vilification upon  Newtown officials who serve as volunteers to maintain our quality of life here.  I wish that all who disagree would remember the sacrifices that volunteers do make, and express their opposition in dignified positive actions designed to improve Newtown.  I aspire to continue to maintain an open forum in matters concerning the Police Commission where the concerns of citizens are noted and acted upon. On a personal note, my six years on the Police Commission have been some of the most fulfilling of my life.  I especially appreciate the association I have had with the fine dedicated members of the Police Commission and other town boards with whom I have come in contact. 

Rodger E. Sperling

 

26 Edgewood Drive, Newtown, CT 06470

203-426-9953

E-mail:  bsperling@sbcglobal.net

Family:  Married 50 years to my wife, Barbara.  Three children, two daughters living in Newtown and one son living in Iowa. (All graduated from Newtown High School.)  Nine grandchildren.

Party affiliation :  Democratic

Newtown residency:  48 Years

Education: Attended Newtown High School, and then joined the US Marine Corp in 1953, Two tours of duty overseas. Honorable discharge in 1956.

Occupation: Operating Engineer, Local Union 478, 1957 through 1998, retired in 1999.

Question responses:

1. I believe escalating property taxes are the most critical.

2. With keeping the best interest of the town in mind, I will question the town’s spending and the current budget.

            

3. I am running for a seat on the Board of Police Commission, and I can and will offer all my skills and talents at 110 percent. I plan to make sure that the town that I love is always protected and safe. Being retired affords me the time required to pursue any issue to the fullest and address that issue with all my abilities and determination. Newtown is an important part of my life, and I will work to keep it the wonderful town that it has always been.

4. Senior citizens are being “taxed out of town.”  I would like to see more tax relief for our residents that are 65 years or older. I also think that veterans should get more tax relief. At the present both the senior citizens and veterans seem to be on the bottom of our priority list.  I would like to see that turn around, so that the people who have lived and worked for Newtown for so many years, can enjoy their retirement in their hometown and not have to move down south, as so many I know were forced to do, due to rising taxes. 

5. I would like to see them not only keeping an eye on the needs of our schools and to closely monitor any and all waste, but always keeping in mind if our community has the economic ability to be able to support the needs at the present time.

6. I would like to see both pleasure for the town and some generation of tax dollars coming from this site. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a public golf course, with surrounding shops and a restaurant where people could enjoy and relax in their own town for many years to come.

7. Of course, rising property taxes are a concern for everyone, being retired I certainly can relate to this.  However, Newtown is and will always be one of the “best” towns, this is due to the many people who care and are willing to put great effort and work to address any and all issues that the town faces.  I personally would like to join the current political leadership that has been doing a fine job and will put great effort in helping to keep “Nicer in Newtown” a realistic and loving slogan that this town deserves.

Bruce W. Walczak

 

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown

270-9520

E-mail: bwalczak@snet.net

Website: IndependentPartyofNewtown.com

Family: Wife, Holly, and three children, Abraham, Ian and Cathlin, and our Labrador retriever,  Buddy.

Party affiliation: Independent Party of Newtown

Newtown residency: Total of 21 years.

Education: New Canaan High School, Colgate University, various management programs at Columbia, Daren, Kellogg School of Management

Occupation: Manager and consultant for five years, employed by Relocation Consultants, Inc.

Question responses:

1. Trust and transparency. The current administration and many elected and appointed boards have not conducted business in a transparent manner. Many decisions are being made outside of the public view and, as a result, voters do not receive adequate information on how decisions are being reached and why.  The result is loss of confidence that government is an open process and willing to listen and receive citizen’s input. The lack of seeking and listening to public input has created an introverted government with no plan for how to meet the needs of Newtown. No input, no plans.

2.  As a member of the Police Commission I would insist that all commission deliberations and decision be conducted in public meetings as mandated by the Freedom Of Information Act. I will suggest that Police Commission meetings have a public participation opportunity at the beginning and at the conclusion of each scheduled meeting so the voters can provide input to the commissioners. I will encourage the commission to put each scheduled meeting agenda up on the Newtown website 48 hours prior to any meeting so residents can make arrangements to attend meetings. I will encourage the commission to adequately explain its decision and to post more extensive meeting minutes on the town website so citizens care more easily follow the commissions work. In short to open the process up and encourage the voters of Newtown to participate.

3.  I am considered a very independent and objective individual and try to consider all the facts before making conclusions and decisions. The Police Commission has often not taken the time, nor spent the energy, to adequately study issues and make decisions. This has often resulted in the Police Commission having to reverse itself later when more facts are presented. As a member of the Police Commission I will prepare for each meeting, ask pertinent questions until I am sure I and other member understand the issues before us prior to making motions and taking votes.

4. The planning process appears to almost nonexistent within Newtown and the Police Commission. The Police Commission needs to take accountability for the welfare of the community and begin being proactive in addressing issues. Whether it is a plan for managing traffic all over town or how to reduce turnover in the Police Department, the Police Commission needs to be working on these issue and providing leadership. Civilian Commissioners are elected to represent the public’s interests, concerns and needs and to translate those into goals and objectives for the Police Department and the towns traffic authority. They have not been doing that.

5. Restoring the Newtown school system to it’s Blue Ribbon status should be the top priority. There is a direct correlation between the quality of school systems and the value of real estate. Newtown has enjoyed an excellent school reputation in the past but has not kept up those standards more recently. We need to commit the capital to keep our physical plants up to standards in order to insure that our children receive the finest education possible. We will all benefit through continue growth of our children and our home values.

6. The Fairfield Hills Authority needs to cease operating as an island and open it’s process up to the community. The Legislative Council set up the Economic Development Commission, of which I was a member, to help advise the town and boards on economic development issues. The Fairfield Hills Authority has not availed itself of these talents and has chosen to go it alone. As a result we have competing economic development activities going on in Newtown, one that seems to only consider Fairfield Hills and the other, the official town economic development entity concentrating on the best interest of the entire town. Once the Fairfield Hill Authority involves the EDC, they can devote more of their time to the other aspects of developing the property for recreational uses, an area that has been neglected up to now.

7.  The voters of Newtown have lost faith in elected and appointed officials willingness to listen to them. They are angry and for good reason. The prevailing attitude that town officials know more and are smarter than the voters has become pervasive. I will do everything in my power, if elected to the Police Commission to open up the process to be inclusive of the voters, not exclusive. I favor more advance notice of agenda items, more openness during meetings, requiring that motions being voted on are understood by the public, providing more opportunity for the public to make comments and the use of the town website to post agendas and more extensive minute notes. When voters understand what and why things happen they will be more confident that their voices are being heard.

Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers

Kathleen Madzula

 

20 The Boulevard

426-5637

Family: Husband, John Madzula, and two children.

Party affiliation: no response

Newtown residency: 30 years

Education: “Not applicable.”

Occupation: Retired NHS Spanish teacher

Question responses: The questions listed are not relevant to the position I seek.

Marie D. Smith

 

2 Little Brook Lane, Newtown

203-426-4620

E-mail: James_Smith181@yahoo.com

Family: Husband James – four children – six grandchildren

Party affiliation: Republican

Newtown residency: 48 years

Education: Bachelor of Science at University of Massachusetts.

Occupation: Substitute teacher for the Newtown Board of Education.

Question responses:

1. Finances - taxes

2. Helping to keep the Edmond Town Hall physically sound

3. Common sense

4. Senior citizens – lack of communication

5. n/a

6. Uniformly

7. n/a

Editor’s Note: Neither Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers candidates Mary Fellows nor James Juliano submitted candidate profiles.