Name: Charles Browne (D)

Address: 9 Hawthorne Hill Road

Age: 51

Occupation: Senior Marketing Manager for Simba Information Inc., located in Stamford.

Education: A degree in government from Valparaiso University.

Political Experience: Current Justice of the Peace; Served as town constable.

Years in Newtown: 21

What is the best plan of development for the re-use of Fairfield Hills? I believe the town ought to buy it, because that will take the time pressure off the town. The town will have more time to consider parceling it out to various developers or retaining it for the town.

How do you feel about giving tax breaks to special groups: senior citizens volunteer emergency personnel and new businesses? If seniors get a tax break, it should be based on years of residence and need. I feel it ought to be considered by the Legislative Council. It would be difficult to give tax breaks to volunteers, because they are of a different economic status. Just because you’re a volunteer doesn’t mean you should get a tax break. I am against tax breaks for new businesses.

What are Newtown’s three most pressing capital needs? How do we plan for them given the nearly $60 million worth of projects currently on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)? Education, road maintenance and the centralization of municipal offices. We have to review each project and determine how it will benefit the most people in Newtown.

What skills do you have for the job that will most benefit the town of Newtown?

I’m a 21-year resident, my two children were educated in Newtown school system, so I have a knowledge of the people and a dedication to improve the operation of Newtown’s government.

Is there one aspect of Newtown’s government you would like to see changed?

I would like to review some programs that may not be absolutely essential for government funding, and contain the tax rate.

Why do you feel that you should be elected?

I don’t believe that there has been enough containment of expenses and taxes in this town, and I plan to do it.