Name: Ruby Johnson (D)

Address: 16 Chestnut Hill Road

Age: “You don’t ask a lady her age”

Occupation: Retired

Education: Bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. from NYU in English linguistics.

Political Experience: Board of Education (5 years), Charter Revision Commission, member of the Fairfield Hills advisory Committee. Founder of “Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown” coalition.

Years in Newtown: 33

What do you feel would be the best plan of development for the re-use of Fairfield Hills? The best thing for the town to do is to buy it, control it, take the land and buildings that we need for our future (well into 21st Century), and after that, encourage small incubator-type businesses to come in and be a part of our community.

How do you feel about giving tax breaks to special groups: senior citizens, volunteer emergency personnel and new businesses? All volunteers need reward and recognition, but not necessarily with money. As far a senior citizens it should be means tested. And new businesses, I would have to study it more. Some say it’s just corporate welfare, but it might be a good thing for smaller 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)? Deferred maintenance at Edmond Town Hall and a suitable home for the police department. We also need to address a 5/6 school, a new elementary school and a projected overcrowded high school.

What skills do you have for the job that will most benefit the Town of Newtown? Training in linguistics. I’m a researcher. My greatest skills are to get the facts and do my homework. Also, I have a long-range vision, not short range.

Why do you feel you should be elected?

To help the town develop long-range goals so that we are not caught with sudden needs that we did not anticipate.

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

Yes, I think we need a city planner.