To the Editor:

At the last election the voters took a chance on a young candidate for the Legislative Council advocating for fresh perspective, an open-minded approach to problem solving, creative ways to look at costs and speaking to oversight and feed back as part of our responsibilities. Thank you to everyone who elected me in 2013 and it is my sincere hope that you will again support my reelection bid on November 3rd to continue representing District 2 on the Legislative Council.  

Over the last term we have accomplished a lot that I am very proud of.  We saw two budgets pass the first time which I believe is a combination of transparency and hearing the voters concerns about taxes.  Commercial tax base is growing and we on the LC have approved several incentives to bring business to Newtown.  Our schools are performing phenomenally and are something we should all be proud of.

It is a lot of effort, but my term as Ordinance Committee Chairman has been incredibly rewarding.  Reworking Senior Tax Abatement to make it more need based and assist those who need it most in our fastest growing demographic, passing a tax credit for 100% disabled veterans, modifying the Alarm Ordinance to reduce lost Police resources, or just removing term limits from Sustainable Energy to allow willing and talented citizens to continue to serve all make volunteering to for town office so fulfilling.  I truly enjoy looking at both sides of an issue and trying to find a solution that works best for everyone, then going over each draft and debating implications right down to word choice.  I am very proud of what we have done and if re-elected, would volunteer to be involved in Ordinance again.

As an Engineer, I am trained to look at all angles when looking for solutions, so rather than accept the high costs of demolition at Fairfield Hills, I went with our State Representatives and spoke to the burden of state mandates on our community and how that limits our ability to address our situation given our limited resources.  This year I am following up to hopefully get legislation through that would allow Newtown to do more in addressing our brownfield sights.

In my opinion we are not elected to just rubber stamp something or to shut down discussion on a controversial topic.  I see the responsibility of a councilman as providing oversight on behalf of the tax payers and have an obligation to be open-minded and to take on difficult subjects.  Questioning proposals, suggesting alternatives, playing devil’s advocate, comparing what we are doing with our neighboring communities, and following up on the status and outcomes in a public and transparent way are all aspects of what I consider the responsibility of member of the LC.

On November 3rd, I hope that you will again choose me to represent District 2 on the Legislative Council.

Thank you very much,

Ryan W. Knapp

11 Jeremiah Road, Sandy Hook  October 28, 2015