Barbara Hanlon Bloom

(R)

 

Personal Information: Barbara Hanlon Bloom, 39, financial representative for MW Financial Group; BS in mathematics, University of Connecticut; licensed life, accident, and health insurance provider; registered rep with Park Avenue Securities, LLC; lifelong Sandy Hook resident; married ten years, husband Dennis; son Billy attends Sandy Hook Elementary School; member Newtown United Methodist Church Stewardship and Worship Committee, VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post #935, and Zoar Cemetery Association secretary and treasurer

What personal qualities do you have that you believe will benefit the Legislative Council and the community it serves? I care a great deal about this town. My family has been here almost 100 years, and I have the common sense and intelligence to make the right decisions for Newtown. I have an open mind and work well with others, but am not afraid to speak my mind. I also have the ability to focus on priorities and making sure our money is being spent efficiently. More money does not mean better services.

What do you believe is the council’s biggest challenge over the next two years? Fairfield Hills. While I believe that most people in town would like to see Fairfield Hills maintain its rural character and have recreational facilities that we can all enjoy, we have to have a way to pay for that. We simply cannot keep squeezing people for more tax dollars. We need alternatives. I believe Fairfield Hills can be a wonderful asset to our town, but with improper planning can also be a great detriment.

What can the Legislative Council do to limit the growth of Newtown’s tax rate? First, we need to make sure every dollar spent is spent efficiently. Second, I know we need to bring some industrial and commercial development into town in areas (like the Hawleyville section of Exit 9) that can bear the traffic. If we can increase revenue and keep our tax rate down, then we will have much more leeway in making Fairfield Hills what we want, rather than what we need to survive as a town.