To the Editor:

I am currently seeking the office of Legislative Councilperson in Newtown’s First District. I have de-cided to seek this position after the events that transpired in regards to the potential closing of a school this year.

I have lived my whole life, nearly 30 years, in Newtown.  I grew up in a house on Bonnie Brae Drive, and as I sought to start a new family, my wife and I moved into our current home on The Old Road. I grew up with yearly tree lightings, Labor Day parades, skating on Ram Pasture, and movies at Ed-mond Town Hall.  I went to school for a week in the Little Red School House. This town has truly shaped me and as a result, I believe that I understand the character of this town.

I understand the necessity of fiscal responsibility and would seek to put forward a reasonable budget.  I also understand the importance of Newtown’s character to those who live here and those who are looking to move here.  It is vitally important that we maintain the small-town appeal that Newtown has enjoyed, even as it has developed significantly. While I welcome discussions of eliminating waste within our municipal government, I am concerned that an over-fixation on “the bottom line” rather than our needs as a town will hurt our schools and our community. Budget discussions should be driven by facts, not by agendas.

As the conversation changes to possibly closing the oldest school in our small town and what to do about our flagpole, I fear that we may begin to lose our character.  Being “Nicer in Newtown” is about conserving the qualities of our town that make it unique and such a special place to live.  As a Legisla-tive Councilperson, I would seek to promote responsible development that maintains the integrity of our town’s character.  I ask that like-minded Newtowners show their support by coming out to vote for me on November 3rd.

Christopher Eide

44 The Old Road, Newtown         October 14, 2015