Name: Lisa Schwartz (D)

Address: 37 Poverty Hollow Road

Age: 39

Occupation: I’m a full-time mom. I have two kids.

Education: BA in French and International Business from Hofstra University

Political Experience: A four-year Legislative Council incumbent.

Years in Newtown: 6-1/2  years

What is the best plan of development for the re-use of Fairfield Hills? The number one priority is a new school, athletic fields, a municipal facility, and fire/police. I also support some sort of cultural arts facility or conference center. I am not averse to town purchase, but we first must be certain that what we have on plate is an economically viable plan. A part is most viable.

How do you feel about giving tax breaks to special groups: senior citizens, volunteer emergency personnel and new businesses? For the elderly, I agree with that, although there should be an eligibility test. Otherwise, it’s more like entitlement. Volunteer emergency personnel should definitely receive one. There is some merit in providing breaks for new businesses because we are situated around towns that do offer tax breaks. We’ll never get a commercial tax base unless we start doing something.

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)? Schools, Fairfield Hills, municipal space, athletic fields.

What skills do you have for the job that will most benefit the town of Newtown? I think I have a good understanding of how municipal government works, and I have insight into what needs to be done to get to the bottom of the issue we have to contend with. Also, I think I’m a good listener.

Why do you feel you should be reelected? The reason I’m running is because I feel it’s a responsibility to be a part of these decisions. I have a perspective that is not in the majority. I see things first-hand having children in the schools.

Is there one aspect of Newtown’s government you would like to see changed? I have a pet peeve about the Legislative Council subcommittees. I feel the finance committee is far more in the know than the rest of the council. They have a lot of authority. We are the finance board, but then why are four people making all the decisions? There should be some amendment as to how the finance board is working.