Today, The Newtown Bee presents its second and final installment of photos and brief profiles of local candidates pursuing elected seats this November on the Newtown Legislative Council, Boards of Finance, Selectman, Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall, and any remaining candidates on this year’s ballot who submitted late profiles.

BOARD OF FINANCE

Name: Chris Gardner

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Board of Finance

Address: 4 Mt Pleasant Terrace

E-mail: cgardner4242@gmail.com

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Kathleen; Children: Andrew, 18; Caroline, 14; Pets: Snickers (cat)

Years Living in Newtown: 48

Education background: Newtown High School graduate 1989; Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Writing, St Lawrence University, 1993

Current Occupation: Director of Communications, Yale Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

I grew up in Newtown and with my wife chose to return to raise our family. I am deeply invested in the community and take seriously the responsibility of keeping it financially strong. Listening and remaining open-minded are among my greatest strengths. I support our teachers and believe that a quality school system will benefit not only our children, but is the best investment we can make for our property values. I pledge to work on behalf of all residents, from our youngest to our most senior, to balance our need to spend with our ability to pay.

Name: John Madzula II

Party: Republican

Position sought: Board of Finance

Address: 40 Main Street

E-mail: jsmadzula2@gmail.com

Family: Mother & Father; Kathleen & John Madzula, Sr

Years Living in Newtown: 42

Education: Immaculate High School 1995; Fairfield University, B.S. Marketing 1999; Roger Williams School of Law, J.D. 2013; admitted to practice law in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, US Supreme Court; US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Occupation: Associate Attorney, Penino & Moynihan, LLP ; White Plains, N.Y.

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

If elected, I would work towards making Newtown better for all, in that I would seek to ensure fiscal responsibility and make well-informed decisions that will benefit all residents and strive to maintain long-term goals that allow residents to be able to afford living in town while keeping with the overall plan to not sacrifice the quality of life we all desire in Newtown.

Name: Steve Hinden (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Unaffiliated, running on the Democrat ticket

Elected position sought: Board of Finance member

Address: 25 Horseshoe Ridge Road

E-mail: steve.hinden@gmail.com

Website: facebook.com/stevehindenboardoffinance

Family information: Wife, Barbara Wojcik; son, Jacob

Years Living in Newtown: 15

Educational information: Long Island City High School in Queens, N.Y.; B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania; a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. I am also a member of the New York bar (retired).

Occupation / Employer: Senior Director at Willis Towers Watson. Previously worked for IBM and American Express, and at Paul Weiss and at Skadden Arps in New York City.

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

I will solve budget issues with an eye on the “outcome to be desired,” not a “contest to be won.” There are reasons to support strong schools that go beyond what affects us personally: it’s the right thing to do and our most important legacy. I will also place a stronger focus on (1) business development to improve our tax base and relieve the pressure of higher taxes, (2) disciplined and strategic planning of true cost and return on investment over time, and (3) encouraging an inclusive dialogue between the various Newtown municipal bodies that recognizes and respects multiple perspectives and objectives.

Name: Sandy T. Roussas (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Board of Finance

Address: 38 Maltbie Road, Newtown, CT 06470

E-mail: sandyroussasBOF@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: facebook.com/roussasforbof

Family information: Spouse/significant other, Nick Roussas; Children, two school-aged children; Pets, one beagle, four cats

Years Living in Newtown: 16

Education background: Pace University, 2003 Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature; Quinnipiac University School of Law, 2006 — Juris Doctor

Current Occupation: Litigation Attorney/Stockman O’Connor

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

If reelected, I will continue to work hard in balancing our community needs, which include maintaining a competitive school system, smart investment in our town, and insulation from state budgetary issues. Newtown needs sustainability to weather the challenges that lay ahead and I pledge to work hard to ensure that the Board of Finance remains a valuable partner with the other governing boards to meet those challenges. I’ve lived in Newtown for the majority of my adult life, and I’ve built my familial foundations here — I am committed to seeing our town thrive and prosper.

Name: Ned Simpson (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democratic

Elected Position Sought: Board of Finance

Address: 42 Watkins Drive

E-mail: nedS2124@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: Facebook — Ned4Newtown

Family information: Wife, Katherine; Daughter, Allison; Pets: A senior cat, Romeo

Years Living in Newtown: Moved to Newtown a couple of years ago.

Education background: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Current Occupation: Retired

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

If elected to another term, I will continue to seek a balance between keeping superior schools, model public safety programs, great recreational resources, robust cultural, social, and lifelong learning opportunities, solid infrastructure, high credit rating, and taxes that accommodate new businesses and do not drive residents away. To do this, I support adhering to the town’s debt policy, clear and transparent financial processes. One aspect of this would be finishing the update to the CIP policy. Pushing for balance includes researching matters coming to Board of Finance and seeking measurement of benefit and need.

Name: Joe Girgasky

(no photo submitted)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Board of Finance

Address: Lake Road

E-mail: jgnewtownct@yahoo.com

Years Living in Newtown: 26

Education background: Trumbull HS 1981, Electrical Engineering

Current Occupation: Project Manager / Trainer

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

Our small Board of Finance is so very important to be mindful of reviewing town expenses. Review of budgets presented by Board of Selectman and Board of Education is a careful task. Balance. A balance with needs and expectations is in order and seems to have been missing in recent years. Demographics change; spending must change.

Name: Keith Alexander (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Board of Finance

Address: 8 Fawnwood Road

E-mail: keithfornewtown@gmail.com

Family information: Spouse / significant other: Elizabeth; Children: Claire, Scott; Pets: two cats — Spark and Whimsey

Years Living in Newtown: 24

Education background: Bachelor of Science, Penn State 1993

Current Occupation: Senior Software Engineer, BlueCrest

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

I believe that we need to pay close attention to managing development and land use as we continue to build our community. It seems clear that taxpayers would appreciate a broader tax base, but voters also want to ensure the hometown feel remains. I feel that fiscal stability continues to be an important issue, making it even more important to look at long-term planning so that we can manage our town through future challenges.

Name: Matthew Mihalcik

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Board of Finance

Address: 93 Berkshire Road

E-mail: mihalcik13@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: facebook.com/mattmihalcik

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Melissa Beard; Pets: three dogs — two goldens, one border collie

Years Living in Newtown: 7

Education background: Notre Dame West Haven HS 2003, Bachelors Criminology Minor Political Science – CCSU 2008

Current Occupation: Newtown Savings Bank, AVP Market Manager Southbury/Woodbury

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

If elected to the Board of Finance, I will stay objective. In many cases, there might not be a correct decision that needs to be made, but a decision. I will make sure that communication with town residents and myself is always open. I want to reestablish the Board as a Thought Leader in Town as it was past BOFs, who initiated and executed plans that led to reaching our AAA Bond Rating, move to medical self-insurance, among other things that have saved the tax payers millions.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DISTRICT 1

Name: Paul Lundquist (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 1 (current Chairman)

Address: 148 Currituck Road

E-mail: plundquist.newtown@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: Facebook: Paul Lundquist for Legislative Council D-1

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Elaine; Children: Eddie and Matthew; Pets: two dogs (Louie and Skye), one cat (Pinecone)

Years Living in Newtown: 20

Education background: BS in Business Administration and Marketing Science, University of Connecticut

Current Occupation: Managing Partner, YouGov/Harrison Group

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

My top priorities will continue to include responsible funding for road maintenance, education, and public safety. Still, I know funding for these programs must be considered with sensitivity to the tax burden it lays at the feet of our neighbors. Funding appropriate levels of town and education budgets, coupled with sound fiscal policy, makes it possible to support investment in the long-term goals and interests of our town. And this where experience on the Council counts most — the very reason to implement sound, conservative fiscal policy is to ensure that we can confidently balance and support the interests of our entire community and build upon the positive momentum we’ve seen over the past few years.

Name: William DeRosa

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 1

(No profile returned)

Name: Christopher Eide (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 1

Address: 44 The Old Road

E-mail: chriseide4newtown@gmail.com

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Amanda Eide; Children: Logan (4) and Margot (2)

Years Living in Newtown: 33

Education background: BA in Biology and MA in Teaching from Western Connecticut State University

Current Occupation: STEM Instructional Coach, New Fairfield Public Schools

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

I will continue to advocate for a responsible budget that positions Newtown for success in the present and in the future. I believe we must put forward budgets that are reasonable, while ensuring that we continuing to fund our obligations adequately. In Newtown, we cannot afford to kick the can nor be penny wise and pound foolish.

Name: Charlie Gardner

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 1

Address: 47 Walnut Tree Hill Road

E-mail: charles.gardner@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: Facebook: @cgforcouncil

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Kathy; Children: Charlie, James, and Henry

Years Living in Newtown: 3

Education background: BA Dartmouth College, JD Vanderbilt University Law School

Current Occupation: Attorney with Melick & Porter LLP

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

Newtown faces challenges similar to many other towns in Connecticut but has a multitude of advantages that weigh in our favor. While maximizing the value of each tax dollar is of central importance, we must look to Newtown’s other strengths in terms of transportation, infrastructure, and our amenities, which distinguish us from other towns in order to promote economic development and smart, responsible growth. If we do this, Newtown can become an even better, stronger, and more prosperous place for all its residents.

Name: Judit DeStefano (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 1

Address: 12 Horseshoe Ridge Road

E-mail: juditnewtownlc@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: facebook.com/judit-destefano-for-legislative-council-d-1-1474565029512158

Family information: Spouse / significant other: Ed DeStefano; Children: David (12) and Bennett (10), Stepchildren Michelle, Melissa, and Chris; Pets: Josephine (the cat) and Ruby (the Border Collie).

Years Living in Newtown: 7

Education background: Bachelor of Arts Degree from University of Delaware, Masters of Education degree from Fairfield University.

Current Occupation: Insurance Producer with Aflac

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

Newtown is a wonderful place to live, and it has been an honor serving on the Legislative Council these past two terms. If reelected, I will continue to listen to and learn from our diverse residents, scrutinize costs and benefits for every project approved and tax dollar spent, offer my voice without hesitation, and vote my conscience. We are a town of passionate, strong-minded residents with diverse perspectives, and we all deserve representation. I will prioritize education, infrastructure, and public safety; and work towards our shared goals — a thriving community that supports all its members.

Name: Cathy Reiss

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 1

Address: 42 Obtuse Road, Newtown

E-mail: cathy.l.reiss@gmail.com

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Scott; two hard-working children; Pets: A tiny dog.

Years Living in Newtown: 30

Education background: BS in Mathematics with Computer Science option, Ramapo College of New Jersey 1980

Current Occupation: Treasurer, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Newtown. Previously, 17 years with IBM in Information Technology

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

Newtown has many assets — its beauty, schools, services, and friendly people — yet I hear from more and more people that they’re considering moving out — it costs too much to live here. To increase Newtown’s economic viability, I would scrutinize our budgets to ensure we spend wisely and get good value for our property tax dollars. Then, in order to lessen the tax burden on homeowners, I would look for ways to make Newtown even more attractive to businesses, such as updating/removing outdated or undue regulations that are barriers to business growth that’s in harmony with Newtown’s character.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

Name: Clinton DePaolo

Party Affiliation: Democratic

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council- District 2

Address: 39 Buttonball Dr

E-mail: clintdepaolo@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: clintdepaolo.com

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Anouk; Children: Nathan (5) and Bastien (1)

Years Living in Newtown: 4

Education background: Southington High School 2005, Bachelor’s Degree in Biomolecular Science — CCSU 2009, Master’s Degree in Biomolecular Science — CCSU 2011

Current Occupation: Cancer Research — Albert Einstein College of Medicine

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

If elected, I can contribute to our community by trying to progress it forward. We need to continue to invest in education and infrastructure. We need to invest into our community to make Newtown more livable and accessible to those struggling financially. While this may all seem a little dreamy and unrealistic, I prefer to think of these challenges as needing new and innovative solutions. What I can contribute the most to Newtown are new ideas that maintain our traditions and values but move our town forward.

Name: Dan Wiedemann (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 3

Address: 13 Clearview Drive, Sandy Hook, Ct. 06482

E-mail: dgw0315@yahoo.com

Family information: Spouse / significant other: Anna; Children: Three, all grown and married. Three grandchildren

Years Living in Newtown: 31

Current Occupation: Vice President Trading Operations Geneve Corp.

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

I will continue to promote and support the growth of our grand list. Continue to support our decreasing use of debt. Continue to identify areas of redundancy throughout the town and BOE in which we can better maximize the use of taxpayer’s funds. If you ride around town, you will see many for sale signs, almost every other street has at least one. Yes, this may be a somewhat transient town, but we need to flip the idea that it is more cost-effective to live elsewhere. I love this town, and I will work hard to try and keep costs in check.

Name: Jordana Bloom (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 2

Address: 34 Main Street, Newtown

E-mail: jordanabloom87@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: Facebook: Jordana Bloom For Newtown Legislative Council

Family information: Spouse/significant other: John Fletcher; Children: Jamison, Jackson, Hudson, and Hayden; Pets: dogs Nutmeg and Fergus

Education background: Dartmouth College BA Art History/English 1987

Current Occupation: Reception/Front Office Newtown Center Pediatrics

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

I have three focus areas for Newtown. First, I believe deeply in the power of education as a means of bettering our whole community. A town that cares about education is a town that fosters empowered citizens, engaged voters, and meaningful representation. Second, I want to set an example for all residents to actively participate in our government — our town can be even stronger with engagement of all our talented and motivated residents. And third, I want to be an influence for positive and constructive communication across the whole spectrum of our population.

Name: Ryan W. Knapp (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 2

Address: 11 Jeremiah Road, Sandy Hook

E-mail: knapp.newtown@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: facebook.com/ryanwknapp

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Brittany; Pets: three spoiled dogs

Years Living in Newtown: 33

Education background: BS of Mechanical Engineering, Syracuse University 2008. Engineering Leadership Certificate, Cornell University 2019

Current Occupation: Lead Design Engineer, Naiad Dynamics, Shelton

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

Too many in Newtown are struggling, from our seniors to young families. We need to remain competitive while being cognizant of the financial pressures shouldered by residents. I will continue to scrutinize spending to ensure Newtown residents get the most value for every dollar of tax revenue they give the town. We cannot tax our way to prosperity, or we risk pricing ourselves out of the market like many high mil-rate communities have. In my six years, I have effectively focused on debt, being a welcoming and livable community for our seniors, right-sized government, and responsible economic development.

Name: Daniel T. Honan (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 2

E-mail: danielthonan@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: newtownctdemocrats.org / Dan Honan for Legislative Council (Facebook Page)

Family information: Married to Colleen; two children, Eileen and Patrick; one granddaughter, Rosie

Years Living in Newtown: Lifelong — 61 years

Education background: Graduate of Newtown High School 1975 / Graduate of American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, New York City 1981

Current Occupation: Proprietor and Funeral Director Honan Funeral Home

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

By continuing to support the Economic Development Commission in its quest to find ways to lessen the dependence of residential properties on the tax base. I will continue to support responsible and appropriate funding for education, roads, and public safety. As chairman of the Legislative Council Education Committee, I will support adequate funding to meet the needs of all Newtown students. I will continue with a commonsense approach to the challenges that lie ahead. I pledge that my service on the Legislative Council will continue to keep Newtown a great place to live, raise a family or spend your retirement years.

Name: David Schill

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 2

(No profile returned)

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DISTRICT 3

Name: Carol Walsh

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 3

Address: 3 North Branch Road

E-mail: walshcarol13@gmail.com

Family information: Spouse — Jim Walsh; Children — twin girls aged 16 — Emma and Rebecca; Pets — Dog Merlin, cat Bob, and assorted fish

Years Living in Newtown: 2005-2014 / 2017-present

Education background: PhD in Microbiology Stony Brook University 1990

Current Occupation: Recently retired — previously Global Research Director — Human Biology for Unilever

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

I will be an advocate for responsible development in Newtown. In the coming months, we will face many decisions on development of our town, and those decisions will be crucial in defining the future of our community. While we can’t simply hold back progress, I feel strongly that we need to create a shared vision, which includes sustainable energy alternatives wherever possible. I am not advocating for expensive legislative mandates or anti-business policies. I am advocating for a change in mindset. As stewards of this town, I believe we need to define a goal and work towards it.

Name: Phil Carroll (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 3

Address: 1 Fieldstone Drive

E-mail: ppcarroll13@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: Facebook — Phil Carroll Legislative Council

Family information: Spouse: Robin; Daughter, son-in-law, and four grandchildren with one great grandchild on the way! Also two cats

Years Living in Newtown: Lifelong

Current Occupation: CT DMV License Agent

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

I will continue to advocate for better schools (Newtown used to be a blue ribbon school system), but be accountable regarding budgets. We need to watch our debt so as not to drive out some of our less affluent and/or senior residents. There is a difference regarding needs and wants. Newtown is great place to raise a family and is a wonderful community. I would encourage more economic Development with commercial entities to help homeowners with the tax base. We are doing better with road repairs and need to keep that going.

Name: Alison Plante

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council (District 3)

Address: 7 Winding Brook Road

E-mail: alisonfornewtown@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: facebook.com/alisonfornewtown

Family information: Spouse / significant other: Justin Plante; Children: son Julian (5), daughter Caroline (3), son Riley (6 months)

Years Living in Newtown: 9

Education background: Brookfield High School (salutatorian, 2004), University of Pennsylvania (BA in political science, magna cum laude, 2008)

Current Occupation: Program Manager at Bridgewater Associates

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

I believe a strong public education is a critical foundation for children and the single most important investment we can make in our community (whether you have children or not). If we want to support our property values and foster a thriving community, we must ensure that Newtown’s public schools remain excellent and keep pace with advances in curriculum, technology, special education, etc. If elected, I will work to ensure this happens in a responsible, prudent way.

Name: Rance Thompson

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 3

(No profile returned)

Name: Chris Smith (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council

Address: 22 Wills Road

E-mail: chrissmith.newtown@gmail.com

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Heather Smith; Children: Riley (20), Taegan (16); Pets: three golden retrievers

Years Living in Newtown: 18

Education background: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing — University of Massachusetts 1991

Current Occupation: Senior Vice President — Construction. NFP Brokerage

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

Ever since our family moved to Newtown, we have been in love with its community feel, strong education system, open space availability, and it’s civic engagement! We are part of a vibrant and growing community, and I want to make sure we maintain these values as we move forward. I am running for reelection to continue the positive work the council has done the past two years. As a group, we have focused a lot of attention on sound spending and appropriate CIP planning while continuing these values. I am excited to keep this approach and look forward to serving for another two years!

Name: Andrew Clure

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 3

(No profile returned)

BOARD OF MANAGERS EDMOND TOWN HALL

Name: Herb Rosenthal

(no photo submitted)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers

Address: 70 Main Street

E-mail: hcrosenthal@aol.com

Website: newtownctdemocrats.org

Family information: Spouse: Michelle; Children: Four — Julia, Daniel, John, and Sarah; Two step-children: Lauren and Michael; Ten grandchildren; Pets: One dog, Max, and two cats, Sunny and Socks

Years living in Newtown: 66

Education: Graduate of Newtown High School 1964; Graduate of Fairfield University, Bachelor’s Degree in Government 1968; American College — Chartered Life Underwriter, Certification and Chartered Financial Consultant Certification

Occupation: Wealth Manager employed by Goldman Sachs

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

If reelected to the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers, I will contribute toward making Newtown a better community by continuing to work with the other managers to insure that we operate the building in as efficient and cost-effective manner as possible and continue to seek ways to increase building revenues so that we can reduce the need for tax dollars to help pay for upkeep and maintenance of the building. I will also work with the other mangers to continue to provide quality entertainment programs and activities in the building to serve all age groups in town.

Name: Margot S. Hall

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall

Address: 5 Nettleton Avenue

E-mail: margotshall@earthlink.net

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Robert H. Hall; Children: Elinor Hall, Marianne Westmoreland, Stuart Hall

Years Living in Newtown: 54 years

Education background: Bristol High School, Class of 1959

Current Occupation: retired

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

As a member and current chair of the Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall, a town-owned building, it is my duty and the duty of the entire Board to maintain the property. ETH is a very important asset of the town to be used every day and enjoyed by all Newtown residents. My goal is to make that happen. I am going to make sure the board implements its 2017 Business Plan intended to make ETH as self sufficient financially as possible. I cannot promote my own candidacy, however, without thanking the town for the support the board receives through the annual budget and the Capital Improvement Plan.

Name: Lisa Schwartz

Party Affiliation: Democratic Party

Elected Position Sought: Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers

Address: 7 Merlins Lane

Email: LBS660@aol.com

Family Information: Spouse: Scott Schwartz; Children: Zack and Hannah Schwartz

Years Living in Newtown: 26

Education: Middletown High School, class of 1978; B.A. Degree, Hofstra University (French/international business)

Current Occupation: Newtown Board of Education Substitute Teacher

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

If I am reelected to the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers, I will continue to work toward enhancing the prominence of Newtown’s most beloved building, Edmond Town Hall. In my first year on this board, I learned much about its operation and mission. My goal going forward is to not only be a good steward for the financial interests of ETH, but to also pursue opportunities for a more robust variety of live entertainment such as concerts, comedy shows, and lectures. I believe we can remake Edmond Town Hall into a thriving venue for the arts, balancing its vast potential with careful oversight of funding. I am honored to have served on the ETH BOM, and I will continue to ensure that this iconic building lives up to its stature as the crown jewel of our community.

FIRST SELECTMAN

Name: Daniel C. Rosenthal

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: First Selectman

Address: 9 Megans Circle

E-mail: dancrosenthal@gmail.com

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Meri Jitsukawa; Children: Hana, Emi, and Ben; Pets: Labradoodles — Simon and Frankie

Years Living in Newtown: 47

Education background: K-12 (Newtown High School Graduate 1990); Fairfield University: B.A. Economics

Current Occupation: First Selectman, Town of Newtown

How will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

We are one town, and we cannot allow ourselves to be divided by demographics or political differences. Working together, we have accomplished a lot over the last two years, building on an already great community. In a second term, I will continue my open-door policy and “best idea wins” approach to governing. Public safety and roads will remain priorities, as will making sure we make the right fiscal decisions given an uncertain economic backdrop. I love our town and while change may be inevitable, the character of our community is always at the front of my mind.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Name: Jeff Capeci (unopposed)

Party Affiliation: R

Elected Position Sought: Selectman

Address: 52 Bear Hills Road

E-mail: jeff@thecapecis.com

Family information: Spouse/significant other: Tanya; Children: Bradley, Greta; Pets: Clover, Wrinkles (both pug mixes) and Dior, a black tabby cat.

Years Living in Newtown: 18

Education background: Ridgefield High School Graduate 1983, Hofstra University BSEE/CS Minor, MSCS — NYU Tandon School of Engineering 1995

Current Occupation: ASML, INC Wilton CT

How will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

The Board of Selectman sets policy, including the annual town budget and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) which details capital spending priorities. At just over $43 million this fiscal year, the Selectmen budget is responsible for about a third of the town’s spending and as such significant taxation on the residents of Newtown. It is difficult to cut taxes without a commensurate reduction in the services we all enjoy. I will continue to use my oversight authority to make sure taxpayer funds are spent wisely and appropriately satisfy all of Newtown’s short and long term interests.

Name: Maureen Crick Owen (unopposed)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Selectman

Address: 7 Glover Avenue

E-mail: maureencrickowen@gmail.com

Website / Social Network page: newtownctdemocrats.org

Family information: Husband, Cramer Owen

Years Living in Newtown: I am 11th generation Newtown resident

Education background: Newtown High School; Paralegal certificate from Fairfield University

Current Occupation: Since 2015, I have been the Office Administrator for Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association, Inc/former paralegal

How will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

As Selectman for the past two years, I have worked with the First Selectman to help achieve and support his initiatives. I will continue to work with him to continue those initiatives — road infrastructure, pay-as-you-go plan to reduce debt, public safety, and transparency and open communication with the residents.

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

(late submission)

Name: Dennis Bloom

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Planning & Zoning

Address: 25 Philo Curtis Road

E-mail: dbloom1205@aol.com

Family information: Spouse/Significant Other: Barbara Bloom; Children: William Bloom; Pets: Two cats, Cookie & Roberta

Years Living in Newtown: 27

Education background: Henry Abbott Tech Class of ‘71

US Army 1971-77 (stationed in Germany)

Current Occupation: Self-employed caterer (Full Bloom Catering) & driver of Newtown Senior Center bus

If elected, how will you contribute towards making Newtown a better community for all?

I was on the Planning & Zoning Commission for many years, and now I feel it’s time for me to get back on. I want to make sure the zoning laws are carried out correctly and that favoritism isn’t shown. You have to do the research and know the laws.

Any additional late candidate profile submissions will be included in the November 1, 2019 edition if space permits.