This week, The Newtown Bee presents its first of two installments of photos and brief profiles of local candidates pursuing elected seats this November on the Newtown ballot.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

(Both candidates are unopposed)

CANDIDATE NAME: ED SCHIERLOH

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Selectman

E-mail: ednewtown21@gmail.com

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Carey Schierloh

Children: Kristin Moser, Tim, Matthew, and Daniel Schierloh

Grandsons: Kyle, Jake, Brady

Pets: Dog, June

Years living in Newtown: Since 1965

Education background: Newtown High School Class of 1975

US Navy Leadership Management and Training School, graduated 1985

US Navy Command Center Staff School, graduated 2002

License and Accreditations:

P-1 CT Plumbing Contractor License

S-3 CT Heating Contractor license

MG1 CT Medical Gas Contractor license

OSHA 500 Safety Instructor Certification

OSHA 510 Construction Safety Certification

American Welding Society Welding Inspector Certification

Level 1 Rigging Certification

Current Occupation and/or Employer:

I have had the honor of retiring from two amazing careers:

1. Local 777 United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, including safety coordinator for a large mechanical contractor responsible for the compliance and enforcement of company and OSHA safety policies.

2. Chief Petty Officer US Navy serving 30 years active and reserve, including Operation Iraqi Freedom.

3. Owner of a residential and commercial plumbing and heating company.

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

I will bring to the board my business, financial, and professional experience. As a member of the Board of Selectmen, my priorities would be to maintain a responsible town budget taking into account the tax burden of all Newtown residents, and assuring Newtown taxpayer funds are spent wisely and appropriately. As a town we must continue to plan/work on increasing economic development and growing the tax base. This is so important for Newtown moving forward. Working together, I believe we can continue to make Newtown a vibrant and prosperous community. Newtown was a great town to grow up and attend school in I have lived in town since then except for the time spent around the world in military service.

CANDIDATE NAME: MAUREEN CRICK OWEN (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Selectman

E-mail: maureencrickowen@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: newtownctdemocrats.org/2021-slate

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Cramer Owen, husband

Years living in Newtown: Born and raised in Newtown; 11th generation in Newtown (Glover family)

Education background: Newtown High School graduate; Fairfield University – Paralegal Program

Current Occupation and/or Employer: retired

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

I previously served on the Parks & Recreation Commission, the Community Center Committee and the Board of Assessment Appeals Commission. I am currently in my second term as selectman. That experience provides me with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve as selectman. I believe I have represented the people of Newtown fairly and objectively as selectman and will continue to do so, if re-elected.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — District 1

CANDIDATE NAME: CHRIS GARDNER

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 1

E-mail: cgardner4242@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: newtownctdemocrats.org/2021-slate/cg-lcd1/

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Wife, Kathleen

Children: Andrew, 20; Caroline, 16

Pets: None

Years living in Newtown: 46

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

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Director of Communications, Yale School of Medicine

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

I have served eight years as an elected member of the Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses and two years as an elected member of Newtown’s Board of Finance, so I am very familiar with how Newtown’s government operates. With that experience I will bring an open mind and a willingness to listen to all Newtown residents so together we can find ways to operate our community more efficiently while providing the best possible services in town and especially in our schools. I am completely invested in Newtown and hope to serve in this new capacity on the Legislative Council.

CANDIDATE NAME: LISA KESSLER

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 1

E-mail: spinachpizza@outlook.com

Website/Social Network page: newtownrepublicans.org/2021-candidates-for-municipal-office/legislative-council-2021

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: None

Children: 2 teenage kids

Pets: Dog named Max and a cat named Chloe

Years living in Newtown: 15 years

Education background: Wilton High School

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Logistics

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

Between the many years I’ve spent working in the logistics field and being a regular volunteer at school, I’ve been exposed to handling and balancing a variety of tasks and inter-moving parts providing me with the experience needed to confidently and effectively handle the position on Legislative Council District 1. Thank you for your consideration and your vote.

CANDIDATE NAME: PETER SCHWARZ

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 1

E-mail: petercschwarz@yahoo.com

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Laura Miller

Children: Five grown children, 24-30 years old.

Pets: 2 dogs

Years living in Newtown: 3

Education background:

BA, Albany State University (NY)

MA/JD, Syracuse University

LL.M, New York University

Current Occupation and/or Employer:

US Contracts Manager for an environmental engineering consulting company

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

I have spent more than 30 years maximizing win-win commercial relationships while minimizing conflict. I worry that we are damaging our sense of community as the loudest among us dominate an increasingly tribalized public discussion. Newtown is a wonderful community and our town government needs to focus on maintaining what we have built, broadening programs and access so that none of our neighbors feel left out or marginalized. While meeting our community needs, we also need to show financial discipline and grow a sense of trust that town government can work for the good of all.

CANDIDATE NAME: ANGELA CURI

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 1

E-mail: a_maiolo@hotmail.com

Website/Social Network page: newtownrepublicans.org

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: George

Children: Two girls, ages 7 and 11

Pets: Two German Shepherds, Rage and Bane

Years living in Newtown: 12 years

Education background:

Cathedral High School graduate 1996 – Springfield, Mass.

Western New England University Graduate 2001 – BSBA. Marketing/Communications/Advertising

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Sales

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

If elected I will employ my strength of uniting people to achieve common goals. There has been so much friction and animosity amongst fellow residents and fellow Americans over the past few years. I believe at the end of the day, we all want what is best for this town and this country. If anything is to be achieved, we have to stop the gridlock and work together to thrive and prosper. I will look at issues objectively and make decisions based on facts, not emotion. With over 20 years in sales, I have a firm understanding of how to urgently and proactively address issues and create solutions that are beneficial to all parties involved.

CANDIDATE NAME: LAURA MAIN

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 1

E-mail: laurafmain@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069778127554&show_switched_toast=true

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Doug Main

Children: Douglas and Morgan Main

Pets: Dogs: Cassidy and Riley; Cats: Petey and Nailah

Years living in Newtown: 25

Education background:

Miss Porter’s School, 1987

Cornell University, BA, 1991

Bank Street College of Education, MS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education,1993

Sacred Heart University, CAS in Educational Leadership, 2007

Western Connecticut State University, EdD in Instructional Leadership, 2014

Connecticut State University, Advanced Official Certificate Program, Superintendent of Schools, 2017

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Chief Academic Officer, Booker T. Washington Academy in New Haven.

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

If elected, I hope to apply my skills and expertise to work collaboratively with the Board of Education and Board of Finance to create a plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion which will engage the community in conversations with a focus on actualizing kindness. A more inclusive community will foster a sense of belonging for all and will serve as a benefit to our schools, our residents, and our economy. Through increased opportunities for meaningful engagement, our community will grow to one where all feel respected and welcome.

CANDIDATE NAME: WILLIAM DeROSA

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 1

E-mail: Cello1739@hotmail.com

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Kersti Ferguson

Children: Jack, 7-year-old attending HOM

Pets: Enzo — Doberman puppy

Years living in Newtown: 10

Education background: WCSU 1989, Flintridge Prep School for Boys, Graduate Juilliard Diploma and Post Grad Diploma

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Concert Cellist

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

My name is William DeRosa and I am currently the vice chairman of the Republican town committee. One of my abilities is to reach across the aisle and work with everybody. Recently I teamed up with the chair of the Newtown Planning and Zoning Committee and together we wrote a bipartisan resolution condemning the overreaching legislation that was being proposed regarding zoning in Connecticut. This legislation would have removed Newtown from making its own decisions on zoning and placed the power with Hartford. Last December I joined with other concerned parents to work directly with our school superintend to get our kids back in the classroom in January.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — District 2

CANDIDATE NAME: KEITH ALEXANDER

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 2

E-mail: keithfornewtown@gmail.com

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Elizabeth (married 30 years)

Children: Newtown graduates: Claire (working in Brooklyn), Scott (college)

Pets: Cats: Whimsey & Spark

Years living in Newtown: 26

Education background: New Milford High School, Penn State: Bachelor’s Degree in General Science

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Senior Software Engineer, BlueCrest, Danbury

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

My experience serving on both the Board of Education and the Board of Finance will bring extra depth to my work on the Legislative Council, if elected. I have become practiced in approaching each issue with a broad view to assess the details before coming to a conclusion about what I believe is best for Newtown. On the Legislative Council, I plan to work toward policies that sustain our safe and compassionate community with an eye towards property values and educational excellence.

CANDIDATE NAME: MATTHEW MIHALCIK

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council

E-mail: mattmihalcik@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: newtownrepublicans.org

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Melissa Beard

Children: None

Pets: 3 dogs, Devin, Kai, and Rush

Years living in Newtown: 9 years

Education background:

Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, CCSU 2008

Certificate in Forensic Accounting, Post University 2011

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Small Business Lender, Newtown Savings Bank

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

I will bring my experience from my time on the Board of Finance, (2019-21) I transitioned to Legislative Council mid-cycle when I was appointed to fill the vacancy from Dan Wiedemann. During my time on BOF I asked the tough questions about the budget and both years successfully reduced the budget. I was previously appointed to EDC and the library board.

CANDIDATE NAME: DANIEL T. HONAN (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Running for sixth term on Legislative Council

Website/Social Network page:

Facebook Page-Dan Honan for Legislative Council

Newtownctdemocrats.org

Family information:

Wife, Colleen D. Honan

Daughter, Eileen Honan Stabbe, her husband Arlen Stabbe

Son, Patrick Honan

Granddaughter, Rosie Stabbe

Grandson, arriving soon

Years living in Newtown: 63+

Education background:

Graduate of Newtown High School, 1975

Graduate of American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, 1981

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Funeral Director, Sole Proprietor of Honan Funeral Home

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

As a member of the Legislative Council since 2011, I am fully aware of the duties and responsibilities that a member of the Legislative Council must fulfill. I have learned to listen to all positions of an issue before making a decision. I have vast experience in the CIP and budget process of both the town side and education side of the budgets. The next Legislative Council will have many new members and I will always be available to share my knowledge and experience with the new members.

CANDIDATE NAME: CHARLIE GARDNER

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 2

E-mail: charles.gardner@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: https://www.facebook.com/CGforCouncil

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Kathy Gardner

Children: Charlie (9), James (7), Henry (2) and George (10 months)

Years living in Newtown: 5

Education background: BA from Dartmouth College, 2004; JD from Vanderbilt University Law School, 2009

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Attorney with Melick & Porter, LLP in Southbury

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

As a parent with children in Newtown’s public schools, an attorney familiar with state and local law in Connecticut and a resident who has served on the Board of Assessment Appeals and the Zoning Board of Appeals, I have the background, insight, and experience necessary to provide sound stewardship of Newtown’s resources. I believe that thoughtful and responsible leadership on the council will help navigate fiscal challenges, build upon our strengths and improve the quality of life that our town offers.

CANDIDATE NAME: ROBIN LYNCH, MSN, RN, CHSE

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 2

E-mail: ElectRobinLynch@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: NewtownCTDemocrats.org, Facebook: Elect Robin Lynch for Newtown Legislative Council District 2

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Jason

Children: Charly, 3½

Pets: Utah & Jet

Years living in Newtown: New resident (Yay!)

Education background:

State University of New York, Master of Science in Nursing

University of Texas at Austin, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Registered Nurse, Quality and Education Manager, Med-IQ,

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

The town needs leadership that will advocate for issues of public health and safety, support programs that create greater diversity, equity, and inclusion, and continually work to improve education for our children. As a registered nurse of 20 years, I have held roles in patient safety, quality improvement, and risk management. My background provides me with a unique perspective and skillset in which I can draw from when evaluating the facts surrounding the many issues that will come before the legislative council. Vote November 2!

CANDIDATE NAME: RYAN KNAPP (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council (fifth term)

E-mail: knapp.newtown@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: facebook.com/RyanWKnapp/

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: My wife, Brittany Batterton Knapp

Children: Someday soon, God willing.

Pets: We have three dogs, Seamus, Hilda, and Noodle

Years living in Newtown: My entire life

Education background:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Syracuse University

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Lead Engineer, Naiad Dynamics, Shelton

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

It would be easy to say four terms of experience, but I believe my real strength is perspective. I always look for opportunities and potential improvements to better serve our local taxpayers. I work to maintain relationships with officials in other communities as they face similar issues and often have different ideas on how to deal with them. Recent challenges have highlighted the importance of resiliency. This means reducing our reliance on debt, protecting our “rainy-day fund,” and growing in a sustainable way that provides good jobs for Newtown residents — all while delivering the services taxpayers expect.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — District 3

CANDIDATE NAME: CHRIS SMITH (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council District 3

E-mail: chrissmith.newtown@gmail.com

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Heather Smith

Children: Daughters Riley and Taegan.

Pets: Two golden retrievers.

Years living in Newtown: 21

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

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Senior Vice President – NFP Insurance Brokerage

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

I feel my risk management and insurance background provides key skills to take continue the role as Legislative Council member. As a risk manager I consistently review and weigh risk that often changes on a daily basis. Risk managers need due diligence in our review of proposals and operational practices and see how that can influence things in the future. As Legislative Council members we have to do the same thing. While we don’t create the budgets, we do need to evaluate them for the efficacy, viability and workability and balance against future needs.

CANDIDATE NAME: JEFF CAPECI

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 3

E-mail: Jeff@theCapecis.com

Website/Social Network page: NewtownRepublicans.org

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Tanya

Children:

Bradley — 22, son Newtown Public Schools Graduate, University of Hartford Grad, Mechanical Engineering

Greta — daughter Newtown Public Schools Graduate, Senior Boston College School of Nursing

Pets:

Clover 17, Pug/Jack Russell mix

Wrinkles 11, Pug Dachshund mix

Dior 4, black cat

Years living in Newtown: 24

Education background:

Ridgefield High School graduate, 1983

Hofstra University, BSEE 1987

NYU Tandon School of Engineering, MSCS 1995

Current Occupation and/or Employer: ASML, Inc, Wilton

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

I am an engineer, I’ve been educated for and dedicated my career to solving complex technical problems. The solutions I deliver must be timely and under budget. Since moving to Newtown, I’ve voluntarily served our community. In 2005 I was elected to the Legislative Council where I served four terms, including two as chairman. Currently I am a Selectmen. As such, I work closely with Dan and Maureen planning the long-term prosperity of Newtown and overseeing municipal operations. I will bring all this expertise and experience back to the Legislative Council with me. Thank you for your consideration.

Candidate name: MICHELLE EMBREE KU

Party Affiliation: Democratic Party

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 3

E-mail: michelle.embreeku@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: facebook.com/michelle4LC3

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Warren Ku

Children: We have three boys, ages 15, 18, and 20

Pets: We have a cat and a horse

Years living in Newtown: 12

Education background:

Brown University, Providence, R.I., PhD in Biology, 2002

Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., BS in Animal Sciences, 1989

Evanston Township High School, Evanston, Ill., 1985

Current Occupation and/or Employer: I volunteer and serve on several boards, including the Newtown Board of Education, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, and Workspace Education.

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

I bring a depth of knowledge about how Newtown’s government works and can be best employed to serve residents, schools, and businesses. This understanding comes from working on a previous Charter Revision Commission (2012) and the Board of Education for the last 8 years (four as chair). I am familiar with the dance between strong advocacy and collaboration. Additionally, I have served on commissions and committees for the Legislature, the Department of Education and statewide and regional organizations; so, I bring those outside perspectives to discussions in Newtown and understand how to effectively advocate for our local interests.

Candidate name: TOM LONG

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Legislative Council, District 3

E-mail: long4newtown@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: facebook.com/Long4Newtown

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Spouse, Tina Long

Pets: Two dogs. Darby 14 years, Annie 1½ years

Years living in Newtown: 16 years

Education background:

BA – University of Delaware

MBA – Sacred Heart University

Current Occupation and/or Employer: SVP Communications & Program Operations, The WorkPlace

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board, or commission you are hoping to serve?

I bring years of professional experience in the government, private, and nonprofit sectors. My work has helped people navigate state and federal government bureaucracies and I have created and managed budgets. My current work includes building collaborative networks with government agencies and nonprofits to help mature workers and the long-term unemployed secure employment. I have always believed in the importance of volunteering one’s time. My years of experience and sincere interest in serving Newtown motivates me to give my time, ideas, and energy to connect with others to create an even stronger community.

CANDIDATE NAME: ALISON PLANTE (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Reelection to Legislative Council, District 3

E-mail: alisonplante.newtown@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: newtownctdemocrats.org and facebook.com/AlisonForNewtown

Family information:

Spouse: Justin

Children: Julian (7, a second-grader at Middle Gate), Caroline (5, kindergartener at Middle Gate), Riley (2)

Years living in Newtown: 11 years

Education background:

Brookfield High School graduate (2004)

University of Pennsylvania — Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (magna cum laude) (2008)

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Program Manager, Bridgewater Associates (13 years)

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

I believe my experience on the Legislative Council over the last two years is a critical qualification. I’m already up to speed on the key issues facing our town, as well as the processes by which we get things done. I’m a problem-solver, reliable, and open-minded to multiple perspectives. I’m all in for Newtown, and would be honored to continue the work on behalf of all of our community members in District 3.

CANDIDATE NAME: PHILIP CARROLL (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position sought: Legislative Council

E-mail: Philipcarroll.Newtown@Gmail.com

Social Network Page: Philip Carroll Legislative Council District 3 (Facebook)

Family information:

Spouse: Robin Carroll

Children: Daughter, Rachel with her husband James and four grandchildren and one great-grandson live in Texas

Son, Benjamin passed away

Stepdaughter, Stacy and her husband Joey live in Newtown.

Pets: one rescue cat named Magoo

Years living in Newtown: I grew up in Newtown left for several years then returned to Newtown in 1987.

Education: I attended Sandy hook, Middle Gate, Newtown Middle School, and Newtown High School.

Current employer: DMV — License Agent Supervisor

I went into the construction field after high school. I then became an Owner/Operator school bus driver in Newtown as well as a state-certified school bus instructor and safety officer.

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

My experience being a current member of the Legislative Council since 2011, will help me to keep striving to keep Newtown progressively moving forward while keeping the character of what makes our town exceptional. We have a good school system and need to keep striving to bring back our blue ribbon school system. We need to be aware of our spending of tax dollars so Newtown stays affordable for all its residents.

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS

CANDIDATE NAME: ED RANDALL (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Board of Assessment Appeals

E-mail: edwardnrandall@icloud.com

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Betsy Litt

Children: James Randall and Margaret Randall Morgan

Pets: 2 cats, Crispix and Cocoa Puff

Years living in Newtown: 36 beautiful years!

Education background: Master’s Degree in Education, SUNY Cortland, 1973

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Retired

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

I’m currently serving on the Board of Assessment Appeals. Building onto my house, fixing cars, and selling real estate have taught me the value of real and personal property. Forty years as a classroom teacher trained me in listening skills, patience, fairness, and creative problem solving.

The work of the BAA isn’t partisan; it’s about solving problems and making sure our taxes are equitable. I know how to ask the right questions to make sure everyone gets a fair hearing. I’d like the opportunity to continue making sure the Board of Assessment Appeals works for all of us.

CANDIDATE NAME: KADRI GRAFFEO

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Board of Assessment Appeals

E-mail: kadri_graffeo@hotmail.com

Website/Social Network page: Facebook: Kadri Graffeo and Instagram: RealEstateKadri

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: husband Anthony Graffeo

Children: Four boys (Marcus 17, Christian 15, Luke 9, Thomas 7)

Pets: Bearded dragon, Taylor. Six chickens.

Years living in Newtown: 16 years

Education background:

High school graduate from Valga Gümnaasium, Valga, Estonia

Associate Degree in Business Administration, Orebro University, Sweden (and some college credits at Norwalk Community college)

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Real Estate Agent, Coldwell Banker Realty

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

My goal is to assist Newtown residents by helping them remedy clerical omissions or mistakes in the assessment of taxes. My direct experience that will make me an asset as an elected official for the Board of Assessment Appeals comes from my full-time real estate agent work where I routinely compare property statistics every day. Also, as an experienced “property flipper,” I’m used to managing budgets, time frames, and doing research for different products and options around budget concerns. From this broad experience of managing permits to conferring with inspectors and beyond, I have developed skills in understanding both the homeowner’s point of view and the laws instilled statewide and locally. As a new candidate for town government, I humbly and most gratefully ask for your vote!

CANDIDATE NAME: SCOTT REISS

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Board of Assessment Appeals

E-mail: SReiss.Newtown@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: newtownrepublicans.org/2021-candidates-for-municipal-office/board-of-assess-ap-2021

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Cathy Reiss

Children: Two hardworking children who both attended Newtown Public Schools

Pets: A tiny dog named Shadow

Years Living in Newtown: 33

Education background: The Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Science, Mathematics/Computer Science

Current Occupation: After a 30-plus-year career in executive roles with both IBM and HP, I served as the Director of Finance and Operations for three Connecticut school boards for several years before retiring.

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

Newtown has a long history of growth and stability through prudent civic leadership and has evolved steadily to meet the needs of the times. I would seek to continue this tradition, as throughout my work and personal life I have always endeavored to assess situations fairly, considering all sides of an issue, and to reach conclusions based on principle rather than emotion.

TOWN CLERK

CANDIDATE NAME: JORDANA BLOOM

Party Affiliation: Democratic

Elected Position Sought: Town Clerk

E-mail: Jordanabloom87@gmail.com

Website/Social Network page: Facebook.com/Jordanabloomfornewtown

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: John Fletcher

Children: Jamison Fletcher 25, Jackson Fletcher 22, Hudson Fletcher 20, Hayden Fletcher 18

Pets: Nutmeg and Fergus

Years living in Newtown: 19

Education background:

Dartmouth College — BA in Art History, 1987

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Legislative Council and community volunteer

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

The Town Clerk’s office connects residents and government — it’s a customer service function that should provide courteous and efficient support for our citizens and officials. I have the background and skills to best lead that office. I have served two terms on the Legislative Council, so I know Newtown’s government. More importantly I have owned my own business, so I know to treat all visitors with compassion and attention to detail. I will work hard to bring a fresh and collaborative approach to the Town Clerk’s office that makes every resident feel welcome in our municipal center.

CANDIDATE NAME: DEBBIE AURELIA HALSTEAD (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Town Clerk

E-mail: Debbie.halstead@newtown-ct.gov

Website/Social Network page: facebook.com/DebbieAureliaHalstead/

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Bill Halstead, former Fire Marshal for Newtown and currently the Chief of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue for the past 43 years.

Children: Our blended family is blessed with five grown children and five grandchildren.

Pets: Our furry pets are Smokey the guinea pig and Buddy, a Chug, Chihuahua-Puggle mix who we rescued last year from the Newtown Animal Shelter.

Years living in Newtown: I was born and raised in Newtown.

Education background: I am a graduate from Newtown High School, Class of 1983.

Over the past 16 years I have earned every accreditation available in my profession:

- Master Connecticut Town Clerk (MCTC)

- Master Municipal Clerk (MMC), which is recognized internationally.

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Newtown Town Clerk

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

My primary mission as Town Clerk is to offer the best service possible to the residents of our town, providing up to date technology and accessibility for the many services that the Town Clerk’s office is responsible for providing daily; from filing of minutes and agendas, elections, campaign finance, vital statistics, dog licensing and land records just to name a few of the hundreds of varied duties performed throughout the year.

I will continue to work closely with our State Representatives and Senator, local and state attorneys as well as our local government to ensure that the Town of Newtown is compliant with the continuous changes in legislation at the State and local level.

POLICE COMMISSION

CANDIDATE NAME: PHILIP J. CRUZ

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Elected Position Sought: Police Commission

E-mail: majpc@sbcglobal.net

Website/Social Network page: facebook.com/majorcruzer

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Sandra L. Cruz

Children: Amanda and Andrew

Pets: Sadie

Years living in Newtown: 41

Education background:

BS in Secondary Education, WCSU, 1976

MAT, Sacred Heart University, 2003

Certification Education Administration, Sacred Heart University

Graduate Command and General Staff, College Fort Leavenworth, 1992

Current Occupation and/or Employer: 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Newtown Middle School

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board, or commission you are hoping to serve?

If elected, I am committed to help strengthen our law enforcement’s beliefs in diversity, equality, and individuality so that our town can move to that next level of success. I will also work to foster a stronger relationship between schools and the law enforcement community by creating programs that both groups can learn and benefit from each other. I will make clear and concise decisions acquired through my military background of 25 years, using my educational experience of 26 years, and lastly using my past personal experiences to help make positive choices for our town. Thank you for your consideration.

CANDIDATE NAME: BRIAN BUDD

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Police Commission

E-mail: bbuddnrtc@gmail.com

Family information: Married 31 years to Donna with three adult children

Years living in Newtown: 28

Education background: Bethel High School Graduate; WCSU Associates, Connecticut Police Academy Graduate, 1993; Sacred Heart University Police Leadership Institute Graduate, FBI Executive Leadership training, Penn State University Police Budgeting training, FEMA Critical Incident training.

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Police Administrative Captain, 26 years with the Stratford Police Department

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

As a 26-year veteran with the Stratford Police Department, my many years of professional police service will allow my experiences to benefit the Newtown Police Department and all of the residents of Newtown. I have short- and long-term strategic police planning experience and I help steward and monitor a $13 million operational budget. I am an advocate for building better community relationships, allowing citizens to experience and understand the many challenges facing today’s law enforcement professionals, and the impacts that decisions made in Hartford have on our local community.

CANDIDATE NAME: SCOTT CICCIARI (incumbent)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Elected Position Sought: Police Commission

E-mail: scicciari@gmail.com

Family information:

Spouse/significant other: Kristin

Children: Andrew, Hannah & Rachel

Pets: Bailey

Years living in Newtown: 19 years

Education background: Northeastern University / BA in Business

Current Occupation and/or Employer: Vice President, Technology

If elected, what traits, training, or expertise will you apply to sustain or improve the office, board or commission you are hoping to serve?

If re-elected to the Newtown Police Commission, I will continue to serve this community ensuring that the men and women who serve us are acting in the best interest of this community. As an active member, I will continue to advocate for reduced crime, officers in our schools, and drug awareness programs. With over 20 years of active first responder experience as an EMT, my business experience, and past three years serving this town as the vice chair of the Newton Police Commission, I am the right person for this role!