2023 Candidate Profiles Part 1: Meet Your Neighbors Running For Board Of Ed, Police Commission, Other Underticket Races
This is the first of The Newtown Bee’s two-part presentation of 2023 candidate profiles, showcasing details about individuals who have stepped up to serve, or who are campaigning for re-election.
If for some reason, specific candidates did not arrive before deadline due to transmission or technical issues, we may opt to run them in next week’s edition. Otherwise, missing profiles and pictures are noted under the candidate’s ballot position.
Besides some basic information, at the end of each profile, we asked every candidate to respond to each of the following questions in approximately 100 words or less, so voters could get some added perspective:
What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
BOARD OF EDUCATION
— FULL TERM —
(Electors may vote for up to three)
Name: Alison Plante
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family information: Husband Justin, and 3 kids: Julian (9), Caroline (7), Riley (4).
How long have you lived in Newtown: 13 years
Educational information: BA, magna cum laude, University of Pennsylvania (2008) – major in Political Science and minor in Sociology.
Occupation and Employer: Client Portfolio Management for a large institutional asset manager (September 2008 – present).
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
With respect to education, the most critical issue is how to provide the best possible education for our children at a reasonable cost to taxpayers. This is especially difficult given the set of challenges we face, including addressing pandemic-driven developmental delays, managing the increasing costs of special education, adhering to state mandates like the new elementary reading curriculum, and generally ensuring our students have access to excellent college and career pathways.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I am practical, logical, calm, results-oriented, and a problem-solver.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
I will continue to invest significant time to understand these challenges deeply, listen to the perspectives of our District leadership team, collaborate with my Board colleagues to understand their diverse perspectives and those of the community, and advocate for the solutions that I believe do the most good for the most people in our community — most importantly, our children.
Name: Christopher Gilson
Party affiliation: Democrat
Website: Facebook.com/cg4NewtownBoE
Family information: Wife: Monica Gilson, LCSW; Daughter: Magnolia, senior NHS; Son: Alex, eighth grade NMS
How long have you lived in Newtown: Four years
Educational information: Emory University, PhD in Immunology, University of New Hampshire, BS in Microbiology
Occupation and Employer: Arvinas Pharmaceuticals, New Haven, Conn. — Research Investigator, 2021 – Present
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Coming together as a community to do what is best for all our residents. The current climate is difficult, but it should not have to be that way in our town, especially for the Board of Education. We should focus on doing what is best for our children’s education.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
My dedication, passion, and knowledge for education from six years of teaching at community college and as faculty in the Biology Department at Emory University. I can offer my experience and perspective from leading large lecture classes, developing curriculum and assessments, mentoring students, and working collaboratively with colleagues.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
To be successful working in an education department and in research you have to be collaborative; you have to lead with your strengths, but also rely on subject matter experts and trust their input to get complex jobs done. Newtown has an excellent school system that should be both celebrated and challenged to build on its strong foundation. I would strive to improve our facilities and support our teachers and staff so that they can focus on doing what they do best, working hard to make a learning environment that welcomes all students.
Name: John Vouros
Party affiliation: Democratic
How long have you lived in Newtown: 55 years
Educational information: Retired Newtown Educator of 35 years
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
This “Spirit of Newtown” I spoke of years ago has now become the COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT OF NEWTOWN. Past and current Superintendents have steadfastly inspired the BOE to be collaborative with other boards. Despite personal challenges on the BOE, successful voting tallies have ensured the children an atmosphere of MAINTENANCE and ENHANCEMENT — certainly MY primary concern. In collaboration with many of my BOE colleagues, it was possible to attain and, in many cases, surpass my expectations.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
In collaboration with Chris Melillo, I can address and vote on any issues always mindful of student involvement and outcomes. While considerable BOE dialogue is fostered, it strives to be respectful and the eventual voting is, I must confess, individually member driven. IT is a tiring (and many say thankless) position I hold: however, I am thanked more times than I am not. With Chris Melillo leading the district, I wish to continue to be part of his leadership team and be instrumental in helping to deliver an atmosphere that certainly fosters maintenance and enhancement.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
I am certain there have been times when my opinion and actions have been questioned as I base all that I do only on the best for the children … not on what is best, necessarily for adults. With that being said, I know when I put my head to bed my passion and heart have never wavered. And that is what I have as my legacy of services, then and for the next four years as a proud member of the Newtown Board of Education.
Name: Brennan Coakley
Party affiliation: Republican
Website: www.newtownboecandidates.com
Family information: Wife: Anna; Son: Callan; Dog: Bentley
How long have you lived in Newtown: Since 1991
Educational information: Newtown Public Schools, Penn State University
Occupation and Employer: Plant Automation Group, since 2020
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
The most critical issue facing Newtown is parents feeling that they are losing a voice in their children’s education and what they believe is best for their children. There is no “one-size-fits-all” for any child, which is why there is a need for transparent processes and policies, as well as adherence to those policies, that allow and respect parental decision making as it pertains to their own child.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
The single most valuable skill I can offer to the community is my ability to think critically and use data to make informed decisions and be a team player. There is a wealth of data that is generated to help guide the decision-making process. I will make a commitment to asking the tough questions and asking for rationales to ensure not only our students getting the best education possible, that includes the practical skills they will need when they leave high school, but also one that all taxpayers can feel was appropriately funded.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
I would listen to parents’ concerns and advocate for them. I have heard from many parents that they feel disconnected from what is going on in the classrooms these days. The rise of technology in the classroom has been a blessing and a curse, in that it provides our children with a needed skill set, but also has a down-side where most assignments are transmitted electronically, and parents don’t know what their kids are learning these days. I will encourage the district to exhibit the most transparent form of communication, from the administration to the building level, and model that myself, should I be elected to the board.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
TO FILL 2 YEAR VACANCY
(Electors may vote for up to two)
Name: Todd Higgins
Party affiliation: Republican.
Website: newtownboecandidates.com
Family information: Significant Other: Lidia; Children: Andrew, Christopher, Eleanor, Gwyneth, Natalie, and David; Pets: Larry (German Shepard)
How long have you lived in Newtown: Since 2015
Educational information: BA Queens College, City University of New York (Political Science and Philosophy); JD Fordham University School of Law; PhD Course Work, University of Connecticut (Political Science); Undergraduate Adjunct Professor, Constitutional Law
Occupation and Employer: Attorney: Crosby & Higgins LLP January 2004-Present; Commercial Arbitrator and Mediator: Higgins ADR LLC December 2022-Present; Business Owner: Sandbox Beach Grill (Founder and CEO)-December 2022 to Present
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
The most critical issue facing Newtown is complacency heading into a possible economic downturn. There is a serious lack of urgency around executing a vision for Fairfield Hills, attracting new businesses, broadening our tax base, achieving best in class schools, increasing overall competitiveness, and invigorating Newtown’s reputation as a small town with a big future. Without a unifying ambition to build a bridge to tomorrow, Newtown risks being paralyzed with grievance-based politics, exposing the town to real peril if we enter a period of rising unemployment, falling housing prices, contracting economic growth, and persistent inflation.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I believe the single most valuable skill I can offer to the community is transformative leadership based on the ability to articulate a vision for the future, the discipline to drive excellence in execution, the flexibility to problem-solve in real time, and the will to persevere. My life experience, from overcoming extreme childhood poverty to practicing law, building my own businesses, and guiding organizations in times of opportunity and in times of crisis, has given me a uniquely independent perspective and a powerful set of skills for getting hard things done. That is what I offer in service to the community.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
If elected, I will apply my skills as I already have since being appointed to the Board in the aftermath of the book challenge crisis. Once seated, I quietly went to work synthesizing library policies across the country, met frequently with school leaders over the summer to share my thinking as the policy was drafted, and then worked closely with my colleagues to rationally improve the draft policy in real time, leaving the Board poised to adopt what may one day become a nationwide model. If elected, I will apply the same skills and execution focus towards making Newtown Schools among the best anywhere.
Name: Shannon Tomai
Party Affiliation: Republican
Profile Currently Unavailable
Name: Bruce Walczak
Party affiliation: Independent Party
Family information: Wife Holly 32 years, Sons Abraham, Ian, and daughter Cathlin. Two Labrador Retrievers, both rescues.
How long have you lived in Newtown: 33 Years
Educational information: Liberal arts degree, major in economics, Colgate University.
Occupation and Employer: Owner Relocation Consultants, consulting senior executives moving to the Greater New York area, since 2001
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Making sure that elected officials and appointed commission members stay focused on our residents’ needs and issues and listen carefully. Officials need to be open-minded until the issue is discussed fully, and then make objective decisions representing Newtown.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I’m an Independent registered voter and as such have a unique privilege of not being tied to any major party partisan positions. I am objective; fact focused, and will make decisions which I feel are in the best interests of Newtown and our residents.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
I am currently endeavoring to be fully prepared for my role on the Board of Education. I’ll be well briefed and read the last two years of minutes. I will be fully aware of the BOE activities in order to contribute to discussion in an educated and objective manner. Before forming an opinion, I will listen to the public, their public participation, school staff and administration with an open mind and try to see the issue from all perspectives.
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
(Electors may vote for one)
Name: Edward Randall
Party affiliation: Democrat
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095488472142&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Family information: I’m so proud of my children James and Margaret, and adore my granddaughter Charlotte. When I married Betsy Litt, I inherited 2 more wonderful kids and 5 amazing grandchildren. And, we have 2 adorable cats.
How long have you lived in Newtown: Since 1985.
Educational information: Master of Science in Education
Occupation and Employer: I’m a retired elementary school teacher.
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
I’m very concerned about the intrusion of national political obsessions into our community. This distracts from the issues Newtowners are really concerned about, such as schools, streets, safety, affordability and keeping Newtown green.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I have successfully served twice on the Board of Assessment Appeals.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
I will use every method available to solve assessment issues, without being distracted by preconceived notions or partisanship.
Name: Rob Hawley
Party affiliation: Republican
Family information: Wife: Tiffany; Daughter: Eva
How long have you lived in Newtown: Since October 2013
Educational information: Shelton High School; Marietta College, BA, Managerial Economics
Occupation and Employer: Security Officer, Sikorsky Aircraft (Lockheed Martin), since June 1986
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
I feel the most critical issue facing Newtown is the preservation of the small-town community spirit that brought me and my family here ten years ago. Failing to manage expansion, providing a safe environment for learning in the schools, and striving for a safe community would cause Newtown to become a less than desirable place to settle.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
The skill or talent that I would bring to the position is the ability to listen to the evidence presented to the board, evaluating the evidence, and making a reasonable decision that helps both the citizen and the community.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
By listening to the evidence provided, thoughtful decisions can be made in order to provide financial resources to the town. The financial resources are then used to provide the investment in our schools, safe streets, and managed growth. To generate the financial resources, the town levies taxes on its citizens. If members of the community believe that they have been over-taxed, there is a process to possibly remedy that burden. I would like to be a part of that solution to my fellow citizens.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
(Electors may vote for up to three)
Name: David Rosen
No Photo Available
Party affiliation: Democrat
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550922538096
Family information: Spouse — Dr Joanna Rosen (psychologist in town); Children: Katarina (college senior), Joshua (college freshman), Elliot (high school junior); Pets: Zeus (rescue Black Lab/Great Dane mix), Phoebe (Bassett Hound and the matriarch of our family)
How long have you lived in Newtown: 20 years
Educational information: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Cornell University; Master’s of Public Health, Yale University; Master’s of Business Administration, Yale University
Occupation and Employer: I have worked in pharmaceuticals and medical device commercial analytics since 2001.
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
I believe the most important issue facing the town is the upcoming Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), which is being reexamined and rewritten over the coming months. It will have significant influence on the type of town we will live in for years to come, and the Planning and Zoning Commission will have significant influence regarding its content. This plan is the opportunity to relieve residential tax burden through business growth, and it is also the opportunity to ensure measured development. We need to have a robust public process with key groups in town consulted to make sure our POCD represents the best interests of our residents.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
In my six years serving as an Alternate on Newtown Planning and Zoning I have gained valuable experience balancing growing the town’s business base while simultaneously working to preserve its character. My academic and professional background help me to examine proposals with an objective and analytical eye and make data driven decisions in the town’s best interest.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
The objectivity I mention in the question above allows me to work closely and cooperatively with both parties and work to problem solve constructively. The POCD requires analysis of where we are as a town and vision of where we want to be. It requires listening to and incorporating the input of others with varying opinions. I believe my academic and professional experiences outlined above are well suited for this task. My six years as an Alternate have allowed me to see how the POCD influences land use decisions.
Name: Ross Carley
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Website: Facebook : Ross P. Carley
Family information: Wife Geraldine Carley; Son Christopher Carley; Daughter Lindsay Carley Knauf
How long have you lived in Newtown: 35 years
Educational information: Bassick High School; Bullard Havens Tech; Business Management/ Document Management seminars New Haven University; Document Control Management Course University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; Land Use Management seminars UConn online
Occupation: Retired
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Polarization … Over the past 20 years I have served on various boards and commissions. One of the great things about it was, I can honestly say in many cases, I was not aware of what political party my fellow board members belonged to. Our interests were the same. Serving the people of Newtown to make the town a better place for our families to grow. I really want to believe, with the right-minded people, that we can once again return to that dream.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I have been fortunate enough to have been repeatedly elected to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the last ten plus years. I have also attended seminars and received certification from the State of Conn. regarding Land Use Regulations and Statutes.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
By making fair and well researched decisions based on facts without consideration for political agenda or pressure from any outside influences.
Name: Barbara Manville
Party affiliation: Democrat
Family information: Widowed, two married sons, one grandson
How long have you lived in Newtown: 29 years
Educational information: Undergraduate degree in accounting from Bryant University, MBA from Sacred Heart University
Occupation and Employer: Accountant, Clavette & Co, CPA; since August 2022
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
The most critical issue facing Newtown today is planning the future with the ability to balance development, both commercial and residential, while maintaining the rural nature of the community. Newtown’s Plan of Conservation and Development, local and state regulations provide guidance.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
The single most valuable skill or talent I can offer to the community is my ability to work with a variety of personalities. I bring objectivity, focus, dedication and six years of prior experience on the Commission.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
When elected, I will bring the time, attention and dedication needed to focus on the project before the Commission. I will serve, giving back to the community. I will serve selflessly with no hidden agenda.
Name: Connie Widmann
Party affiliation: Republican
Family information: I am married to Jim Widmann, an inventor and pyrotechnician; my son Jimmy Widmann is 27 and works for Tauck Tours in the Financial Department; my daughter Sarah is currently in her last year at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC; we also have a lovely dog named Ruthie
How long have you lived in Newtown: 20 years
Educational information: Dean Junior College
Occupation and Employer: I am a local Realtor, working with William Raveis Real Estate – Connie Widmann & Team
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Today Newtown is faced with how to handle future development to ensure the natural beauty and small-town feel are to be kept in place. Updating the Planning of Conservation and Development (POCD) to ensure the vision for preservation and thoughtful development are balanced with the needs of the community. As we review future development, we will need to take into consideration the impact of increased traffic.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I have excellent listening, communication, and negotiation skills that will help me in all decision-making situations that I will be faced with.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
There will be important decisions to be made in the next four years that my listening, communication and negotiating skills will serve me and the community well. I will have the ability to take all the stakeholders’ concerns and comments into consideration along with the regulations surrounding these important topics.
Name: Brian Leonardi
Party Affiliation: Republican
Family information: My wife, Elena, and I have been married for 11 years and have two daughters, Avianna and Marcella, who attend Hawley School.
How long have you lived in Newtown: 7 years.
Educational information: Bachelor of Science, Journalism — Southern Connecticut State University (2005); Juris Doctor — Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University (2013)
Occupation and Employer: Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Chief of Staff – Sompo International Holdings Ltd. (started September 2019)
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
The required update to our Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), which is completed once every decade, and scheduled for review in 2024. The POCD guides the review of every application brought before the P&Z. In addition to being a guidepost for application review, the POCD also solidifies our vision for the future of the town, balancing the needs of residents, our ability to thoughtfully and carefully plan for commercial and residential development, and the desire to maintain our rural, small-town character. Its review will benefit from Commissioners like myself with experience in land use matters that most frequently impact Newtown.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
My experience as an in-house attorney has honed my ability to balance the needs and desires of my clients while weighing risk when evaluating applicable regulations and internal policy. I have utilized these skills when assessing each application brought before the Planning & Zoning Commission. Despite not being able to vote on every application (one of the downsides of my current role as an Alternate Commissioner), I believe that the skills gleaned from my professional experience have helped guide and inform the discussions undertaken by my fellow Commissioners; I look forward to using these skills on behalf of the town if re-elected.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
Recently, the P&Z has evaluated a series of highly contentious, complex applications. The POCD indicates these areas should be developed for commercial purposes, and the town has spent a significant amount to build sewer and related infrastructure to support commercial development. Conversely, we have seen an increased number of applications to bring residential development to Hawleyville and Mt Pleasant Road. The desire for residential development in these areas is at odds with the POCD, as well as the desires of some homeowners. As we evaluate potential changes to the POCD, we will need to harmonize these competing interests.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ALTERNATES
(Electors may vote for up to three)
Name: Jill Soderholm
Party affiliation: Democrat
Family information: My family has lived in Fairfield County for five generations as active members of the community. Among many cousins, I am a very devoted aunt to a niece and nephew, born and raised in Redding.
How long have you lived in Newtown: 29 years
Educational information: Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and Education, a Masters of Architecture and Regional Planning from California Institute of the Arts, an MBA in Finance from UCLA, and a Real Estate Finance Certification from NYU.
Occupation and Employer: Director of Global Real Estate and Director of Global Corporate Real Estate for DMT Solutions in Danbury (former division of Pitney Bowes) since 2018
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Most critical issue is the growth and development plan for Newtown. Growth is inevitable and with purposeful direction Newtown’s expansion will serve the varied interests of this community. The new Plan of Conservation and Development-POCD must thoughtfully address the apparent conflict between regional commercial and industrial growth, the local preservation of open space, and compatible residential affordability.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
Extensive knowledge base in Planning and Zoning and 30 year history of ensuring cooperation between the community and private real estate interests. Experience in engaging the public, building consensus, and negotiating workable compromises serving the interest of the community.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1.
By encouraging the broadest public participation in the development of our ten-year plan of conservation and development. Managing economic development that diversifies our tax base while ensuring that Newtown remains affordable for the people who live and work here.
Name: Peter Schwarz
Party affiliation: Democrat
Family information: Spouse Laura Miller, 5 grown children, 26-32.
How long have you lived in Newtown: 12 years.
Educational information: BA, University of Albany (NY); JD/MA, Syracuse University; LLM, New York University School of Law.
Occupation and Employer: I’m a lawyer for an environmental engineering firm.
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Planning and development will be close to the top of our town’s agenda over the next several years. Not only will we have a public discussion of our updated ten-year conservation and development plan, but we will start taking concrete steps in the development of the Fairfield Hills campus. We will, as always, face important questions balancing the preservation of our open space and the encouragement of commercial development.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
In my career, my role is to put the appropriate agreements and statements of work in place, ensure operations are compliant with statutes and regulations, work with state departments and agencies, and work with our crews when performance issues arise. I see myself as a facilitator, working with all participants in a team atmosphere to get the best effort out of everyone.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
I work with expert and experienced architects, engineers, landscape architects, and planners, on both large and small projects. Every day I see what helps to make planning and development succeed and what can make it go off the tracks.
Name: Pete Radzwillas
Party affiliation: Republican
How long have you lived in Newtown: We have owned our home since 2017 but moved in full time in 2021
Educational information: I graduated from Masuk High School in 1984, spent on tour in the US Air Force and then graduated from Rice Aviation in 1989
Occupation and Employer: I am a kitchen and bath designer and own a cabinet and countertop store in Trumbull, Conn.
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
I believe the most critical issue facing Newtown is keeping our traditional New England town feel and not over-developing.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I have been a builder in Fairfield County for almost 25 years and have dealt with planning and zoning boards in several towns throughout the region and feel that having been on the other side of the table can offer a good understanding of the needs and hardships of our fellow citizens.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
I will do my best to do what is best for the town that I have quickly grown to love and appreciate so that it stays the beautiful community that it is.
Name: David Landau
Party affiliation: Republican
Family information: Wife Jennifer of 30 years, Sons David Jr and daughter-in-law Hallie. Nick and daughter-in-law Natalie. Rescue dog Zoe
How long have you lived in Newtown: 23 years
Educational information: Brien McMahon High School class of 1986. TCI West Haven technology degree class of 1987
Occupation and Employer: Self-employed business owner since 2000. 2014 to date, self-employed Residential and Commercial Realtor
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Newtown is growing and will continue to grow. Finding the balance between residential housing and smart commercial growth while preserving the character of our town is now and will continue to be the most critical issue in years to come.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
Problem-solving, I have over 30 years of experience solving problems, first in the ever-changing field of automotive technology, and the last ten years in Real Estate.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
The Planning and Zoning Commission will need problem solvers, and that involves compromise, respectful conversations, and knowledge of the issues that will come before the board. In doing so, we can preserve our small-town feel, protect open space, and still grow responsibly.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
(Electors may vote for up to three)
Name: Don Mitchell
Party affiliation: Democratic
Family information: I live in the Borough with my wife, Claudia. Our five children graduated from Newtown High School, went on to receive advanced degrees and are now living independently with families of their own.
How long have you lived in Newtown: 49 years
Educational information: BS Economics Villanova University, 1966; Juris Doctor, University of Denver College of Law, 1970
Occupation and Employer: I’ve been a practicing attorney since 1971, initially in public service law, then in partnership with other trial attorneys and in my own practice since 1987.
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
From a zoning perspective, a lack of trust and confidence in the land use process. We need openness, public participation and clear rules so that everyone can know the “what” and the “why”. Zoning should be a joint endeavor between our residents and their elected representatives. When the public is shut out or is disinterested, the process fails to deliver.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I’ve seen first-hand the difficulties in making land-use decisions that are both lawful and fair. My problem-solving, public relations and legal skills can help with the planning and zoning functions in general, the Board of Appeals process in particular.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
My work as an attorney and a zoning official over the past 40-plus years have given me the insight, the perspective, the temperament and the tools to see that lack of trust and the difficulties it causes in creating and implementing good land use policies and to address them in a fair and reasoned way.
Name: Prerna Rao
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Website: https://www.facebook.com/RAOforZBA/
Family information: I live with my spouse, two children, and our cat.
How long have you lived in Newtown: 8 years
Educational information: 2009 — BA, cum laude, in political science from The George Washington University; 2012 – JD, cum laude, Quinnipiac University School of Law
Occupation and Employer: I am a lawyer engaged in business law and civil litigation, and operate my own practice, Omnia Law, LLC
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
One of the most critical issues facing Newtown is being able to more efficiently use our resources, including resources such as taxes, town-owned land, and the wealth of talent and experience of our town’s residents and neighbors.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I have been practicing law for over a decade, and when tackling any issue, I try to be as diligent, open-minded, and level-headed as possible. I am happy to use my skills and experience to help give back to our town.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
If reelected for Zoning Board of Appeals, I am happy to continue using my skills and experience to help ensure that those who come to the ZBA have access to a thoughtful and positive process.
Name: John Robinson
(No Photo Available)
Position: Zoning Board of Appeals
Party affiliation: Republican.
Family information: Michele Robinson (Spouse and retired Reed Intermediate School Library Assistant)
How long have you lived in Newtown: Since 1993
Educational information: BSEE/MSEE (Electrical Engineering)
Occupation and Employer: Retired NG Fellow, Northrop Grumman Corporation (1981-2021)
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
There are several critical issues that face Newtown today, but as a candidate for the Zoning Board of Appeals I will focus on how to support development while maintaining the beauty and character of our community.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I believe my engineering reasoning, analytical skills and keen judgement coupled with my interest in construction and property development would make me a positive addition to the ZBA.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
It is difficult to set zoning ordinances that are to be applied uniformly to every property’s unique physical characteristic. The ZBA was created to work through these situations where the regulations create “exceptional difficulty” or “unusual hardship” preventing reasonable use of one’s property. As a ZBA member I plan to work with businesses, residents, neighbors and community to support and develop a solution that fits within the character of our town while aligning with the general purpose and intent of the regulations.
Name: Stephen Riccitelli
Party Affiliation: Republican
Profile Currently Unavailable
Name: Tiffany Hawley
Position Running For: Zoning Board of Appeals
Party affiliation: Republican
Family information: Husband: Robert; Daughter: Eva
How long have you lived in Newtown: Since October 2013
Occupation: Stay at home mom and small business owner.
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Working together to help maintain balance in both family and business growth.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
The ability to adapt to each unique case and listen to the evidence presented to the board, discuss with others on the board and make a reasonable decision that helps both the citizen and the community.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
Continuing with the lessons learned from previous work as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATES
(Electors may vote for up to three)
Candidate name: Joseph Bojnowski
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Family information: Spouse, Jane Bojnowski; 5 children
Years living in Newtown: 43 years
Education background: Newington High School 1961; Clarkson University — BS Chemical Engineering 1965; University of Delaware — MS Chemical Engineering 1967
Current Occupation: Self employed
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Newtown needs to grow responsibly, which comes under ZBA area. ZBA allows building which may not otherwise happen.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
I have served as an alternate for the past eight years. I offer my experience on this board as my valuable skill.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
As a Zoning Board of Appeals, alternate member, I have carefully considered the hardship so that families and applicants are treated fairly, which will contribute toward helping our community grow.
Name: James O’Connor
Party Affiliation: Republican
Profile Currently Unavailable
Name: Peter Wlasuk
Party Affiliation: Republican
Profile Currently Unavailable
POLICE COMMISSIONERS
(Electors may vote for up to three)
Name: Rance Thompson
Party affiliation: Republican
Profile Currently Unavailable
Name: Philip Cruz
Party affiliation: Democrat
Family information: Spouse Sandra; Daughter Amanda; Son Andrew (deceased 2008)
How long have you lived in Newtown: 42 years
Educational information: Bachelor of Science Secondary Education and History, Western Connecticut State University; Masters, Sacred Heart University; Masters Art of Teaching Certification, Sacred Heart University; Educational Administration Command and General Staff, College Ft Leavenworth KA, Leadership Graduate
Occupation and Employer: Newtown Board of Education since January 1996
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
An issue that we as community need facing is in helping our students of all ages in helping them navigate in a positive way through this social media world that we live in today. Our youth are our future and we need to guide, inspire, and mentor them on good citizenship.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
We do this by creating. We help students through mentorship partners, awareness programs, and student community involvement.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
Being an educator I understand student behavior, I know how to empower their behavior in a positive manner and I would be a great asset and liaison for our police commission in helping build a bridge between our schools and community.
Name: Julia Conlin
Party affiliation: Democrat
How long have you lived in Newtown: 15 years
Educational information: BA, College of the Holy Cross; JD, Boston College Law School
Occupation and Employer: Of Counsel, Sexton & Company, LLC, since July, 2019
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
We in Newtown, like in the country at large, must foster respectful dialogue and collaboration in order to achieve what often are common goals.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
Diligence.
If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
Through my past volunteer work, particularly as the advocacy chairperson at the Head O’Meadow PTA, I developed an appreciation for, and understanding of, the many volunteers who work together to contribute to our community in so many important ways. I would bring to bear that knowledge, as well as my professional experience, including my former work as a prosecutor and my current work in private practice, to address concerns of our community members and challenges facing our police department.
Name: Stephen Sedensky
Party affiliation: Democrat
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SSedensky
Family information: Wife Nancy; Children Audrey and Stephen; Pet dog Bentley
How long have you lived in Newtown: 25 years
Educational information: BS Business Adm, Accounting concentration, Plymouth State University; JD Suffolk University Law School; Board Certified in Criminal Trial advocacy
Occupation and Employer: Special Assistant State’s Attorney – July 2022: retired as full time State’s Attorney for Judicial District of Danbury (includes Newtown) June 2022. Prosecutor for over 38 years.
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Handling our growth in a responsible and planned way is the most critical issue facing Newtown today. This growth includes police response to crime and our traffic safety as more cars drive the roads. The Police Commission hires our officers, oversees the police department, is the traffic authority for the town.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
As a state prosecutor and board-certified trial attorney I have an extensive and in-depth working knowledge of the criminal and traffic enforcement justice system including crime victims’ rights and police responsibility and accountability.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
On the Police Commission I will:
a. Listen to our citizens.
b. Support a nonpartisan approach to the Police Commission.
c. Appoint, promote, suspend, and remove Town police officers, as well as serve as the traffic authority for the Town.
d. Support traffic safety, including proper road markings.
e. Pass and promote police regulations supporting best practices for our police department.
f. Hire and promote qualified officer candidates who demonstrate commitment to our Town, our citizens and upholding our laws and protection of our citizens.
g. Support and strengthen Newtown’s schools and Town communities through education and police/community awareness programs.
Name: Neil Chaudhary
Party affiliation: Petitioning/Endorsed by Forward CT
Website: Neilfornewtown.com / facebook.com/neilfornewtown
Family information: Jennifer Chaudhary (spouse), Evan and Maya, Khaleesi (dog), Lafayette (Maya’s Gecko) and some gold fish (unnamed) in the pond.
How long have you lived in Newtown: 22 Years
Educational information: PhD in Experimental Psychology CUNY Graduate School, MPh CUNY Graduate School, BA Psychology, University of Rochester
Occupation and Employer: Traffic Safety Scientist, Small business owner/CEO, Traffic Safety Research Company, since September 2001
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Critical issues facing Newtown, relevant to the Police Commission (PC), include car and home break-ins, but these are, unfortunately, statewide issues requiring not just action from our own PD but from the state and our legislators to upgrade laws. Additionally, Newtown PD is going through a major re-accreditation required by Connecticut. This effort requires extensive understanding and input from the police commissioners. Commissioners already involved in these efforts are imperative to continue progress to achieve the state-mandated deadlines. I am not always a strong advocate for keeping incumbents in their position, but for this election the PC needs experienced commissioners.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
My background provides numerous skills that can be invaluable to Newtown. The PC is the town’s traffic authority — I have been in the field of traffic safety for over two decades; I have worked with scores of police agencies across the nation. My prior experience in town government (eg, legislative council ordinance committee) helps the commission understand town processes. The most important “skill” I bring is open-mindedness. My scientific background leads me to fully examine an issue. I am willing to listen to all voices before voting. I am 100 percent solutions-focused using diverse opinions to reach the best decision.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
I will apply logical-open-minded thinking to my decisions. I have done so for more than a decade for Newtown on other committees as diverse as the Tickborne Disease Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Legislative Council. My focus is on solving problems, not based on my opinions but on data and facts. The state requires our PD to meet mandates — whether I like these mandates or not is irrelevant to moving our department forward to Tier 3 accreditation. Also, my other skills as a nationally recognized traffic safety scientist will be applied to the traffic authority role of the commission.
BOARD OF MANAGERS — EDMOND TOWN HALL
(Electors may vote for one)
Name: Jennifer Guman
Party affiliation: Democrat
Family information: Married with 2 daughters
How long have you lived in Newtown: 17 years
Educational information: Graduated from Fairfield University
Employer: Tenerity; since August 2006
What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
My goal is to continue to preserve the beautiful historical Edmond Town Hall and enrich the community by providing a place for generations of residents and neighbors to make memories by gathering to celebrate milestone events and enjoy the arts and entertainment.
Name: Armel Romeo Kouassi
Party affiliation: Republican
Family information: My wife is Valerie, and we have three girls in the Newtown school system: Matiya, 15, Alexiane, 12, and Camille, 8
How long have you lived in Newtown: 11 years
Educational information: In did my High School and Undergrad abroad in Ivory Coast and France, and I graduated with an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School University of Pennsylvania, USA
Occupation and Employer: Senior Vice President for Northern Trust Corporations, a global provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking to corporations.
1. What is the most critical issue facing Newtown today?
Achieving financial viability, maintaining community cohesion, and maintaining excellence in arts and education are critical challenges ahead.
2. What is the single most valuable skill or talent you can offer to the community?
With my inclusive leadership and arts connections, I will continue to support and help Edmond Town Hall and Arts & Education globally. In keeping with Mary Elizabeth Hawley’s legacy, I aim to make Edmond Town Hall a center of excellence for arts, theaters, etc that is self-sustaining while maintaining its local charm.
3. If elected, how will you apply that talent or skill to best address the critical issue you identified in Question #1?
Through Arts, Culture, and Community engagement, I hope to contribute to addressing those issues. During the last few years, we have successfully transformed Edmond Town Hall into a destination venue providing top-notch live events, cultural events, and community programming while improving its financial viability. Leveraging my inclusive leadership style and arts connections, I aim to help Edmond Town Hall become a self-sustaining theater venue of excellence and a community gathering place that honors its benefactor, Ms Mary Elizabeth Hawley. As leader in the community, I have the responsibility to push the arts and arts venue to be more innovative, inclusive, and impactful.