To the Editor:

I am honored to endorse the candidacy of Connie Widmann for election as a regular member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

I have had the good fortune of serving as an Alternate Commissioner with Connie over the past two years. Connie brings a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to each application brought before the Commission, relying on her 20 years of experience as a licensed realtor in the greater Newtown area.

Importantly, Connie has never allowed her profession to cloud or compromise her judgement as an Alternate Commissioner. On the contrary, Connie has offered valuable insights as to the current housing needs in Newtown and related challenges across Fairfield County. Further, when there have been matters before the Commission that may give rise to a personal conflict (for example, the recent discussions regarding Airbnb regulations), Connie has openly disclosed the potential for a conflict and indicated that she would recuse herself from voting on such matters. Her willingness to be open and transparent should assuage any concerns regarding her ability to remain impartial as a regular member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Lastly, and as I have mentioned in prior Letters to the Editor, the Commission will undertake the important task of updating Newtown’s Plan of Conservation and Development in the year ahead. Having Connie’s unique perspective will certainly prove to be beneficial to the Commission as we evaluate the vision for conservation and development within Newtown over the next decade.

Please consider voting for Connie Widmann on November 7th.

Sincerely,

Brian Leonardi

Newtown