To the Editor,

As I prepare for my last Council meeting, I am grateful for all the residents who put their faith in me to represent them over the past decade. I have had the pleasure of working with three model Council Chairs in Jeff Capeci (twice), Mary Ann Jacob, and Paul Lundquist, many dedicated members, as well as two incredible First Selectmen in Patricia Llodra and Dan Rosenthal. Looking back, we accomplished so much over the past 10+ years.

Through policy driven government, we reduced our reliance on debt, saving taxpayers millions in Debt Service, and achieved our Fund Balance goals, a major factor in our AAA bond rating. During my tenure we passed every budget on the first referendum by responsibly managing the tax burden.

Together we built Sandy Hook School, the Police Station, the long overdue Senior Center and our Community Center. Fiscal discipline allowed for historic investments in roads and bridges. We moved transformative development and increased walkability of Sandy Hook Center and other areas. We supported the Ambulance Garage, Hook and Ladder firehouse and Sandy Hook substation, and we recognized these public safety volunteers with increased tax relief.

As Ordinance Chair, we passed one of the state’s most generous Senior Tax Abatement programs.

When I proposed an ARP funded tutoring program to help students recover from COVID learning loss, I was humbled by how my colleagues embraced the idea.

Joining our state delegation I successfully advocated to advance Newtown’s interests in Hartford, including when cuts to millions of dollars of education funds were proposed, and to reduce the cost of demolition on buildings such as in Fairfield Hills. The list could go on.

Obviously none of these things are accomplished alone, and I was proud to play a part in each of them. While public service often feels thankless, when pausing to reflect it is incredibly rewarding and I would encourage more people to get involved.

With gratitude,

Ryan Knapp

Sandy Hook