Name: Donald Studley (R)

Address: Deep Brook Road

Age: 52

Occupation: Certified public accountant

Education: AB from Holy Cross University. MBA from Dartmouth

Political Experience: Three-year incumbent to the Legislative Council, president Heritage Preservation Trust.

Years in Newtown: 29

What is the best plan of development for the re-use of Fairfield Hills? I have not made up my mind. We still need more information. From the town’s perspective, the use of the property for town uses would be ideal with the balance of the property kept as open space. The developers have indicated little interest in economic development. I say that tentatively because a lot of the questions still need to be answered in terms of liability.

How do you feel about giving tax breaks to special groups: senior citizens, volunteer emergency personnel and new businesses? Many of the seniors have had kids in school in the past, but we need a balanced population, so I’m in favor of some tax breaks on a need basis. Economically, I think it’s in the best interest to give volunteers a tax break. It saves the town money. As far as new businesses, the competition is so great from an economic development point of view.  We ought to develop the property behind Commerce Park.  The town has a lot to offer already.  The first step is to have the locations available – the Technology Park and Hawleyville. We need the sites first. Then we can talk about tax breaks.

What are Newtown’s three most pressing capital needs? How do we plan for them given the nearly $60 million worth of projects currently on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)? Schools, additional ball fields and municipal space needs. It is important to understand what we can afford. We need to plan from the side of available revenues. Our job has to be “how can we provide these items from the existing budget?” I believe the town needs a “rainy day” fund.

What skills do you have for the job that will most benefit the Town of Newtown? I think I’m a pretty good listener, and I have the ability to grasp the most important aspects of an issue. I have a strong financial background and 29 years of residency, so I have experience with different groups. I have respect for the way the town has grown, but also for its history.

Why do you feel you should re reelected? I think my experience will be helpful as we decide the issues facing the town. I understand those issues and am anxious to lend my voice in coming to a solution.

Is there one aspect of Newtown’s government you would like to see changed? No, it works pretty well. I do have some ideas about changing the charter.