Occupation: I am a math/science specialist at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I have been a teacher for 28 years. I taught fourth and fifth grades, and was a lead teacher for three years. Now I’m doing something different. I graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education.

How Long in Newtown: I have been a resident of Newtown for 33 years. I was previously from Monroe, where I grew up.

Biggest Change Seen in Town: The growth, without question. I drove on Church Hill Road this morning, and it was bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Family: My wife, Sandra, and I have been married for 33 years. She’s a partner in the CPA firm of Stockwell Bates Company. We have two children. Our daughter, Becky, 25, is married to Mike Sullivan. Our son, Pete, 27, will be married in June.

Pets: We have a dog, Brandy.

Hobbies: I enjoy working in the yard and taking walks with my wife. I also enjoy computers and am looking forward to doing some traveling.

Favorite Books and Authors: I like to read historical novels. Among my favorite authors are Larry McMurtry and Cormac McCarthy.

Favorite TV Show: I like The Practice and West Wing. I’m getting addicted to West Wing.

Organizations: I belong to professional organizations plus several conservation and wildlife organizations. I’m also involved in the Newtown Fund with my wife, who is its treasurer.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: Shortly after we moved into Newtown, there was the motorcycle gang shooting in Sandy Hook. A good friend, Dave Lydem, was the first policeman to respond that day.

Favorite Vacation Spot: I love the Carribean. We’ve been there five or six times, to different places. I could go back again and again.

Personal Philosophy: I have a strong belief in everyone’s right to live the life they choose, with responsibility, as long as they don’t hurt anyone else. I believe we as adults need to be more tolerant of individual differences.