To The Editor:

It has now been a little over 100 days since I’ve been your First Selectman and I would like to provide the community with an update on the work underway in Newtown. Many residents ask me how things are going when we meet around town, and I am pleased to share that the transition has been productive, steady, and energizing. I truly enjoy serving in this role and working directly with the public. December alone brought more than 80 appointments, setting a strong pace that has continued into the new year.

My first major responsibility was guiding the annual budget through its development. The process began at the department level and moved through my office, the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, and now the Legislative Council. At every stage, the budget has been thoroughly reviewed and refined. What is now before the community is essentially a same‑services budget that reflects inflation and contractual wage increases while still moving Newtown forward in a responsible and measured way.

Several important projects have advanced over the past few months. We have made significant progress on the Fairfield Hills apartment proposal and are now reviewing a final agreement with the developer. On the Aquarion well issue, agreements have been secured with the two private landowners where the culvert failed, and repairs are expected to begin in late spring or summer with the goal of returning the wells to operation. The Planning and Zoning Commission has also adopted a six‑month trial period allowing public participation at all meetings, an important step toward greater transparency and community engagement.

In addition, three parcels have been successfully designated for open space or recreation, a decision that received strong support from residents. While the decision to end curbside recycling was not universally popular, it has resulted in nearly one million dollars in savings for the town. Our capital plan continues to move forward, including the anticipated splash pad at the Community Center, and a new grant for remediation work at the Bachelder brownfield site will help unlock future cleanup and redevelopment opportunities.

As we look ahead, a volunteer committee has begun organizing Newtown’s 250‑year celebration of democracy, with events planned across town over the next six months. This milestone offers a meaningful opportunity to honor our history and bring residents together.

I am proud to serve as Newtown’s First Selectman and even prouder of the community we share. Newtown continues to demonstrate the strength, involvement, and spirit that make it such a remarkable place to call home.

Bruce Walczak

First Selectman

Newtown