Date: Fri 26-Dec-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Kortze-John-Tara-profile

Full Text:

A Couple Embraces Civic Duty In The Town They Love

(with photo)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

If you stopped by the Grand Union last Saturday you may have spotted John and

Tara Kortze manning the Salvation Army kettle out in front.

For the young couple, it was just another opportunity to give back to the town

they have grown to love.

Barely 30, John and Tara are just a few years ahead of the so called

"X-Generation," but they represent something far different. The two Newtown

residents are among that small handful of residents who have stepped forward

to lend a hand in leading Newtown into the next century.

"They are just incredible," said Karen Blawie, a member of the Legislative

Council and close friend of the Kortzes. "They are civic minded, upbeat,

smart, bright people."

John, a financial adviser for Prudential Securities, is in his second term as

a member of the Legislative Council where he holds one of its most important

seats -- chairman of the finance committee. A Republican with conservative

instincts, John has always enjoyed politics even in high school where he first

developed his political convictions. His hard work and patience have earned

him respect among his peers on the council.

"The reason John is such a good leader is that he listens to everybody's side

of the story, then makes up his own mind," said selectman Bill Brimmer, a

former council member. "He really listens to what other people have to say. A

good word to use with John is patience."

"I understand numbers," John said. "For me, money has never been a luxury, so

I tend to be more conservative."

Tara, also a Republican, got a first-hand look at the politics of Newtown this

past fall when she co-chaired the local Republican campaign with Karen Blawie.

Both were said to spend night and day working to help get their fellow party

members elected. Tara said she had no experience in running a campaign and

wondered why she had been asked. But those in the Republican party knew Tara

too well to worry about her lack of experience.

"Tara was absolutely incredible during the campaign," said Mr Brimmer. "She

gives 1,000 percent to whatever she takes on. What can I say, she's

dedicated."

Tara, who also works for the Ethan Allen marketing department, has also served

on the Youth Commission at Trinity Church.

The Kortzes joined the Republican Town Committee five years ago in an effort

to meet new people. Since then, they've made lots of friends and learned a

valuable lesson.

"There are a lot of people down on politics these days, but we've learned that

it does matter if you get involved. You can make a difference," Tara said.

After more than two years on the council, John feels his proudest achievement

is being a part of a process that, despite its wide spectrum of beliefs,

always comes together in the end for what is best in Newtown. John admits he

still gets choked up on election night, knowing he is playing a role in what

matters. For political role models, John looks to Senator Joe Leiberman of

Connecticut and John McCain of Arizona.

Will he run for first selectman someday? "I love what I'm doing now," he said.

"It's never been my aspiration. I enjoy being on the council."

John graduated from Bethel High School in 1984 after a standout career in the

classroom, on the wrestling mat, and out on the tennis courts. He actually

lived in Newtown for a couple years while in school, though he continued to

attend Bethel High.

John and Tara, who grew up in Florida, met in Ithaca, N.Y., more than ten

years ago while he was at Cornell and she was at Ithaca. They fell in love,

but John, being his conservative self, held off on marrying his college

sweetheart until September of 1996.

A Full House

John and Tara don't have any kids yet, but their house on Homer Clark Lane

always seems to be full. There's always a family member or friend staying with

them. Soon, Tara's sister and both of their fathers will be moving in.

"I guess it's our nature to have people around," Tara said.

The Kortze residence was expected to be a hopping place during the holidays.

Both John and Tara are fond of gardening and you can often find the couple

puttering in the garden on their three-acre property, which also boasts a

small orchard.

They recently finished painting their house and John is said to be very handy

-- usually up early and out doing home repairs on the weekend. As for his

cooking, Tara says he's a gourmet chef. He loves the outdoors and recently

finished cutting up nine cords of wood. The couple also has a German

short-haired pointer.

The two young Republicans enjoy golfing together and plan to play during their

trip to Ireland in the spring.