To The Editor:

I believe in free markets, free speech, individual liberties, and a small and focused government, And that’s why I’m running for Legislative Council (District 3) as a Democrat. First Selectman candidate Bruce Walczak and I agree that Newtown’s elected officials need to be laser focused on a few things that matter to every single Newtown resident: reasonable budgets, healthy infrastructure, strong schools, and smart development.

Over the last two years, the Republican members of the school board and local government have not been laser focused. Last year’s book banning proposal and this year’s proposed ordinance to restrict the right of assembly in Newtown were badly conceived, needlessly divisive and an embarrassment.

These ideas were “big government” at its most heavy-handed extreme. Had these proposals become law, it would have resulted in a lot of unwanted attention to Newtown while placing our property values at risk.

I’ve spent my adult life in Fairfield County, living in Stamford, Darien, Westport and Fairfield. Four years ago, my wife Nancy and I chose to make Newtown our home — not by chance, but by conviction. We chose Newtown because we believe it is the single best place to live in Connecticut.

Newtown may have limited ethnic diversity, but it is diverse in even more important ways. Here, you’ll find economic diversity, people that have diverse backgrounds, experiences, careers and — most importantly — diversity of thought. To tap into that, you have to listen and treat everyone with respect.

In my career, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life — from truck drivers to the current Secretary of the Treasury. In all my interactions, I make it a point to learn what other people are thinking, solicit their input, listen carefully, and ask questions.

I believe no one can be an interesting person without first being an interested person. This principle guides how I approach relationships, business, and this community I care deeply about. I’m an active member of the Lions Club, co-chair of its annual Duck Race and a member of Newtown’s Economic Development Commission.

Newtown is a wonderful place to work and live. And it deserves a local government that is focused only on the issues that matter to Newtown.

Arnie Berman

Sandy Hook