To The Editor:

I’m Paul Lundquist and I’m seeking your vote for the Board of Selectmen.

My service to Newtown began in 2009 and includes ten years on the Legislative Council, with four years as Council Chairman. Prior to that I served on a Fairfield Hills Master Plan Review Committee, and over the years took part in several iterations of municipal and education facilities planning and review committees.

In 2021, after more than a decade of continuous service, I made the decision to step away for a bit. Not because it demanded too much time or was unrewarding. I simply believed it was the right time to allow new voices to take on the issues of the day and carry Newtown forward. Over these past four years we’ve seen an impressive group of both new and seasoned volunteers step up, take on key roles, and help govern our town.

While Chairman, I led the Legislative Council in passing municipal and education budgets, capital improvement plans, town ordinances, Charter revisions, approvals of open space, the opening of the Newtown Community Center and the new Police Station. Worth noting, these are not “my” accomplishments, nor the work of one board or one party. They reflect collaboration by democrats and republicans across the Boards of Selectmen, Finance, Education, and the Legislative Council. They reflect the efforts of regular people, volunteers, who may hold different views but share a common commitment to keeping Newtown the great place we all chose to raise our kids, enjoy our families and friends, and live a wonderful life.

That commitment is a highly unifying baseline, and that’s the lens I choose to look through when considering points of view that differ from my own. We’re all on the same team and share the same goals, though there are different paths that can get us there.

I believe top priorities for our local officials, even in the face of highly challenging economic conditions, should include providing excellent education, pursuing smart economic development, supporting public safety, safeguarding affordability for all, and maintaining our roads and town facilities — all while preserving Newtown’s rural character. Although perhaps not unique goals among those seeking an elected position, I’m ready to work with all elected officials to craft an optimal balance across each of these goals.

I’m excited to return to public service. I look forward to helping advance many of the ongoing efforts mentioned above as well as current issues of the day, all from the place where most begin — with the First Selectman and the Board of Selectmen.

I’m ready to leverage my experience and perspective, and I’m ready to bring a steady, reasoned point of view to the Board of Selectmen. I want to help ensure clarity, transparency, and public understanding around all the important issues facing our town.

I look forward to earning your support. Stay tuned for more details as we head toward the election on November 4.

Paul Lundquist

Newtown