To The Editor:

My name is Chris Gardner, and it is my privilege to ask for your vote to re-elect me to the Legislative Council representing District 1. Newtown is my lifelong home. I grew up in District 1, went through Newtown public schools, and left town for college in upstate New York where I met my wife, Kath. We returned to Newtown and raised two children who attended our public schools.

I grew up closely following Newtown’s government and politicians, all the way back to the legendary Jack Rosenthal, who served as first selectman in the 1970s and 80s. My father, Bob, served two terms on the Council in the 1980s and he instilled in me the importance of volunteerism.

I was a member of and chaired the Newtown Youth and Family Services Board of Directors between 2004 and 2009 before taking an elected position in 2012 on the Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses. I continue to serve the Borough as Senior Burgess and have spent the past decade taking care of our town flagpole as Newtown’s Keeper of the Flagpole.

In 2019 I was elected to the Board of Finance, where I served for one term, then was elected to the Council in 2021 and again in 2023. This term I chaired the Council’s Finance Subcommittee and served on the Municipal Subcommittee. Both subcommittees review every line of the town’s 272-page budget book and look for ways to economize so we spend our tax dollars wisely.

Affordability remains my top concern as I campaign for a third term. Mindful of the financial pressures we all face, I am as frugal with the town’s money as I am with my own. I also know we must maintain our buildings; pave our roads; support our police, fire, and ambulance volunteers; and invest in our schools and teachers.

I have seen what happens when we neglect our infrastructure; we end up paying more to catch up. Slow and predictable budget growth has been the hallmark of our town government for decades. We enjoy the highest possible bond rating because our money is expertly managed, and we stringently adhere to a borrowing schedule that has strict guardrails managed by the Council and Board of Finance.

We face challenges in the coming years with looming decisions about our school buildings and development at Fairfield Hills, and I hope to be part of that conversation by earning your support for another term.

I will close by thanking the voters in District 1 for placing their trust in me to represent them. Every time I vote I think, “Am I voting in the best interests of Newtown?” As a lifelong resident, I am completely invested in our community. I want Newtown to continue to be a vibrant, affordable, and welcoming place for all to live and work, with strong schools, abundant recreational opportunities, beautiful open space, services for senior citizens, and a government that works for everyone.

Chris Gardner

Newtown