With a an audience of approximately 100 residents at Newtown High School, the two first selectman candidates and their running mates fielded questions and traded barbs during a debate on October 16.

Incumbent First Selectman Jeff Capeci, a Republican, led off the night with his opening remarks, noting that he has served the last two years as first selectman and that he had been elected to office nine times in the past 20 years.

“When I took office, I promised steady, responsible leadership — and that’s exactly what I’ve delivered,” said Capeci. “We’ve navigated escalating costs without compromising essential services, invested in our roads and infrastructure, and done it all with fiscal restraint. When the August 2024 flood hit, I led the Town’s recovery — coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to restore services, secure resources for residents and businesses, and build a stronger, more resilient community.”

Capeci noted he was proud “to plan for the future.”

“We’ve made real progress on Fairfield Hills — building on prior administrations to bring responsible development, senior-friendly housing, and opportunities that will strengthen our local economy and preserve the character of our Town,” said Capeci. “As an engineer, I’m trained to solve problems, and as your first selectman, I’ve used that skill to make government more open, efficient, and focused on results that improve everyday life for Newtown residents.”

Capeci’s running mate, Republican Charlie Gardner, spoke next, largely spending his opening remarks speaking positively about Capeci.

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jeff for many years and serving with him on the Legislative Council, so I’ve had a front row seat to his dedication to this town and his steady leadership,” said Gardner. “We also found that we complement each other and work together well.”

Gardner spoke on the challenges Newtown has faced and how Capeci has handled them.

“As Jeff mentioned, we’ve faced challenges recently, not just natural disasters like last year’s flood, but an explosion in housing costs and budget increases that have contributed to rising property taxes,” said Gardner. “As a leader, Jeff has proven that he’s capable of making tough decisions for the long-term benefit of the town. He’s worked to deliver outstanding town services while protecting taxpayers. I’ve seen how Jeff approaches each issue with both the heart of a neighbor and the mind of an engineer: he’s practical, focused, and always ready to solve problems. Speaking as a dad with children in three of Newtown’s public schools, I feel confident that he’s looking out not just for today, but for the next generation.”

Gardner noted some of the reasons he wanted to run with Capeci.

“We bring different strengths — my background is in law and in land use — but we share the same values: responsibility, a commitment to informed decision-making, and the belief that local politics should be about service to the whole community, undistracted by national politics,” said Gardner. “Jeff and I are ready to hit the ground running on day one: to keep improving our roads and public spaces, to meaningfully address the crisis in housing, to support our local businesses from restaurants to farmers, and to plan thoughtfully for Newtown’s future. Newtown deserves leaders who will work hard, listen well, and make decisions for the long haul. With your support, Jeff and I will continue to move Newtown forward together.”

Challenger for first selectman, Democrat Bruce Walczak, said the town needs “bold, experienced leadership to meet [challenges] head-on.”

“We’re dealing with traffic congestion, disappearing open space, budget pressures on our schools, and the growing need for affordable housing. These aren’t just policy issues — they affect our daily lives. And with a $40 million town operation, we need someone who hears you and knows how to run a business, not just pass legislation.”

Walczak noted that he would bring executive business experience to the role of first selectman, “managing budgets, building teams, setting goals, and delivering results.”

“I’ll bring that same discipline and strategy to town operations,” said Walczak. “But leadership isn’t just about numbers — it’s about listening. Too many residents feel unheard. That ends now. I will hold weekly open listening hours, attend board and commission meetings, and ask every town body to host regular town hall forums — so you can ask questions, share concerns, be heard and be part of the conversation.”

Speaking on the budget, Walczak said the budget would reflect the priorities of Newtown residents.

“Every dollar spent will be explained and justified,” said Walczak. “I’ll fight for the services you rely on and make sure your taxes deliver value.”

Walczak also promised to bring modern business practices to town government; “shared goals, clear strategies, and accountability across departments.”

“That’s how we’ll control costs, invest wisely, and preserve Newtown’s character while preparing for thoughtful growth,” said Walczak. “This isn’t about politics, it’s about you. I’m ready to act, ready to listen, and ready to fight for Newtown.”

Democrat Paul Lundquist, a former member of the Legislative Council who has served as chair, spoke next as Walczak’s running mate.

“For 26 years, Newtown has been my home, the place where my wife Elaine and I raised our two boys, where we became part of an incredible community of friends, and where I, like many of us, felt the deep need to give back to the town we love,” said Lundquist. “For me, giving back led to serving ten years on the Legislative Council — four of those as chairman.”

“While Chairman,” Lundquist continued, “I led the Council in passing municipal and education budgets, capital improvement plans, town ordinances, Charter revisions, approvals of open space, and the opening of the Newtown Community Center and the new Police Station. These were not ‘my’ accomplishments alone, but rather the good work of everyone on the Council, and the Board of Finance, and many others. But my main point being, I have a solid understanding of how our town works.”

Lundquist said a “big part of my personal mission,” especially as chair, “was to work to improve transparency and understanding of the processes our town government goes through — to help explain not just what decisions are made, but why they are made and how we arrive at them. I believe transparency and clear explanation can build trust in our local government.”

Lundquist said the critical priority was “safeguarding affordability for all Newtowners.”

“Even as we face challenging economic conditions, we need to provide our kids with an excellent education, support public safety, and take care of our roads — all while preserving the rural character and charm of Newtown. Balancing these goals is essential, but affordability needs to remain at the center. As a member of the Board of Selectmen, I’ll make sure every tax dollar delivers the greatest possible value to residents.”

The four candidates spent most of the next hour fielding questions from League of Women Voters moderator Laura Smits.

Smits asked the candidates for their plans for economic development. Capeci said his main driver over his tenure has been getting the two buildings on the Fairfield Hills Campus, Kent House and Shelton House, cleared to be developed as mixed use.

“It’s nice, sort of central to town, close to Interstate 84, and attracts people to town without bringing them [to high traffic areas],” said Capeci.

Capeci also spoke about getting an extra lane on Interstate 84 as a way to relieve traffic, which would help Newtown businesses.

Walczak said “economic development is key” and that the town needs to be “aggressive” in seeking it.

“We need to go out and attract outside businesses,” said Walczak.

Gardner said that vacant buildings on Church Hill Road are full and that economic development in town was “stronger than ever before” with new Director of Economic and Community Development John Voket.

“It can’t be done all at once but we are making the effort,” said Gardner.

Lundquist said that economic development was “not stronger than ever” and is only “moving forward in trickles as always.” He said the town should do more to market itself to businesses, and that Walczak’s “specific skills in running business” could help with that.

When Smits asked about the skills they bring to the Board of Selectmen, Walczak said he was glad to be asked that question and noted his business experience was important to running a town budget of over $400 million.

“The town needs someone with business experience,” said Walczak. “I have 45 years at the senior level, managing teams of up to 200. I know how to run a business and how to move forward aggressively.”

Capeci responded that it was “great” that Walczak had business experience, but he had no experience in the public sector in spite of trying to be elected to office three previous times.

“The public sector is very different,” said Capeci. “There are agencies that have much more leeway in telling a first selectman what to do, and lots of voices that have input in the direction of the town.”

Traffic congestion was another topic of discussion, with Walczak saying that “it is not volume, but managing non-courteous drivers and speeders.”

“We need things to slow down and reinforce that message,” said Walczak.

Capeci said that the traffic problems stem from back-ups on Interstate 84, and that he has been working with State Representative Mitch Bolinsky to try to get a third lane built through Newtown.

“This is a long-term project,” said Capeci. “The more people stay on 84 the less are in town.”

Capeci also noted the Safe Streets 4 All program that is being done in conjunction with the police department, taking a look at the town’s roads and where problems are.

Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.