James Shpunt

Democrat, District 3

Personal Info: Age 51. 13 Serenity Lane, Sandy Hook. Project manager for the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company – vice president, past line officer and assistant treasurer. Former member of the Board of Directors of Newtown Youth Services. Former member Board of Fire Commissioners.

What personal qualities do you have that you believe will benefit the Legislative Council? –– The best personal quality I have is my knowledge of this town, for the following reasons: A. Lifelong Newtown resident, Newtown High graduate; B. Married 30 years to Sue, also a lifelong resident and a Newtown High graduate, two children, Jamie and Jessica, both Newtown High graduates; C. Employed at Fairfield Hills Hospital for 21 years, knowledge of the buildings, the utilities, the grounds, and state regulations; D. Volunteer work in Newtown for 35-plus years.

What will be the council’s biggest challenge in the next two years? –– Working to keep the budget as low as possible so the taxes don’t drive the young second and third generation Newtowners from town. But, still maintain the quality of services and the high educational standards that we are accustomed too.

Do you favor economic development at Fairfield Hills, or should the campus be used solely for municipal purposes? –– Yes, I’m in favor of some economical development at Fairfield Hills to offset the rising taxes in town.

The proposed changes to the charter may fail on November 6 because of confusion and concern over the need to implement the changes in just 30 days because of a clerical error. Would you be willing to reappoint a charter revision commission next year to bring these changes before the public again a year from now so that they may be considered solely on their merits? – Yes, if I’m elected to the council I’ll be willing to reappoint those ex-members of the Charter Revision Commission who are willing to work on any changes to benefit the town.