Personal Information: Peggy Baiad, 4 Budd Drive, 60 years old, Dickinson College, BA, Middlebury College, graduate studies; former Spanish teacher; former real estate agent in Newtown for 17 years; community volunteer; Legislative Council member, six years; Ordinance Committee; chairman, Public Safety Committee; member St Rose Parish; lector coordinator, St Rose Church; St Rose Woman’s Club.

What personal qualities do you have that you believe will benefit the Legislative Council and the community it serves? At this point, I would stress my experience, since I have served three terms on the council and have the background on the issues we will be discussing in the months to come. I am well organized, study the issues thoroughly, and try to make an informed decision that will be in the best interest of the people of Newtown.

What do you believe is the council’s biggest challenge over the next two years? I feel the biggest challenge will be to develop a master plan for Fairfield Hills that will be acceptable to the residents of Newtown, and then to implement that plan. I also think that it is important to do what we can to bring in planned economic development to lighten the tax burden on our residents.

What can the Legislative Council do to limit the growth of Newtown’s tax rate? I believe that one of the best ways to limit the growth of the tax rate, in addition to broadening the tax base, is to acquiring open space. We have made a start in this direction, thereby preventing overdevelopment. This type of action is necessary and important in order to preserve the ever fading rural character and beauty of our town, as well as helping to keep our tax rate in check.