District 1

Incumbents

 

R – JOSEPH DI CANDIDO

Answer 1: Directing town growth while providing efficient cost-effective town services. The council’s first and most important obligation to the taxpayers is to approve budgets that provide quality services at the lowest cost.

We must expand the commercial tax base by promoting policies that attract business to Newtown, such as professional services, commercial establishments, and light industry. The council must also promote policies that encourage our seniors to remain in town. I believe that our current local, state, and federal fiscal problems are not the result of inadequate tax revenues, but are the consequences of unrestrained spending.

If reelected, I will continue to speak out on these issues and question every new spending initiative that is presented to the council for approval.

Answer 2: My record as a two-term member of the Legislative Council and chairman of the Finance Subcommittee shows that I’m a consensus builder who is focused on achieving results. I’m also very familiar with the workings of our town government. I will continue to represent the majority of the town’s hardworking taxpayers who expect elected officials to spend public money wisely.

Answer 3: Just about every state and local government program has very vocal and well-organized lobbyists who apply pressure on legislators to increase taxes and spending on their programs. Individual taxpayers, on the other hand, are busy earning a living, and have little time to petition the government for fiscal restraint and the right to keep more of what they earn. With the political debate often distorted by this imbalance, many politicians abandon fiscal restraint to support increased spending on programs that aren’t prudent or cost-effective.

Some people believe that focusing on fiscal responsibility in public education indicates a lack of compassion, but I believe the opposite is true. Despite many worthwhile elements in present school budget, the system encourages inefficient labor practices while providing lucrative compensation packages that are out of touch with those offered by the private sector.

I believe it’s an elected official’s duty to represent the majority, which often runs against the grain of special interests that prosper when government grows. I’m proud to represent those in Newtown who expect elected officials to keep a watch over government spending. I look forward to continuing to serve as their elected representative.

 

 

R – MICHAEL J. IASSOGNA

Answer 1: Meeting the needs of Newtown’s continuing growing population. I believe we must preserve our excellent educational system and improve the town’s infrastructure while maintaining reasonable taxes. We cannot afford to do everything at once. Without a long-term plan, every issue becomes a conflicting need, resulting in winners and losers. We need a long-term plan with creative thoughts about how to implement it so that all members of our community can be winners.

Answer 2: My strength is my ability to sort out the details regarding issues and prioritize an implementation plan. With over 20 years business experience, including the startup of Tier One Machining, I have developed long-term plans and managed budgets in excess of $20 million.

The best ideas come from people closest to the issue. I enjoy listening to many ideas about a topic and working with people to turn those ideas into reality.

I research topics to ensure I will make informed decisions. During the past four years’ budget processes, I have dug deeply into the numbers and presented my findings to the entire council.

Answer 3: As managers of the town’ budget, we must ensure that the taxpayers’ money is applied to areas that create the most benefit for all residents. In the case of the education budget, the Board of Education and administration must ensure that the money they are allotted finds its way to the student. We must diligently scour the details of the budget and eliminate any spending that does not significantly benefit the student. We must understand the mandates that come from the federal and state governments and diligently try to meet these requirements while not degrading our excellent school system. I feel that one of the biggest issues in the budget that must be controlled is the rapidly increasing cost of health care benefits for the 600-plus employees of the system.

 

 

D – FRANCIS G. PENNAROLA

Answer 1: I believe the most critical issue facing government in Newtown is the continued growth in the town’s population and the impact this has had and will continue to have on governmental services and quality of life. The increase in the school-age population drives much of the town’s education expenses. The senior population is also expanding and has needs that the town should meet. I think we need to find a way to manage the growth. One way is through acquisition of open space, which I have and will continue to support. I think we need to explore new ways of limiting growth through tax breaks for open space that encourage landowners to keep their property.

Answer 2: As a council member, a lawyer, a husband, and a parent, I believe the single most valuable skill I bring to the table is the ability to listen with an open mind, which of necessity carries with it the ability to respect opposing views, to put myself in the shoes of the other person and to decide, based on the information available, in a manner that I believe is best for the town. There are often more than two sides to a story. I am willing to listen to all sides.

Answer 3: I would like to see more long-range planning, both for the building needs of the system and personnel. Having said that, it is important to remember that the Board of Education is not like a business that knows from year to year exactly what the size of the community will be that it has to serve, nor does it get to pick and choose its customers. Public education has to take all comers. It is subject to laws and regulations at the state and federal levels over which it has no control. As part of that focus on long-range planning, I would like to see the school system prepare our students for the jobs of the future. Since we don’t know what they will be, we need to emphasize critical thinking, analytical processing, and the creativity necessary to adapt them to the challenges ahead.

Answer 4: I think the primary focus has to be on preserving the vast majority of the property for the benefit of the town. I think most should be kept in open space, whether that be in athletic fields or meadows. Needs may change over time, and flexibility is key. There are some buildings that could be retooled for office type use. I think that makes sense and may help offset the cost of maintaining the public areas.

Answer 5: I don’t think we should tie the hands of the charter revision panel. My overall instruction to that group would be to look to streamline government. What should we change that we help us run more efficiently? Does the charter and the form of government it establishes meet the needs of the town today and will it meet those needs in the future?

 

 

R – RICHARD RECHT

Answer 1: As a current member of the Legislative Council for District 1, the most important matter facing the town is simply increasing property taxes. While increases are to be expected with rapid town growth, my constituents say that spending is out of proportion to the rise in income, especially on the school side of the budget.

They cite examples of what they consider to be out-of-balance spending. They also are unhappy with the attitude of some officials, as reflected in articles they read in The Bee. It’s easy to say townspeople should become better informed by attending various board and committee meetings, yet younger families are encumbered with child-rearing, business travel, and other responsibilities, making it virtually impossible to do so. That’s why communication between Legislative Council members and their constituents is vital, and I am proud of my record in this area.

My goal is to require that spending be carefully analyzed and fully justified before passing favorably upon it.

Answer 2: My background is in engineering and human resources. As an engineer, I am interested in finding solutions for problems. My human resources experience has taught me the benefits of listening carefully, asking questions, fashioning solutions, and discussing them with colleagues on the council and constituents in District 1. Such an approach, some call it “teaming,” helps assure my decisions and my vote on the council pass the reasonableness test, because all the stakeholders’ interests are represented in my vote.

As a new member of the Legislative Council two years ago, I was struck by how long it takes to get up to speed regarding council duties and how the council relates to other boards and committees. I have designed a training program to help other newly elected officials of both political parties contribute more quickly. It will cover areas such as the charter, Newtown’s form of government, public vs private sector differences, Roberts’ Rules of Order, the Freedom of Information Act, ethics, and the duties of the various boards and commissions.

Answer 3: The Board of Education might better administer the 70 cents of each tax dollar it receives by focusing on its relationship with the Board of Finance and the Legislative Council. I believe no one on the Board of Finance or the Legislative Council wishes to advise the Board of Education how and where to invest the tax dollars it receives. The Board of Education and superintendent are very skilled at what they do. They receive and nourish a school system that is one of the key reasons people move here, and they should be proud of that record.

How is it, then, with such a record, they often find themselves embattled? Part of their vision is that greater spending equals greater outcomes. This is untrue, as some districts spend more than Newtown, with less favorable results. And some districts get better results with less money. Another is that they feel their role is so important to the community that they should not be under the scrutiny of the Board of Finance and the Legislative Council.

There are others; however, these are the most frequently communicated to me by District 1 taxpayers. All of us who volunteer our time to improve the quality of life in Newtown do so because we hope we can make things better. The acrimony and strife exhibited during budget public hearings runs counter to this. Observers of this annual struggle who might be interested in serving the town can only be turned off by such a performance.

Answer 4: The members of the Fairfield Hills Authority are well qualified to fill their positions. However, I believe their duties are somewhat of a novel experience for them. I have always favored input and direction from an individual such as a developer or members of a town government who have gone through a similar experience.

According to what I’ve read in the papers, this has not been done, and I would encourage authority members to consider assembling such an advisory group. I would like to see how other towns have successfully recycled a property such as Fairfield Hills into a viable asset for the community.

Answer 5: I would like a charter revision panel to consider allowing the town to vote separately on the town budget and the school budget, as is done in other towns. One reason is that the town budget is handled differently than the school budget. Another reason is that separating the budgets would allow more input from the taxpayers to the school side of the budget, which commands the far greater portion.

Beyond that, I believe a charter revision panel should solicit the input from each board and commission chairman for changes that would enhance the performance of their group.

District 1

Challenger

 

D- Peter Giarratano

Question 1: The most critical governmental matter facing Newtown is providing services to our growing town population while keeping it affordable to live here. I intend to contribute toward addressing this issue by maintaining a careful eye on town and Board of Education expenditures through the budget process. I believe that we can satisfy all of the needs of the town while being fiscally conservative.

Question 2: The most single valuable skill or talent that I bring to the table is my extensive practical business experience of 18 years. The practical business experience that I have will allow me to apply cutting-edge business solutions to the many issues and challenges that the town will face in the upcoming years.

Question 3: I think the Board of Education and the district’s leadership might better administer the investment of the tax dollars spent on education by better prioritizing the various capital projects that are on the drawing board. The Board of Education needs to satisfy the needs of the town while at the same time balancing the qualitative aspects of each project.

Question 4: I would like to see Fairfield Hills Authority members balance the commercial and recreational utilization of Fairfield Hills by developing it in such a manner so that any commercial projects will be net generators of tax while at the same time recreational utilization will be maximized for the benefit of the town.

Question 5: The most pertinent charter provision I feel that should be amended, refined, or eliminated is the restriction prohibiting an undesignated fund balance. The charter provision prohibiting an undesignated fund balance probably played the greatest role in Moody’s decision to maintain Newtown’s current Aa2 bond rating. Finance Director Ben Spragg indicated, “Moody’s doesn’t like the provision restricting the use of the town’s municipal fund balance. Even though Newtown maintains a strong history of conservative fiscal management and an ability to manage within this constraint.” It is estimated that in Newtown’s recent bond sale this provision cost the town $750,000 in additional interest over the life of the bonds. I for one would have loved for the town to use this money to fund education projects.

 

 

D – KEITH E. JACOBS

Answer 1: I think the rapid population growth in Newtown is the most pressing issue with which the residents are faced. As a result, heavy demands are placed on Newtown’s schools, police and fire departments, roads, traffic, and natural resources. We need to incorporate more of a balance with new developments and preserve open space as much as possible.

Answer 2: I have a keen ability to find solutions to problems. I am action oriented and an excellent problem solver. I recognize that residents come from different places on the issues but I would strive to compromise to develop beneficial solutions to meet the needs of our citizens. I have also been successful in getting people more aware of the issues and becoming involved in the process. I believe in Newtown and its residents to make great decisions for Newtown’s future.

Answer 4: I believe the Fairfield Hills Authority should approve the master plan, which provides a combination of sports fields, play grounds in conjunction with space allocated for businesses to help offset residential property tax. I view Fairfield Hills as an opportunity for Newtown to bring in business, which can benefit our town, incorporate the unique hometown character, which Newtown gives to all of us, and provide necessary resources for its residents.

 

 

 

District 2

Incumbents

 

D – PEGGY BAIAD

Answer 1: I feel that the most critical issue facing Newtown today is rapidly growing development, which can be somewhat curtailed by buying open space as it is made available and as our budget allows. I strongly support this. I would also support over-55 housing because I feel there is a need for it, and it does not further strain our school population.

Answer 2: At this point I would stress my experience, since I have served four 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.

Question 4: I believe that Newtown must broaden the tax base to help offset our taxes. Economic development can be a real asset to Newtown if it is done correctly and with planning. There is enough land at Fairfield Hills to have a mix of recreational and commercial use, both of which will benefit the town.

Question 5: I have always felt that we should vote on the town budget and the education budget separately. If the budget does not pass, we then know which area has to be trimmed. I also think that the charter changes should be voted on as one question. Last time some passed and others did not, which led to some confusion when implemented.

 

R – JOSEPH E. BORST

Question 1: In my opinion, the most critical governmental matter facing Newtown today is the population explosion and the resultant impact on the town’s government’s financial ability to provide the increased infrastructure and service needs of the town.

To address this problem, I would recommend the establishment of a “Blue Ribbon” committee representing all boards, commissions, and agencies of the town to investigate, study, prioritize, and recommend to the voters a long-range master Infrastructure Plan. Let’s get all the town’s ducks in a row and proceed to get the job done.

Question 2: I think the over 40 years of my involvement on the various boards and commissions from Planning and Zoning, Public Building Committee, Board of Selectmen, and Legislative Council, has given me a unique insight into the overall operation of the town. As a result, I have developed my ability to listen and evaluate the needs of the citizens of Newtown. We must prioritize our needs, be transparent in our dealings with each other, and work as a total team for the good of Newtown and its people. The future can be bright, but only if we work together.

Question 3: I think the Board of Education has finally come to the realization, even though they are an extension of the State Board of Education, that they must work cooperatively with the town government and the finance board in order to prioritize their needs. As a result of many years of attending Board of Education meetings and gentle prodding, we now have a much more transparent Board of Education. I think the Board of Education is moving in the right direction that will benefit the town.

Question 4: I served on the FHH ad hoc committee in 1994, and I still feel the recommendation that came out of that effort is still valid; i.e., the revenue generated by commercial development should be sufficient to offset the recreational development costs. In other words, it should be “revenue neutral” so as to not impact the mill rate.

Question 5: The charter has been revisited a number of times and it has stood the test of time. However, I think the next charter revision panel should look at the provision that deals with the use of any annual town surplus. Currently, the charter states any surplus must be returned to the General Fund and be used to reduce taxes in the ensuing year. Moody’s has advised the town that this means we do not have complete control over our money management; therefore, it affects the town’s bond rating.

 

 

D – JOSEPH M. HEMINGWAY

Answer 1: I believe the most critical matter facing Newtown is maintaining the balance between the needs of the town and the ability to pay for it. I will contribute to this balance by continuing to support quality education, which I feel is the backbone of a strong community. I feel the best way to offset the needs of the town and the Board of Education is to continue to support, as well, tax relief for seniors, reasonable economic development, and acquisition of open space. Furthermore, as a town we must put pressure on our state representatives to ensure Newtown’s fair share of state reimbursement of funds to offset the unfair burden on the property tax.

Answer 2: I believe my understanding of budgets and the process is valuable; I manage construction projects that range from $30 to $50 million in my professional career, usually several at a time, therefore I make money decisions on a daily basis, comparable to those made by the town. However, understanding budgets and the budget process only helps to a point on a town level, as mentioned in my answer to Question 1, the ability to allow those willing to pay for what they expect from the town to do so while helping those less able by attempting to offset those costs is just as important. So I guess I’m giving more than one quality— knowledge as well as compassion and understanding both sides of a complex issue.

Answer 3: The majority of the education budget is driven by fixed costs such as salaries, insurance, utilities, transportation, and special education costs. I truly believe that Newtown’s school system is the main reason for Newtown’s growth as a community, including the rise in property values. It’s the main reason people move to Newtown, not the only reason but the main reason. With that said, we must maintain that school system to keep our community strong. We must as a town demand fair state reimbursement which will allow us to maintain the school budgets requested; when they are cut as they have been the last several years, programs get cut that are very hard to get back. The two areas that I feel we can keep an eye on are utilities and insurance; we need to conserver energy more and attempt to negotiate better insurance rates

Answer 4: The balance already exists within the master plan the authority was formed to enact. The council, the Board of Selectman, and planning and zoning approved a master plan with a balance of town needs, economic development, and recreation. The Fairfield Hills Authority is bound by that plan. The authority will make the plan more manageable by taking on the day-to-day operations, and negotiations for Fairfield Hills and ensuring the master plan is carried out in a smooth and less bureaucratic manner.

Answer 5: I think the charter should be amended to create longer terms for the selectmen and the council. Two-year terms create an environment where everyone is always running for election or reelection. Furthermore, although we have an excellent first selectman at the moment, Herb may not be here forever. When the time comes to persuade someone qualified and successful to leave that successful career behind to serve our town, that individual may be more eager to do so for four years instead of two. There are also some housekeeping issues in the charter that need to be tweaked, many due to the fact that the last charter revisions were only partially passed, creating some shortfalls and overlaps that can be easily cleaned up.

 

 

D – TIMOTHY J. HOLIAN

Answer 1 : Two years ago I answered this question by saying that the Town of Newtown should use bond issues, together with matching funds and grants, if available, to become a true “player” in the acquisition of improvable local real estate. The cost of acquisition is substantially less than the cost of supplying services to those who would occupy the land if improved. Nothing has happened to change my mind. I will continue to do all necessary to implement this plan, including voting in favor of funding for the necessary debt service, and making certain that the funds are used for that purpose.

Answer 2: I’m not certain that this is in fact a “skill” or “talent,” but at this late date, my single most valuable asset is experience. I’ve served on the council for eight years, and I’ve been its vice chairman for four years. I am a lifelong resident of Newtown. I have an unwavering concern for the well-being of the community and its citizens, and I am anxious and willing to continue service.

Answer 3: I do not believe that it is the job of members of the Legislative Council to “micro-manage” the activities of our Board of Education. However, as a citizen, I would like to see less investment in administration and more in the children.

Answer 4: I would like to see the members of the Fairfield Hills Authority remain faithful to their charge, the same being to implement the master plan. I have every confidence that they will do so.

Answer 5: The charter requirement that the financial director obtain bids for notes and bonds from three lending institutions should be eliminated, and the financial director should be allowed to negotiate directly with lenders. Too often, by the time the bid process is completed, a once attractive interest rate is no longer “on the table” due to market fluctuations, and an opportunity is lost. As long as we’re at it, we might consider adding affirmative language allowing the town to manage its surplus. Absent such language we are compelled to “roll” surplus over into the following year’s budget. This is normally a good thing for taxpayers, but the fact that we must do so is sometimes unattractive to those who establish our bond rating.

District 2

CHALLENGERS

 

D – PATRICIA E. LLODRA

Answer 1: Newtown continues to experience annual increases in population with concomitant pressures for services in education, recreation, safety, and quality of life. The task of supporting growth and the on-going need for infrastructure updating and enhancement is burdensome on taxpayers and relief through nonresidential development has not kept pace with these demands. Capital improvement needs such high school expansion, improvements in Hawley School and the middle school, new town offices, a senior center, and recreation facilities will add to the already considerable financial burdens. The challenges must be met or else Newtown’s quality of life will erode. If elected, I will use that authority and opportunity to promote more aggressive and comprehensive strategic thinking and more collaboration between the regulatory and fiscal agencies of the town.

Answer 2: I have a composite of qualities and experiences that promote my capacity for service on our Legislative Council. Professional responsibilities as an administrator honed my talents of collaboration, forward thinking, and strategic planning. I am accustomed to the challenges of difficult issues and know how and when to apply short-term decisionmaking and long-term thinking. Furthermore, I am a courageous and creative thinker, undaunted by the enormous responsibilities of leading and managing large institutions. Towns, like schools, are about people. Our town’s quest for quality, comfort, affordability, positive values, inclusiveness, and opportunity is not too dissimilar from the leadership goals I held in my professional roles. As a private citizen, I have lived in Newtown for 34 years. My husband Bob and I raised and educated our kids here. We participated in the educational and recreational life of the town and have great respect and fondness for our community. My knowledge of the town, its citizens, its hopes and aspirations, its problems and challenges add further quality to my decisionmaking capacity as a council member.

Answer 5: I see two significant areas of need to be addressed by future charter revision panel. First and foremost, it is critical that our charter compel governmental action to be conducted through a system of checks and balances. To the extent that there appears to be an absence of clarity about the system of checks and balances in some domains of governmental activity, it would be beneficial for the charter revision panel to refine the document in order to achieve more well-defined and prescriptive controls that effectively guide governmental decisionmaking. Further, I see a need to clarify and differentiate the financial/budgetmaking roles and responsibilities of the Board of Finance and Legislative Council.

 

D – STACIE P. DOYLE

Answer 1: The most critical matter facing Newtown today is its growth and development. Many fixed costs are skyrocketing just as significant issues are facing our town, including the expansion of the high school, the growth of the senior center, the development of Fairfield Hills as well as the development of our park projects. If elected, I will not only work to ensure that the costs, benefits, and timing of projects are accurately communicated and assessed a value, but I will also work to enhance economic development in order to help manage the tax burden and continue our overall quality of life.

Answer 2: If I had to pick a single most valuable skill or talent I would say that my ability to persevere is most valuable. I will serve our community by not being satisfied with the easy answers; I will persevere to find the underlying information in order to support the best decisions for Newtown.

Answer 3: The first step to “better administration” of funds is to study and evaluate the way in which the board and administration have been allocating the tax funds available to them. I believe that the first priority of education should always be to keep the focus on the children and to use funds to benefit them in as direct a way as possible. Retaining a strong and dedicated faculty is also a must. If “better administration” is necessary, its goal must be to foster a child-centered environment by offering programs that provide direct benefits to the students and are made available by excellent educators.

Answer 4: With over 180 acres of land, Fairfield Hills provides a significant opportunity to achieve a balance of both recreational and commercial needs. However, the balance of commercial and recreational facilities should not be based on Fairfield Hills alone, but Newtown overall. If elected, I will work toward a comprehensive plan for sufficient recreational representation as well as commercial representation townwide.

Answer 5: I would work toward investigating the benefits of creating a reserve fund for Newtown. Currently we have a capital reserve account for capital projects, but I believe we would benefit from a reserve fund/fund balance for nonrecurring, unanticipated yet necessary expenses. This fund balance would provide Newtown some flexibility in the annual budget and if managed in a fiscally responsible manner, the creation of this account could ultimately lower our borrowing rates/debt service as the bond ratings agencies may deem the establishment of such an account beneficial and financially sound.

 

D – BARBARA BLOOM

Answer 1: Fairfield Hills. I think if its development isn’t very carefully considered it could cripple Newtown. If we want to utilize that area for municipal and recreational needs, then we have to balance that out with well thought out economic development in other parts of town. Many residents cannot continue living here if the taxes continue rising at their current rate. If I am elected, I will certainly strive for responsible planning that Newtown can afford. A $23 million recreational facility will not be in the plan if I have anything to say about it!

Answer 2: I am involved in many different organizations, giving me a vast perspective of Newtown, and I am not afraid to speak up. However, I think my financial and mathematical background gives me the most important skill that I can bring to the table, the ability to look at Newtown’s challenges and goals in an analytical way, to come up with common sense solutions.

Answer 3: I think that both the Board of Education and the district’s leadership must prioritize their needs and “wants” in order to best administer the investment of those tax dollars. To a great extent, I think the Board of Education must manage their budget the way a home budget is properly managed, just on a grander scale. A fiscally conservative approach will best serve the town.

Answer 4: I am trying to keep an open mind regarding the development of Fairfield Hills. However, I don’t believe we can look at it by itself, but must balance the municipal and recreational use there with commercial development throughout Newtown. We need well-planned commercial development to help offset our taxes without causing further population explosion and without changing Newtown’s charm.

Answer 5: The charter needs revising in several areas. If I had to choose the most pertinent charter provision to amend, I would have to choose the rules regarding how the budget is passed. Although continuous referendums can be costly, our budget is far too large and too important to be decided by such a few people at a town meeting! I believe a public vote is the best way to get the most input on the budget, even if it takes several times.

District 3

Incumbents

 

D – DANIEL J. AMARAL

Answer 1: 1. The Yearly Budget; 2. Town budget well in control.

The school budget is usually up over previous year. I will try to keep the budget in balance as the town has a good bond rating. However, the project in the Capital Improvement Plan is costing more than budgeted. This can present a problem. The town has other concerns such as buildings for the Newtown Fire Department and the Newtown Ambulance, which are busting at the seams.

Answer 3: The education budget system is overwhelming for a layperson. Salaries, health benefits, insurance, and other fixed costs keep rising every year. Can the system be improved?

Answer 4: Once an environmental clean up is completed, the Fairfield Hills Authority should consider some commercial use for part of the facility as not to fully impact the Newtown taxpayers.

 

R – DAVID E. BROWN

Answer 1: The most critical governmental matter facing our town today is finding and/or maintaining a balance between implementing and paying for programs and services that meet the legitimate needs and desires of all of our citizens — youth and adult, equestrians and cyclists, longtime residents and newcomers. Some may say that this is just another way of saying “budget management in a rapidly growing town.” I see it as much more than that. I see it as enhancing our quality of life. As a member of the Legislative Council I would continue to be an advocate for a proactive strategy in both identifying those services as well as finding the resources to pay for them. I would continue to support the Board of Finance’s efforts to prioritize and plan for major expenses, be they for capital improvements or major repairs to education facilities, infrastructure, public safety, etc. Speaking of public safety, I would really like to see a comprehensive plan addressing the town’s [projected] requirements for fire fighting capacity for the next five, ten, and 20 years. I have asked, but…

Answer 2: A sense of reason — I would bring to the Legislative Council: enough patience to listen to all points of view; enough wisdom and intellect to analyze what I hear; enough personal strength to choose that which I believe to be the best course of action; and enough civic/social responsibility to tell others about that which I believe. In addition, I would like to believe that my many years in education, business, and community service have provided me with a wealth of valuable experiences upon which to draw.

Answer 3: When budget time swings into high gear, we always hear how, for education at least, our town is spending millions less than other towns to which we are being compared. Now, given that I believe that our school system is producing graduates equal to, if not better than, those coming from the benchmark group, it is difficult for me to accept the inference that the district’s leadership is not doing the best job they know how to do with the funds available. It is easier for me to believe that we are doing it right and the comparison towns are simply spending too much. As for the Board of Education, I would say “prioritize your needs” and “negotiate hard.”

Answer 4: To the extent that their authority is, in fact, limited by state statute to overseeing the implementation of the town [voter] approved master plan for the development of the Fairfield Hills property, I would expect the members of the Fairfield Hills Authority to act with all diligence, dispatch and good faith, to implement the intent of the “nondiscretionary” provisions of the master plan. And, where the master plan allows for some local initiative, discretion and/or choice, I would like to see the authority act, again in good faith, with the best interest of all our citizens as the main objective. To me, that translates to minimal commercial/municipal use and generous undeveloped and/or light impact (multiuse greenways) natural areas. I would not like to see the town competing with private taxpayers in either the space rental business or the residential development business. We talk about “saving the rural character of our town.” What little there is left to save is found in the undeveloped natural beauty of properties like much of the Fairfield Hills campus. Let’s not, as the song says, “pave paradise and put up a parking lot.”

 

R – WILLIAM F.L. RODGERS

Answer 1: Preserving Newtown’s quality of life. I would attempt to do so in three ways. First, keep control of municipal spending, particularly capital improvement projects and resulting debt service, by carefully reviewing both the annual operating budgets of the town and Board of Education as well as separate capital improvement projects presented for the council’s approval. Second, encourage “clean” commercial growth in existing commercial areas and as a facet of Fairfield Hills’ development. Third, slow residential growth by aggressively pursuing open space acquisitions in a more creative fashion than in the past, to include the acquisition of conservation and/or antidevelopment easements, for instance, rather than always acquiring property outright.

Answer 2: As chair of the council, the skill I have found most useful is my ability to bring parties to a consensus. More generally, I believe that through my two “careers,” as an attorney and as a Marine Corps officer, I have developed the right mixture of education, experience, common sense, fairness, and willingness to listen with an open mind, all of which support my ability to bring people to consensus.

Answer 3: The Board of Education and district administration must work more cooperatively with the three entities that are tasked with balancing education requests against competing town needs and fiscal realities: the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, and the Legislative Council. While I recognize that the Board of Education and district administration are advocates for the educational system first, there has to be recognition that the other town bodies have more general duties and responsibilities and need both full information and cooperation to do their jobs effectively as well. I specifically suggest that the Board of Education and district administration negotiate more favorable labor contracts; if these two consult the other three entities before commencing contract negotiations, as is actually required by state statute in certain instances, they could come away better prepared for each negotiation. Finally, there will have to be an acceptance of the need for prioritization and connectivity with regard to capital projects, i.e., if one project exceeds costs, the consequence will likely be a scaling back and/or a delay of other projects.

Answer 4: It is important to remember that the FHA, an appointed board, is, per its enabling state legislation and the Fairfield Hills Master Plan, merely the implementer or administrator of that master plan, not the interpreter or modifier of that plan. The plan was the product of a lengthy, public process. The members of Fairfield Hills Authority should implement the plan as quickly as logistics and financial capabilities allow. The plan already suggests an appropriate balance between commercial and other activities. Should it become necessary to revisit the plan, then the Fairfield Hills Authority is certainly free to recommend changes to the appropriate elected bodies.

Answer 5: Because the most recent charter changes were drafted under the assumption that all would be passed, some confusion was created by the adoption of only a portion of those changes. Specifically, the powers between the Board of Finance and the Legislative Council need to be clarified. In my opinion, the two bodies have functioned very well together but that is probably attributable to the personnel more than the rules, so to speak.

 

D – JAMES A. SHPUNT, SR

Answer 1: The most critical government matter that is brought to my attention by the citizens of Newtown is the ever-increasing taxes in town. This town has to find ways to offset the rising taxes by reducing spending without reducing the services provided by the town. The selectman’s budget and the Board of Education’s budget need to be scrutinized by the appropriate committees and reduced so taxes in town don’t drive out the young couples and senior citizens. I am currently on the Finance Subcommittee for the Legislative Council and if I’m reelected I plan to remain on this subcommittee and do my part to keep taxes in line.

Answer 2: What I bring to the table is town experience. I’m a lifelong resident of Newtown where I’ve volunteered my time to many different organizations. I previously was the athletic director at a boys’ club, SAC; I was on the board of directors at Newtown Youth Services; I’m a 39-year volunteer with the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company; and I’ve spent the last two years on the Legislative Council. I feel this Newtown experience makes me qualified as a candidate for the Legislative Council where I can best serve the community because I know so much about the community.

Answer 3: First of all I feel the 70 cents of every tax dollar spent on education is right in line with the surrounding communities. Better administration of these funds is something that won’t happen overnight but I feel it’s headed in the right direction. The Board of Education is doing better negotiating the contracts with the school workers but many factors including state regulations limit their outcome.

The other half of the picture has to do with the amount of schools, the size of those schools, and the upkeep of all these buildings. All buildings need to be utilized to their fullest and kept up to the standards set forth by federal and state regulations. A better understanding of the budget process for repair and new work is essential to keep the school system running smoothly. The Board of Education, the Finance Committee, and the Legislative Council need to work together as a team to better administer the town’s tax dollars.

District 3

CHALLENGERS

 

D – DANIEL C. ROSENTHAL

Answer 1: By all accounts Newtown has experienced an enormous amount of residential growth in the past decade. I think we can all agree we like what the real estate boom has done to our property values but at the same time we are aware of the strain this growth has put on the town’s ability to provide services to the community. As Newtown continues to grow I think the most important governmental issue facing the town is how we continue to balance the diverse needs of the community while controlling the upward movement in property taxes. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s an issue that we can solve immediately but, if I am elected to be a member of the Legislative Council, I will be diligent and remain sensitive to needs of the community and our ability to pay. I would also be supportive of tax relief programs that are currently in place to keep the town’s senior citizens from being marginalized and forced out of town because of the tax burden.

Answer 2: I think the single biggest skill I bring to the table is my ability to keep an open mind and not prejudge an idea. As a former member of the Legislative Council I don’t think I was universally liked by all of my fellow members, but I think most would say that I kept an open mind and was respectful different opinions. I am also not afraid to be a dissenting voice if necessary. I have lived in Newtown nearly all of my life and am raising my own family in town so I plan on being here for a long time and want to contribute as much as I can to benefit the community.

Answer 3: I don’t see the education portion of the annual budget getting smaller and I am concerned about the year-over-year increase in the budget. I’ve benefited from my education in Newtown schools and I want my children to have the same experience. However, I think many parents in town share my opinion that they are concerned about the annual budget increases and what they mean to their property tax bill. People need to express their views to the Board of Education in order to help them better prioritize not only the larger capital improvement projects but also the smaller items that in aggregate are large part of the overall budget. Unless we are vocal about what is and is not important we make the board’s job next to impossible.

Answer 4: Now that the Fairfield Hills Authority has been legally established I would like to see them follow the previously established master plan, which balances commercial and recreational utilization of the facilities there. I favored the creation of the authority and expect that its members will be open to public input as they implement the approved plan.

Answer 5: I was a member of the Legislative Council when the last revision to the town charter took place in 2001 and unfortunately I don’t consider it one of the highlights of my tenure. Because of an error regarding the effective date of the charter changes, I supported rejecting the Charter Revision Commission’s proposals for reconsideration after the 2001 election. Unfortunately, despite the problem with the effective date members of the commission petitioned the public and had the proposals placed on the November 2001 ballot. The public then approved a few of the changes and rejected several others, which led to some redundancies and inefficiencies in the current charter. As a result, I would like to see a new Charter Revision Commission fix the gaps. In addition, last spring the town attempted to get its bond rating upgraded and unfortunately after several previously successful attempts, the request was denied. According to the rating agency, the town was rejected because of the lack of a provision in the charter allowing us to manage our annual surplus. Rating agencies like to see towns have more flexibility in how they manage their finances. I’m not advocating we use surpluses for anything but offsetting taxes, but upgrades in the town’s credit rating are important as we should not be unnecessarily paying more to borrow.

 

R – A. JEFFREY CAPeCI

Answer 1: The most critical governmental issue Newtown faces is controlling development. We have seen much of our open space developed while our government officials struggle to keep pace with the added burden to our public infrastructure. In the coming years, important decisions will be made that will have a lasting affect on Newtown. The development of Fairfield Hills, expansion of the high school, and modernization of older schools are all on the table. Careful, well thought out decisions are necessary to ensure that these projects are completed successfully. New, creative thinking will be needed to accomplish them without overburdening the taxpayer. Newtown has maintained an excellent credit rating that saves us considerable dollars each year on debt service. A mistake on any one of these projects could threaten our good name. Such a blunder would put us behind the curve at a time when we need to be able to act on the decisions that come through careful planning.

Answer 2: The skill I have found to be most useful in my career is my methodical approach to problem resolution. I am an engineer through education and experience. My education taught me how to reason, experience has taught me to ask questions and that understanding a problem is the first step in its resolution. Both have taught me to analyze complex issues by breaking them into smaller, easier problems to understand, proposing solutions then finally resolving them. The careful weighing of the risks and benefits of multiple possible solutions will ultimately lead to the right decision. This approach has served me well throughout my career. The combination of my talent for problem analysis with my communication skills will allow me to work with the other council members to devise and implement reasonable solutions to the matters that will that face Newtown in the coming years.

Answer 3: Over the years, monies are put into the education budget for programs designed to fix one problem or remedy another. Once an item finds its way into the budget, regardless of its merit, is rarely removed. As this continues year after year, budgets grow and grow. Do not misunderstand me, I am the father of two children in our school system and education is extremely important to me, but I also know that proper fiscal management will make money go a lot farther and educate more minds. I believe all line items should be reviewed annually. If the empirical evidence that an item is living up to its intended purpose does not exist, that item should be eliminated. I also believe that with a budget as large as Newtown’s, new programs can be funded in part by efficiencies gained in other areas. I will use my savvy to find places in the system where technology can be used to realize such savings.

Answer 4: The Fairfield Hills Authority has the power to “implement the master plan for development of Fairfield Hills campus adopted by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission on March 17, 2005.” Adherence to the master plan means that this balance is still largely in the hands of the residents of Newtown through our elected officials. I believe Fairfield Hills will play an important role in Newtown’s future. Its prospects will more than likely contain a mix all of these elements. The wrong type of commercial expansion could have undesirable affects on our town’s economy. I believe businesses that could tap the local, highly skilled talent pool would bring good jobs to our residents — who would love to eliminate the commute to lower Fairfield County — and stabilize our taxes at the same time. I also believe that a portion of this land must be reserved for public use including the expansion of our school system. Growth in Newtown is inevitable, property values continue to rise. The cost of acquiring a parcel of land large enough to build a school in ten to 15 years will be prohibitive.

Answer 5: Our charter embodies the rules by which our town is governed. Periodic changes to it can potentially make our government smarter, more efficient and more responsive to the people. One area I believe a Charter Revision Commission should investigate is the budget referendum process. More specifically, should the education budget be voted on separately from that of the Board of Selectmen? Currently the two budgets are closely intertwined and in some cases this makes sense. For example, in the procurement of health insurance, fuel oil, and office supplies, buying in large quantities saves the taxpayer money. In other cases, debt service for example, this may not be advantageous because it hides a significant portion of the dollars spent on education in a line item separate from the Board of Education budget. Separating the two would require considerable deliberation. If a Charter Revision Commission could show proof that severing these two budgets would result in a higher level of accountability on behalf of both branches of government without compromising efficiencies, I would be in favor of such a change.