Joseph Hemingway

Democrat, District 2

Personal Info: 10 Overlook Knoll. Project Manager for Worth Construction Company, Inc in Bethel, 11 years. Member, Charter Revision Commission, 2000-2001. Newtown Economic Development Commission since 1999. Newtown PTA Council president since 1998.

What personal qualities do you have that you believe will benefit the Legislative Council? — I believe that I am a reasonable and rational person, able to see all sides of an issue. I have been involved in Newtown in many different aspects, from the Economic Development Commission to the Charter Revision Commission and numerous endeavors involving education and the school system, as well as Parks and Recreation. I also have experience with budgets and contracts through my professional experience that will serve me well in the work on town budgets and ordinances.

What will be the council’s biggest challenge in the next two years? — The council’s biggest challenge over the next two years will be the creation of budgets that will meet all of the town’s needs, as well as the school system’s needs, which continue to increase as Newtown’s population continues to increase. The expenditures involved with Fairfield Hills will need to be monitored as well. This will be a challenge to the council, along with helping with decisions as to exactly how to develop Fairfield Hills. Do we use a developer? Do we develop it ourselves? I believe my experience in construction and renovation would be useful in assisting with these decisions.

Do you favor economic development at Fairfield Hills, or should the campus be used solely for municipal purposes? — I definitely favor economic development at Fairfield Hills. I don’t mean that it should be turned into an industrial park, but there is enough room and usable buildings at Fairfield Hills to meet all of Newtown’s municipal needs, including Police Department, town offices, additional fields, and still leave room for open space and economic development. Reasonable economic development, such as corporate campus, professional offices, technologies, shops, restaurants, etc.

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? – I served on the Charter Revision Commission, and I am hoping I won’t be able to serve if it is reappointed because I will be serving on the council. I have already informed Herb Rosenthal that I would be willing to reappoint the commission to bring the changes back should it be defeated. The proposed changes are good changes, and it is unfortunate that the 30-day implementation is what is being voted on. I’ve talked to many people who are in favor of the changes but don’t like the 30 days, and I have also spoken to many people who like the changes and don’t really have a problem with the 30 days. I understand both sides, and I don’t know what the outcome will be, but if it is defeated I feel it will be because of the 30 days, so if reappointment will help it pass, I am for it.