Occupation: I spent 20 years running agencies for the handicapped, and another 20 years in the insurance field. I came out of retirement for the third time seven years ago, and now I run a small service business providing care for household pets and another one for horses and barn animals in Newtown and surrounding towns. I own Professional Barn Care and Professional House Sitters and Professional Barn Care Group with my friends Kathy and Dave Miranti. We provide all kinds of services, like feeding, stall cleaning, grooming, cleaning tack, washing blankets and pads, and barn and fence repair, mainly to horse owners.

Family: I have a son, Paul, in New York State, who is managing a warehouse. My daughter, Joan, is in East London, South Africa. She’s a health care provider doing a special project on AIDS. She adopted two children there, so I have two grandchildren, Adam and Maya.

Pets: I don’t have any now, but when the kids were growing up we had a dachshund, Heidi. And my daughter was always bringing home kittens from her friend’s house. Growing up in New Hampshire, I raised rabbits and chickens.

Where do you live? I have lived in Trumbull since 1965, but I spend most of my time in Newtown caring for the horses and dogs and other pets. At any one time, I probably am taking care of about 15 barns in Newtown.

What is your favorite part of your job? I think the fact that you’re on your own and with the animals. I take care of donkeys, goats, dogs, horses, and all kinds of creatures. They become friendly with you. The other day, I got a little “hug” from a horse. I’ve always loved animals, and believe it or not, mucking stalls is very therapeutic. This is the most satisfying job I’ve had.

What do you like to do in your free time? Working seven days a week, I don’t have much free time, but I like to read, and I like to play Pinochle with my friends. I watch the Huskies basketball teams and I don’t like to miss Antiques Roadshow. I also like to write on political issues, stressing conservative principles.

Do you have a favorite book? I try to read the Bible every day. But I like mysteries and thrillers and spy novelists like Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Margaret Truman, John Grisham, and Mary Higgins Clark. I enjoy reading historical novels and think that Newt Gingrich writes exciting novels on the American Revolution.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? The White Mountains in New Hampshire. They’re majestic and close to home. I’ve been familiar with them since growing up. I like to hike and fish there.

What is the best thing about Newtown? A major attraction is its scenic beauty of woods, pastures, and dirt roads. There is a great view of the flagpole, the Meeting House and the hills beyond from the top of Castle Hill. And, of course, the many horses and barns in town add to the nostalgia of this historic community. The people of Newtown are warm and friendly and the town is blessed with many great historical architectural treasures.

Do you have a hero? In addition to Biblical heroes like Daniel, David, and Paul, Ronald Reagan is a favorite hero of mine. I have come to appreciate more and more his vision and how he used his leadership skills to benefit America at a critical time in the country’s history.

Do you have a personal philosophy? Mine is a Biblical-based personal faith that God is creator, sustainer, and the best hope for man. I am a staunch believer that conservative principles and the capital free market system are vital to a vibrant democracy that benefits everyone.

What is the most important lesson you have learned? Humility. I learned it through adverse experience. Instead of trying to get somebody else to solve my problems, I had to take responsibility myself, and that was pretty humbling.