​Rich Townsend in his own words

I went to Stanford, served as a large company’s CFO, and spent 30-years raising a family committed to New Canaan.

If elected to New Canaan’s town council, I will protect our property values. That is the measure that I will use as we pick our priorities. If it helps, I am open to new ideas. But if it doesn’t, I’m not.

When we are focused on what matters, the market will respond. We can protect property values through strong schools, commuter convenience, and fiscal discipline.

• Each of New Canaan’s strong schools has enriched the lives of my children and grandchildren. We all benefit when families pick New Canaan for our teachers and schools.
• I commuted for many years. It is a long commute. But with a wife and kids on one end and a boss and colleagues on the other, a little time to read and nap was a positive change. Commuter convenience is why people have chosen New Canaan to raise their family for years. You can live in a small picture perfect New England town but work in the most exciting city in the world.
• Fiscal discipline is not just about saving money (although I love saving money). It is about forcing tough choices to focus our limited resources on what we value most.

I commit to protecting property values through strong schools, commuter convenience, and fiscal discipline for the next four years, as I have been committed to our town for the last thirty years.

We all want what is best for New Canaan. I know, I see you support our churches, our library, at the Community Foundation, at Habitat projects, at Rotary, just to name a few. You give generously to our town because you love it.

Town Council’s role is limited, but within those limits, it is important to me that it serves its role efficiently and faithfully, so our taxpayers’ dollars are put to their best use.

I will look out for taxpayers. Money saved on taxes in New Canaan often ends up supporting local services. I know what my neighbors do with that money. They help my 94 year old mom at Waveny and my 3 year old grandson at Nature Center.

If chosen, my role on the council will be modest, but it matters. I will listen and learn. As with family, church, and business, I will be a faithful steward of your trust.