Candidate Profile: Ross Carley, Newtown Planning & Zoning Commission

NEWTOWN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Newtown and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Newtown Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Democrat Ross Carley is running for election to the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission.

Education.

Bassick High School, Bullard Havens Tech., Certifications from Zenger Miller Business Management, University of New Haven business, University of Wisconsin for Documentation Management and Land Use Certification from State of Conn. through the University of Conn.

What is your occupation?

I am presently retired after spending 40 years with several corporations in Documentation Services Management.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I have been married for 46 years to my wife Geraldine. She is also retired after spending 35 years as an elementary school teacher and a Middle School Librarian. We have two children. Our son Christopher has been teaching AP Chemistry and Physics at the High School level for more than ten years. Our daughter Lindsay was a corporate level marketing manager for many years and is presently a mother and working as a Para in elementary education. We also have one grouchy orange cat named Koa.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I was appointed to The Commission on Aging and served three years as co-chair. For five years I served as a member of The Lake Lillinonah Authority. I am presently serving as Chairman with The Fairfield Hills Authority.(FHA) I am finishing nearly 15 years elected to The Zoning Board of Appeals to pursue an elected position on The Planning and Zoning Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?

I feel I can bring a great deal of experience to the Board. My years of experience while serving on the ZBA, FHA and being certified by the State of Ct. Land Use have given me a substantial background and qualities for this task. In all these roles I worked closely with Newtown Land Use and developers. I also feel I have a good understanding of the state and town Statutes, Regulations and Ordinances. If I have any questions I know where to find the answers. I also feel I can serve without any bias or obligation to any group or organization. The Zenger Miller principle holds true here. "Focus on the situation, and the issue. Maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of others. Maintain constructive relationships."

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The impact of development on the land and the streets of Newtown. The Town of Newtown occupies the third largest land mass of any town or city in the state of Ct. Our access to major highways and our approximation to large cities and transportation make us a great candidate for overdevelopment. We must be always aware of what's in the best interest of the residents in deciding what is the proper balance. The balance being that of building while maintaining Newtown's heritage of open space. Traffic, as it stands, already is a major concern of many residents.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I feel I bring years of experience and the required state certification needed to be qualified to serve in this position.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

With the pretext of this Board virtually being a new slate of members I can only say that few members past and present would meet my commitment to the tasks at hand.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

With the changing of the seasons I would like to get the Food Pantry and fuel subsidy programs more support for the vital works they perform.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I bring many years of service in multiple capacities for the Town of Newtown. As stated earlier, I've devoted nearly fifteen years to the ZBA. Additionally, I have contributed ideas as to the funding and expansions of the original Senior Center. Furthermore, I have given input to the design and development of our present Community Center. And, finally, I have devoted many hours and research into the incorporation of businesses on the Fairfield Hills Campus.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Can't is a word that is foe to ambition. An enemy ambushed to shatter your will. Its prey is forever the man with a mission and bows but to courage and patience and skill. Hate it with hatred that's deep and undying. For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man. Whatever the Goal you are seeking.....keep trying... and answer this demon by saying....I CAN " (Edgar Guest)

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a person of principle and fairness. I will always view both sides of any issue placed before me without prejudice or predetermination.