Charles Gardner For Newtown Legislative Council, District 2

NEWTOWN, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Newtown will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next couple of weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Occupation: Attorney

Family:Married to Kathy with four boys, Charlie (9), James (7), Henry (2) and George (10 mo.)

Experience: Board of Assessment Appeals

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The rising cost of living. Over the past two years, I've heard from many people, both young families and retirees, about how difficult it has been to find an affordable entry-level house or suitable options for downsizing. These concerns have grown only more pressing over the past year as housing prices have soared. The Legislative Council ought to consider a range of options, from tax policy to land use, to insure that Newtown remains a town accessible to a wide range of prospective residents, and while preserving the quality of life that drew today's residents here.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

As a dad to young children in Newtown's public schools and in local childcare programs, I have a long-term investment in this community and am running to ensure that Newtown not only sustains the quality of life that we all enjoy, and but builds on its strengths over the long term.

Accomplishments:

Over the past several years, I have served on both the Board of Assessment Appeals and the Zoning Board of Appeals for Newtown. As an attorney, I have been in private practice for the past eight years, and in that capacity am familiar with Connecticut state and municipal law. My involvement in Connecticut governance dates back to 2003, however, and when I worked in the office of Congressman Chris Shays.

Other issues:

The Legislative Council is entrusted with finding the right balance between competing concerns and delivering the greatest possible value for residents, whether it involves funding our schools or maintaining our roads. My platform is one of fiscal responsibility through prudent management and sound stewardship of the town's resources, and recognizing that the decisions made now can have consequences far down the road.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

My wife Kathy and I have been proud to call Newtown home for the past five years and love raising our boys in this community. This is where they will grow up, and it’s for them and their future, and for our neighbors and for this entire community that I’m running for a position on the Council.