Newtown Candidate Profile: Andrew T. Garthwait For Zoning Appeals

NEWTOWN, CT — The 2019 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.

Andrew T. Garthwait is running for Zoning Board of Appeals as a Republican. His grandfather Robert Campbell held a seat on the NEwtown Zoning Board of Appeals many years ago. Garthwait is a senior business development manager at United Parcel Service.

Are you running for office in Newtown? Contact Rich Scinto at rich.scinto@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Newtown Patch.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I believe the state's fiscal issues affecting our town need to be limited, and we need to take steps to shield our residents from further afflictions. I believe we need to focus our priorities on public safety, education, roads, senior citizens and conservative commercial development to retain the charm of Newtown.

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

I am confident we have an outstanding group of individuals positioning themselves as candidates for the Zoning Board of Appeals. As a third generation Newtowner I am very passionate about my hometown, I can recall my experiences growing up in our small charming town making lots of memories, and I want that same for the youth of our town.

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

I have an incredible work ethic, which I inherited from my Mom who raised my sister and myself as a single parent in Newtown working multiple jobs to support us. I view myself as an
independent thinker, and I believe that reflects in my successful career to date with multiple Fortune 500 companies.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

The best piece of advice ever imparted to me comes from my Mom, Deb Cody when I was a boy making mistakes, she would say " what you do is a reflection of your family, and the people you love most". As a parent of two young children, I want them to know what you say and do everyday matters, and even the smallest gestures of kindness can have a significant impact on others around them.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a passionate third generation Newtown resident with two young children growing up in town. I would like an opportunity to provide my background of expertise to help make the difficult decisions that must be made. I will take my time to be a problem solver, and be as prepared as possible by listening to all the points of view on any given issue presented.