Newtown Candidate Profile: Brynn Cullen For Assessment 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.

Brynn Cullen is running for Board of Assessment Appeals as a Democrat. She is a teacher and leader recruiter. Her previous experience includes being a study body association representative in law school and a representative of the West End Civic Association in Hartford.

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.

As a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals, I wouldn't have a sphere of influence beyond the cases that are brought to the board - and that's the way it should be. I intend to listen to every member of the community that needs the services of the board, and evaluate fairly and honestly on the merits of the case.

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

I have the background and education in law (reviewing evidence) and tax knowledge to approach this role as professionally as possible and make sure fairness and equity is always the outcome.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I think the current board has done a great job, but I do think we need to educate the public on the process for tax assessment appeals, so they don't feel discouraged or that they've wasted their time. Many of the appeals are denied, so something isn't being communicated about the process or the reasons for appeal approval.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

If elected, I'd create a user-friendly PDF or website for the residents of the town that would explain the reasons one might qualify for tax assessment reevaluation. It would list what you
need to bring with you to prove your case and how you can go about contacting the board. Transparency is key to our town's success.

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

I'm the first in my family to graduate from college and then went on to
graduate from UConn Law. I'm hardworking and passionate about fairness and equity.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Kindness costs nothing, and enriches your life as much as it does others.

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

Although I am somewhat new to the town, I am thrilled to finally own a home and get involved in my community.