Newtown Candidate Profile: Ryan Knapp For Legislative Council

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.

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.

Ryan Knapp is running for Legislative Council as a Republican. He is a lead design engineer and has more than six years of experience on the council.

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

Remaining competitive while being cognizant of the financial pressures on our already struggling residents. I intent to continue to scrutinize every expense to ensure Newtown residents
get the most value for every dollar of tax revenue they give the Town. We cannot price ourselves out of the market like some high mil rate communities have.

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

People who know me cite my preparedness and resultant insights, also my objectivity and willingness to ask the difficult, but necessary, questions

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

I am not a challenger, but I am in the minority and while I respect my peers, believe the majority has not prioritized areas we should be focusing on for the greatest benefit in our community.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I have been focused on Debt, being a welcoming and livable community for our seniors, right sized government and responsible economic development.

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

Six budgets passed on the first referendum, multiple ordinances passed as Chairman of the Ordinance Committee, pushed Debt Policy changes to drive reductions in borrowing.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Question everything, there is always a better way.

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

I grew up in Sandy Hook, I love this community and purchased a home here. I care about the long term success and viability of Newtown.