Newtown Election 2021 Profile: Chris Smith

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 several days, so check back often to see the latest.

Democrat Chris Smith, 53, is running for Legislative Council District 3 in Newtown.

Occupation: Svp Insurance And Risk Management

Family: Married to Heather Smith for 26 Years Two Daughters age 22 and 18.

Experience: Legislative Council District 3

Family in government: No

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

We don't have one single most pressing issue. My experience has shown me that there are a multitude of small points that make a huge difference in our lives. From approving $100K ask for contingency on for special education, to approving the CIP for roads, to motioning and approving a year where we will not Bond any capital projects, and therefore save the town substantial dollars. I highlight these points because it requires an open mind on all points. Yes I support Board of Ed and the Town services, but we need to provide due diligence in all aspects. I have exhibited these traits over the last four years and want to continue that input. I strongly supported the special education contingency and the schools ended up needing those funds. I also brought the motion to the Council to have our unbonded year for CIP projects. I will continue to bring that attention to detail and look for areas where we can make a difference.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am not a one issue person. Being that way does not allow for open discussion of points are positive debate over issues. There are only 12 members to the council and we have to be open to hearing the points being made. We represent all of Newtown and need to look for everyone's best interest. Not just one group or one political position.

Accomplishments:

I think three points help highlight this: 1) As mentioned above I voted for the 100K special education contigency. In the overall scheme of our budget, 100K is almost a rounding number. But in terms of it's impact on individuals it is substantial! The special education side of the BOE budget has seen the most increase over the last few years and represents close tou $11M in total. Those are significant, but also very difficult to budget since the per pupil charge can be anywhere from $20K - $250K. Asking for the contingency made sense and would have a direct influence on individuals. There were folks that voted this request down and fight against any BOE request. I will not be that peson 2) I really dive into the Capital Improvement Plan budget every year. Outside of Town Services and the School, the CIP represents some of the most significant costs, but also areas of improvement in the town. Every year we look ahead 5 years and plan/adjust where the town will invest our tax dollars. In 2024, we will have a completely un-bonded year. This means the town will not use bonds for any Capital Expenditure. This "Bond-Free" year will have significant savings. I was the legislative council member to push this motion for this motion. While it required the town to re-adjust the timing of other CIP items, it made financial sense and will bring substantial savings to the town. 3) My participation in the Ordinance Committee. I was a strong proponent of the plastic bag ban. After reviewing the research I actively worked with the Chariman and the rest of the committe in preparing materials and working thorugh our due-diligence to get that passes. This issue had direct affect on our town. I am currently doing this again with the current "Open-Carry on Town Property" ban that is up for review with the Ordinance committee. Many people might be surprised that we don't currently have a ban in Newtown of all towns, but it is true. I have been working with the other committee members to help continue that due-diligence review a put an ordinance in place that satisfies both sides of this issue. I feel there is an opportunity for that to happen. Unfortunately, and this ordinance review will have to continue into next year so I hope to be re-elected so I can continue pushing for this and other ordinance's that make our town a better place to live.

Other issues:

Our town has done very well over the last four years, in some of the hardest environments. For the past two cycles, in particular, we have been able to hold the town mill rate to almost no increase while still holding sevices steady. This is because of the prudent analysis of budgets, and while also being open minded to what the town needs. I will continue to work towards these goals. I am a strong supporter of the mission of our Schools to drive students to excel and provide safe and secure facilities and curriculm to accomplish that. I look forward to continuing oversight and financial due-diligence on all activities. The legislative council members are really the stewards of the town and we need to make sure that the area of budget and town investment continue to make sense.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have enjoyed working on the council these last four years and look forward to continuing to help the council make prudent and needed decisions. I am very proud to be joined by two additional Democratic Candidates and Michelle Ku and Alison Plante who bring diversity and amazing experience to the platform. I know the three of us can make a difference and I hope you will cast your vote for the three of us.