Newtown Election: Chris Gardner, Legislative Council, District 1

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 Gardner, 50, is running for Legislative Council, District 1 in Newtown.

Occupation: Director Of Communications, Yale Department Of Psychiatry, Yale School Of Medicine

Family: Wife, Kathleen Son, Andrew, 20 Daughter, Caroline, 16

Experience: Newtown Board of Finance, One Term; Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses, 8 years; Senior Burgess, Borough of Newtown, and 2 years

Family in government: No

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

Balancing investments in our schools and town services with our taxpayers' ability to pay. Long term financial planning is critical to controlling tax increases while ensuring that our schools are properly funded and that no municipal services are sacrificed. The Board of Finance of which I am a member has prioritized longer term planning as it forecasts major expenditures and their possible impact on our mil rate. As a member of the Legislative Council I would like to work cooperatively with other boards in town, including the Board of Education and Board of Finance, and to understand our financial liabilities so we can better manage our expenses and not incur "surprises" that will cause the mil rate to suddenly spike.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

My experience serving in government for both the Town of Newtown and Borough of Newtown is my greatest asset. I grew up in Newtown and have the benefit of institutional knowledge of our great community. I listen before I speak, I respect everyone's viewpoint, and I greatly value the power of collaboration to get things done. We may not always agree but by working together and compromising we can continue to move Newtown forward for the next generation.

Accomplishments:

I was a member of the elected team that worked together to reduce taxes the past two years while maintaining our quality schools and continuing to invest in our community. It took careful attention to detail and planning but we accomplished something that I believe has benefited every citizen in Newtown. Professionally, when I worked as a journalist and covered municipal governments in Connecticut, and I was twice recognized by New England's largest press organization for uncovering wasteful spending in municipal government. I have been a member of and chaired Boards of Directors and have enjoyed working with other volunteers to promote the great work of these organizations.

Other issues:

Quality schools, supporting our hard working and dedicated teachers and municipal employees, expressing appreciation to the numerous volunteers (including first responders) who are the backbone of our community, maintaining health and safety, and continuing to invest in infrastructure so it doesn't cost us more if it is neglected

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I take pride in our town flagpole on Main Street and work diligently to keep it clean and well maintained as Newtown's "Keeper of the Flag." I am completely invested in Newtown having grown up here and returned with my wife to raise our family. It would be my distinct honor to serve on the Legislative Council.