Patch Candidate Profile: Brian Leonardi, Newtown P & Z Commission

NEWTOWN, CT — The 2023 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.

Vice president, associate general counsel, and chief of staff for Sompo International Holdings Ltd., Brian Leonardi, 40, is running for election to the Planning & Zoning Commission in Newtown as a Republican. He holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Juris Doctor from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. He has been married to Elena for 11 years, and the couple has two daughters, 9 and 7.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes, I am currently an alternate commissioner on Newtown's Planning & Zoning Commission, having been elected in November 2021.

Why are you seeking this office?

First, I think it's important to give back to your community, and this is my way of being able to do so. Just as importantly, I really enjoy the land use work that the Commission handles. As Commissioners, we have the ability to shape the future of our town. This is a big responsibility and I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to that work.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the upcoming review and update to Newtown's Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). The POCD is updated once a decade and sets out our vision for the future of Newtown. Alongside our zoning regulations, the POCD guides the Commission's review of every application brought before it. I intend to use my professional experience, as well as the challenges and opportunities identified during my time as an alternate Commissioner, to thoughtfully approach the POCD review and ensure that it incorporates feedback from residents, property owners, and the Town. We can engage in responsible development while also maintaining our rural, small-town character.

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

Experience. During my current term as an alternate zoning commissioner, I've meaningfully contributed to some of the most contentious and high-profile applications brought before the Commission in recent memory. This has required me to dig deep into the facts surrounding each application and assess them against our regulations and the POCD. As with any application, failure to be detail oriented can result in long-lasting and irreversible consequences. I believe that I have excelled in this role, and look forward to building upon this experience for the benefit of Newtown if re-elected.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Recently, we've seen efforts by state representatives to remove local control of zoning matters. I think this would be disastrous for Newtown. Town residents know what's best for Newtown, not elected officials from other towns with no connection to the place we call home. If re-elected, I will continue to be a vocal and outspoken advocate for local control over Newtown's zoning matters.

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

I would encourage any voter to review my letter to the editor in the Newtown Bee following the vote on the Wharton Warehouse application. Regardless of whether you agree with my position (against the warehouse), you will be afforded the opportunity to understand the detailed approach I take in evaluating each and every application brought before the Commission.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Work hard. Stay humble.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm not running to advance my position in local political circles or to serve the whims of special interests. I'm running because I care about our town and community. I'd encourage any potential voter to contact the Land Use Office or other members of the Commission, regardless of political party, if they'd like information on my contributions to Newtown's Planning & Zoning Commission.