Patch Candidate Profile: Bruce Walczak​, Newtown Board of Education

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.

Bruce Walczak, 76, is running for election to the Newtown Board of Education as an Independent.

Education.

Liberal Arts Degree, Colgate University, economics major

What is your occupation?

Owner Relocation Consulting Firm, 23 years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My Wife Holly, Abe 52, Ian 49 and Cathlin 46

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Elected to the Police Commission 2008 four year term, twice a member of the Economic Development Commission currently a member, and Business Advisory Committee, Current

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking the vacant seat on the Board of Education because I believe it has become unnecessarily partisan and as an Independent I can represent all points of view. National politics have no place on the BOE

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

maintaining and improving Newtown's excellent school system, and I will always promote our children's ability to development to their fullest potential while also striving to represent their parents' best interest, and keeping focus on the schools' budgets.

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

I have a deep rooted commitment to Newtown fostered by being a 33 year resident and a long list of elected, appointed and volunteer organizations I participated on. I believe Newtown is a highly functioning and participating community that can always be improved. It's not broken it's flourishing. I am independent of the major parties and make decisions based on the merit of the issue, not party positions.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The incumbents, who were appointed not elected, may not too fully understand the deep traditions of Newtown, traditions that have made it a very successful community with excellent schools and well managed expenses. Newtowners are proud of their community, they don't think it's broken, and support continuing to improve it, not radical change.

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

Parent participation is to be encouraged while respecting the expertise of the administration, teacher and staff. We need to listen carefully and then act to achieve the greatest outcomes for our children and resident taxpayers. .

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

I have managed multi million dollar companies, including product development sales and operations. I'm familiar with the budgetary process. My extensive community involvement in elected and appointed boards and commissions enables me to understand the wants and needs of the community. I approach issues with an open mind and will not come to the Board of Education with any agenda except helping the students flourish.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Keep an open mind, listen to others, don't assume you have the answers until you have explored and evaluated all options.

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

I believe in putting "Service above Self". One of my most gratifying organizations I am involved with is The Newtown Lions Club, of which I was President and currently Vice President of Operations.