Patch Candidate Profile: Chris Smith​, Newtown Legislative Council

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.

Chris Smith, 55, is running for re-election to the Legislative Council representing District 3, as a Democrat.

Education.

Bachelor of Science - Marketing

What is your occupation?

Senior Vice President - Insurance and Risk Management Broker for over three decades

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

Wife of 28 years, and two daughters.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes - two previous terms on Legislative Council.

Why are you seeking this office?

I truly enjoy helping the town review and manage its budgets and listening to, and acting on, suggested changes that will help the town grow and be more open, inclusive and safe.

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 consistently facing Newtown over the years has been bringing a balanced, responsible approach towards budgets and issues and not allowing national politics and platforms to take over. Town issues need to be focused on what's best for constituents as a whole, not for singular groups. Education, town services, and responsible financing are first and foremost. As a Legislative Council member, I will bring an open mind to every budget, making sure decisions are thought out and are not shortsighted or short term and help out the town as a whole.

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

Experience is the biggest difference. We are experiencing a lot of turn-over this election cycle and the Legislative Council will need members that understand the process and have been through the Budget cycles and know the key points and questions to focus on. My two previous terms will be invaluable.

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

We are experiencing enough turnover that you can't say any of the candidates are necessarily challenging incumbents. It's more about our views regarding the budgets for education and the town.

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

Balanced approach and experience are first and foremost.

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

Two prior terms on Legislative Council, previous member of the Conservation Commission, years of Scouting Volunteerism and Leadership as a trustee to the Unitarian Church in Danbury.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always listen to both sides of a point of view.