Patch Candidate Profile: Dan Cruson​, Newtown First Selectman.

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.

Democrat Dan Cruson, 40, is running for election as Newtown first selectman.

Education.

Bachelors of Science in Computer Science from SUNY Oswego

What is your occupation?

I have been a web developer and owner of CrusonWeb for 10 years

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

Wife – Bethany Cruson
Children – Daniel (13) and Nicholas (10)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I have spent just over 7 years as a member of the Newtown Board of Education

Why are you seeking this office?

I was born and raised in Newtown and see this as an opportunity to give back to the entirety of my hometown in a meaningful way. I have an appreciation of where Newtown has been, and a vision of where Newtown can go in the future so that we as a community can progress without losing our heritage and charm.

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

Division. As a town we have become increasingly divided by political issues, many brought into our town from a national stage. As an open minded individual that appreciates ideas and concerns that come from any of my neighbors, I wish to bring us back together as a community. Only by working together collaboratively can we then address the myriad of local issues that we need to be focused on, such as streets, schools, security and smart development.

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

I have had a variety of different experiences throughout my life. I have:

* Owned two small businesses which requires management and financial skills.
* Been a web site developer which requires problem solving skills, time management and the ability to respond quickly to critical situations
* Worked for the New York State Department of Health which required a knowledge of government relations and I learned a lot about FOIA
* Been a member of the Newtown Board of Education which allowed me to develop skills in large scale budgeting, policy development and governance
* Am an Eagle Scout where I learned leadership and teamwork

I also have an open mind, I love to be able to collaborate with others even if they have differing opinions to my own. I have done so in many circumstances and have even had my mind changed through the process of open and honest dialogs with others.

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

I have been talking a lot about streets, schools, security and smart development while canvassing throughout Newtown. I am taking in a lot from these conversations and while I have not been presented with an issue I wasn't aware of, I have heard some new perspectives on potential solutions to them. We certainly have resources in town that can be better utilized, and we need to develop a vision of what we, as a community, want Newtown to look like in the future. With that we can expand Newtown AND preserve what makes our town special when discussing new businesses or new projects.

We also need to make sure that we are keeping an eye on our existing infrastructure, and making sure it is prepared to support Newtown moving forward. I am committed to an analysis of our resources, including those of our first responders, to ensure that we continue to have a high level of service.

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

* I have successfully run two businesses, both through the pandemic.
* I have been on the Board of Education of just over 7 years, and during that time have stepped up many times, including as a member of almost every subcommittee at one time or another. I participated in the Start Time Committee, Transportation Task Force, multiple hiring committees (including for our Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), and contract negotiations. I have also been a part of the budget development process every year, with our budget being over twice the size of the town budget.
* I helped to form Cub Scout Pack 470 and acted as the Committee Chair for 2 years.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To make sure that any decisions I make are true to what I believe

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

I am seeking the position of First Selectman so that I can work for all Newtown residents. I want to be a part of making Newtown the best it can be since it has been a huge part of my entire life. I am open to all discussions, having people share their concerns, and having my mind changed.