Patch Candidate Profile: Derek Pisani, 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.

Before retiring, Derek Pisani, 66, spent over thirty years working in the financial sector in operations, compliance, contract negotiations, and operational due diligence. He celebrated his 33rd wedding anniversary with Domenica on Sept. 30. The couple has three children, all college graduates and educated through the Newtown School System. He holds a BM from Arizona University, an MM from New York University, and studied at the Julliard School with David Diamond.

He is seeking re-election to the Newtown Legislative Council for District 1 as a Republican.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have called Newtown my home for over twenty years and have always been extremely proud to announce that I am a part of our community. Before being appointed to the Legislative Council, I served the town on the Sustainable Energy Commission and have been active in town organizations and supported local businesses as dedicated member of the community. Although I have a Masters in Music I have spent the past thirty years in the financial sector where I oversaw various budgetary responsibilities, contract negotiations, due diligence, compliance, and operational duties while working my way up to becoming a Chief Operating Officer and a Chief Compliance Officer for multi million dollar hedge funds. It is with this unique background and experience that I feel will translate over nicely to benefit Newtown navigate the shifts in rural dynamics, cost of living keeping taxes down, common core education, and the infrastructure (traffic) challenges ahead. All issues that are extremely important to me.

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

The shift in rural dynamics.

People are opting to move away from big cities to smaller towns like Newtown. This shift is causing challenges such as increases in housing, the cost of living, and traffic congestion. Newtown needs to continue to improve its infrastructure while retaining the quaintness and comforts that define Newtown.

Education is another critical issue. My focus will be on keeping the taxes low, providing high-quality common core education, keeping current with technology, and making sure our children are well protected.

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

I consider myself conservative in every aspect whether it be morally or financially. When the "Book Challenge" reached the BOE's desk in Newtown, I spoke out against the inclusion of sexually explicit material in the Newtown Library but lost the argument to the democrats who sat on the BOE including Dan Cruson. Their liberal agenda put more value on the protection of the books than the endangerment of minors. I do not want Newtown's trajectory to head in this direction.

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

Two things: I have noticed the traffic pattern in Newtown has become very congested and will seek a way to improve that condition. I also want to preserve Newtown's quaintness and would thwart any projects that would endanger or stress our current natural resources.

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

After receiving my masters in music, I ended my career in the C-suite. By using my corporate experience and perspective when addressing how the town’s budgetary allocations are spent. Ultimately keeping the residents of Newtown best interests as the basis for all decisions. I am motivated by no other reason other than to help improve the quality of life here for all the good people of Newtown.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

A former boss once told me: "What gets measured, gets done". I also lean very heavily on Philippians 4:13

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

On a personal note: I have a passion for cooking, fishing is my favorite thing in the world to do (besides watching my twin boys play baseball when they were younger), I love to play chess, and am not against indulging in a nice bourbon and cigar on a rare occasion.

I would be honored to serve on the Legislative Council in District 1 for Newtown and humbly ask that you will vote for me. I am dedicated, prepared, and promise I will always keep the interests of the residents of Newtown first.