Patch Candidate Profile: Heather Dean​, 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.

Preschool teacher Heather Dean is running for election to the Newtown Legislative Council, representing District 3, as a Democrat.

Education.

Master of Arts in Teaching

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

Together with my husband, Jeff, we have four adult children and eight grandchildren with one on the way.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Yes. I served as a Representative Town Meeting Member in Fairfield, CT, for seven terms.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I became involved in Newtown's politics when the Reusable Bag Ordinance was repealed, then decided to run for office after Newtown H.S. faced a book ban. It's important to support open minded thinking and problem solving.

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 unprecedented influence of outside sources that tries to impact our quality of life. I will work with like minded people to prevent policies from being passed, or repealed in some cases, that contradicts what's in our own best interest.

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

Before moving to Sandy Hook in 2022, I had 14+ years of experience serving on a local legislative body, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in Fairfield, CT, where I served on each of the five sub-committees (Finance, Legal & Administration, Education & Recreation, Public Works & Planning, and Public Safety). I understand the need to reach across the aisle to build concensus and move legislation forward.

During that time I also served on the Cultural Diversity Task Force and was heavily involved with creating our 1st townwide Cultural Diversity Night. Our task force spearheaded an event that invited local restaurants to open their doors to diverse groups of residents. With the support of trained moderators, these groups discussed our unique differences and how to work together towards the same goals. For those on a limited budget and without childcare, I opened my home for the same dicussions to allow familes with children to attend. It was hugely successful townwide, and I would work towards doing the same in Newtown.

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

The recent repeal of the Reusable Bag Ordinance is an example of how any current republican legislative council member who voted for this repeal has failed the community. While CT passed a similar law that superseded many local ordinances, repealing it locally was a waste of time and effort. Likewise, the local ordinance was a safety net in place should the state decide to repeal the law. Last, did any of the local Republican District 3 candidates, incumbents or not, speak out against the recent attempt to ban books in Newtown High School? While this may have been a Board of Education issue, it was a serious attempt to censor our freedom of speech and needed to be condemned by the town, not just the board of education. I was actively involved to protect our First Amendment.

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

My focus is working with fellow members and being prepared for meetings. If elected, I pledge to read the information provided, ask pertinent questions, find consensus and vote.

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

My past 14 years as a local legislator in Fairfield, my two years as a Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman and successful business owner for 19+ years is evidence of my ability to serve and handle this position.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

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

I'm approachable. If you have an idea and want someone to listen, reach out to me.