Patch Candidate Profile: Jill Soderholm, Newtown P&Z Alternate

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.

Jill Soderholm is running for election as Newtown Planning and Zoning Board alternate as a Democrat.

Education.

Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and Education, a Masters of Architecture and Regional Planning from California Institute of the Arts, an MBA in Finance from UCLA, and a Real Estate Finance Certification from NYU.

What is your occupation?

Global Corporate Real Estate Director

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

My family has lived in Fairfield County for five generations as active members of the community. Among many cousins, I am a very devoted aunt to a niece and nephew, born and raised in Redding.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

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

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking office because Newtown's most critical issue is the growth and development plan. Growth is inevitable and with purposeful direction, Newtown’s expansion will serve the varied interests of this community. The new Plan of Conservation and Development-POCD must thoughtfully address the apparent conflict between regional commercial and industrial growth, the local preservation of open space, and compatible residential affordability.

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 is growth management and development. I plan to ensure the broadest public participation in the development of our ten-year plan of conservation and development and manage economic development that diversifies our tax base while ensuring that Newtown remains affordable for the people who live and work here.

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

Thirty years of experience navigating the Planning and Zoning approval process and an understanding of competing economic pressures.

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

There have been no failures only challenges to the public hearing process

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

Satisfying public interests while fostering economic development

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

The completion of mixed-use master-planned development projects throughout the US, Asia, and South America, including California, New York, Florida

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do your homework and lead by example.

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

Do no harm to the environment as we grow and expand.