Patch Candidate Profile: Jim Landy​, 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.

Jim Landy, 49, is running for election to the Newtown Legislative Council, representing District 1, on the Republican ticket.

Education.

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), BS in Finance from Manhattan College

What is your occupation?

28+ years in Finance, Compliance and Investigations

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

My Wife, Bridget Landy, and Son, Liam Landy

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

n/a

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

I am currently a Board Member of the Fairfield Hills Commission in Newtown.

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?

My wife, son, and I moved to Newtown for its beauty, charm, and great schools. Long before moving here, we would enjoy walks along the Ram Pasture and Main Street. It always felt like home to us and since 2019 it has been, and so much more. I want to give back to our town, serve our community, and help it grow Effectively and Efficiently.

In 2021 I joined the Board of the Fairfield Hills Commission. I saw the value Fairfield Hills has for our town, and like everyone, am upset at its unused potential. I pushed for new businesses to move into Fairfield Hills, to develop and improve the Community Center, NYA, and NewSylum Brewery. Using my background, I investigated various businesses for financial viability. Looking past slanderous remarks from one potential business in particular, I shone a light on their inability to provide adequate funding that would have caused more debt to our town.

More needs to be done. Democrats are willing to TAKE AWAY more green spaces and affect the fragile ecosystem by building up new condominium developments between Castle Hill and Johnny Cake. Traffic will increase, while serenity decreases, at the expense of the beauty and charm that we work so hard to keep. This is an inefficient use of Newtown’s resources when we have a practical space in Fairfield Hills that is underutilized. We could keep taxes low, and increase our tax base by using what our investment was initially meant for, better housing opportunities for Seniors and people starting new jobs, exploring options for a Teen Center, as well as have a place for businesses to contribute to our community, all while keeping our green spaces green!

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

We need to act efficiently and effectively for the benefit of Newtown. In order for us to thrive in uncertain economic times, we need to better utilize our current land resources. Keeping taxes low can be done by increasing the tax base, but not at the expense of more traffic in green spaces. We need to be efficient in our planning, and effective in our decisions. Anxiety and hardship from increased taxes could be avoided by better development of Newtown's existing community space in Fairfield Hills and other existing commercial areas.

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

My background and years of experience in Finance, Compliance, and Investigations have made me more detail oriented, reviewing all facts and circumstances of the issues before making any determinations. I focus on the ultimate impact and decisions made for all involved rather than being swayed by party politics and special interest opinions.

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

I am happy to be a candidate for Legislative Council, District 1. If you give me the opportunity, I will work for you and the betterment of our community.

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

I will work on the problem of the amount of traffic in our town. We all enjoy Main Street, but traffic will only get worse if we do not plan ahead and ensure better business development in existing spaces. There is no reason why semi trucks should be traveling down neighborhood roadways.

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

I have lead teams that conduct intense investigations that have had real world consequences for Clients and Companies. I have faced many challenges and relied upon my own morals to do what is right and fair and kept inline with all financial regulations.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always be open to learn something new.

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

I love Newtown and would be honored to be elected to work for you.