Patch Candidate Profile: Laura Miller, 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.

High school principal Laura Miller is running for election to the Newtown Legislative Council, representing District 1, as a Democrat.

Education.

I have a bachelor’s degree in English and a secondary teaching certificate. I also have a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado and a 6th year degree in Leadership and Educational Policy from Central Connecticut State University. I am currently enrolled in a doctoral program for an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on literacy.

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

Peter Schwarz and I have been married for 3 weeks--but together for almost 15. We have five children in our blended family: Grant, Chris, Eric, Caroline, and Lauren. We have one grandson, Benjamin, and one spoiled doggie, Chubbies.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

I am currently an elected member of the Board of Finance.

Why are you seeking this office?

Considering the diverse needs of our residents, I will bring strong advocacy and communication skills to the Legislative Council. I am a person who seeks collaboration through a solution-oriented lens. Our town needs elected officials who are willing to work with everyone, to consider all sides, and to offer balanced solutions to the issues facing our town. I am that person.

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

Newtown is facing an identity crisis of sorts. Our newer neighbors and our long-term residents have interests that need to be carefully considered and balanced. There is no one way to develop our town, but there are plenty of ways to create a future Newtown that we all have a place in.

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

I am a proven leader. I run a special education school with a multimillion dollar budget. My strengths are in establishing working systems that foster collaboration and positive outcomes. My creative solutions bring diverse needs together to create successes that everyone can be proud of. I am currently an elected member of the Board of Finance. This position has given me the municipal financial knowledge to position the Legislative Council to make sound decisions. I think that I am uniquely qualified to serve on the LC as an educator, administrator, and Board of Finance member.

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

While I may not handle each issue as my incumbents have, it is not up to me to point fingers at anyone who volunteers for our town. Despite the contentious book challenges and warehouse development issues, it was apparent that almost all of our elected officials carefully considered their positions and voted accordingly. Residents who disagreed with those officials will make themselves heard at the election.

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

I would like to see much more collaboration among our elected officials. Our town is facing economic and educational challenges. We need our elected members to find ways to meet our residents' needs together.

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

I have decades of experience working as a school leader and as a volunteer in town. I chaired the Newtown Youth and Family Services Board and the Holiday Festival--one year as both at the same time. I love our town and want to be a part of creating a future where all of us have a place.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Laughter is the best medicine.

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

I believe that I can make a difference in our community. Being an elected official and an educator are two of the best ways for me to contribute my time and skills.I hope voters will consider me for Legislative Council District 1.