Candidate Profile: Brian Leonardi For Newtown Legislative Council District 1

NEWTOWN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name: Brian Leonardi

What office are you seeking? Legislative Council District 1

What town do you live in? Newtown

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Attorney (12 years experience)

Family: My wife, Elena, and daughters, Avianna and Marcella.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No other family members work in politics or government.

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes. I previously served a two year term on Newtown's Planning & Zoning Commission, and am concluding a two year appointment to Newtown's Board of Education.

Why are you seeking this office? As a town resident, I am invested in Newtown’s future and ensuring that it operates in a fiscally sound manner. My experience on P&Z and Board of Education gives me unique insight into how the town is shaped and how it spends. Using this experience to inform the Town's decision, influence the public services we provide, while minimizing the financial impact to our residents is a key reason I am seeking this office.

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 affordability, and this is what I intend to do about it. Newtown's cost of living is approximately 25% higher than the national average, and while certain costs, such as housing and utilities, are subject to market demand, the costs we can control are the Town's municipal and education budgets. As a member of Legislative Council, which touches each of the Town's budgets, I will demand fiscal responsibility to ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently, ensuring the highest return on investment.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? In my professional life, I am both an attorney and responsible for my organization's global Legal & Compliance budget. This experience allows me to not only use my legal training and analytical thinking, but also approach issues and initiatives with an eye towards budgetary considerations and fiscal responsibility.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? Government plays an important role in our lives, but there is a fine line between necessary support and overreach. Maintaining the appropriate equilibrium is something that I believe strongly in and will apply in my dealings on the Council if elected.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?Successfully completing a full term on P&Z and Board of Education. Professional recognition, including being elected to participate in leadership acceleration programs at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Executive Leadership Program.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? Failure is not falling down. Failure is not getting up.