Patch Candidate Profile: Arnie Berman For Newtown Legislative Council District 3

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:
Arnie Berman

What office are you seeking?
Legislative Council - District 3

What town do you live in?
Newtown

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
CFO of Sterling Transportation. Former technology stock strategist with a career spent helping growth companies in investment management, biopharmaceuticals, and logistics. I specialize in positioning startups for success and advocating for growth companies.

Family:
My gorgeous wife Nancy. I have two adult daughters. Two cats and one dog belonging to my youngest daughter, my brother-in-law and ex-wife that seem to prefer our house to their official owners’.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
no

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I serve on Newtown's Economic Development Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?
Newtown deserves leadership that listens, plans, and protects what makes this town special. I’m running to keep Newtown strong — with smart budgets, safe roads, excellent schools, and a cautious approach to development. I’m not here to widen political divides. I’m here to build consensus and deliver results.

Unfortunately, some recent proposals from town leadership — including a book ban and an ordinance to restrict peaceful assembly — have been divisive, reactionary, and out of step with Newtown’s values. These proposals were badly conceived, needlessly divisive and an embarrassment. Both represented “big government” at its most heavy-handed extreme.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
First, affordability. The burden of taxation in Newtown weighs too heavily on residential homeowners. Second, a whack-a-mole approach to governance. Short-term thinking is hurting Newtown. We need leaders who look beyond the next election and focus on strategic outcomes.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I bring fresh perspective and a collaborative spirit. I did not grow up in Newtown, but I chose it – and I bring my A-game to every group I join. I believe positive energy is contagious. I take responsibility for making the people around me more productive, more thoughtful, and more united.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Traffic. And excessive speeding on residential roads. I believe we can use dynamic speed limits on Main Street to discourage commuters stuck on I-84 from using our local roads. Similarly creative approaches can encourage drivers to travel at safe speeds, without placing a large burden on Newtown's police.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
A successful career in wide-ranging roles on Wall Street and startups. In my career, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life — from truck drivers to the current Secretary of the Treasury. In all my interactions, I make it a point to learn what other people are thinking, solicit their input, listen carefully, and ask questions.

I'm proud of my record of public service on the Economic Development Commission and as 2nd Vice President of the Newtown Lions Club.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"With great power comes great responsibility.” That’s not just for superheroes. Each and every one of us has great power. Every one of us has the power to shape the experience of others — in every room we enter, every conversation we have. I try to use that power to lift people up.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I believe no one can be an interesting person without first being an interested person. This principle guides how I approach relationships, business, and this community I care deeply about.

Newtown is a wonderful place to work and live. And it deserves a local government that is focused only on the issues that matter to Newtown.