Patch Candidate Profile: Betsy Paynter For Newtown ZBA Alternate

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: Betsy Paynter

What office are you seeking? Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate

What town do you live in? Newtown

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: I'm a Program Director with the Western CT Council of Governments, the regional planning agency of Western CT. I am the Economic Development liaison for the agency, supporting the regional brownfield program and the economic plan, the CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Devleopment Strategy) for the region, filed with the federal government. I've been in this role for 4 years, with 16 years of economic development experience in local government.

Family: I've been married to Brad Paynter for 28 years, and we have two children, Althea and Grenville, who both graduated from the Newtown public school system and college and live in the Boston area.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes, I'm currently on the Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall as the Vice Chair. I've been on the board for 6 years.

Why are you seeking this office? I'm seeking the position of Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate to help support my community of Newtown. I believe my professional experience would be beneficial to Newtown in this area, complemented by my personal interest in supporting the commission and learning as an alternate.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: Protecting Newtown's open space, character, water resources, and New England charm through sensible development on the Zoning Board of Appeals as an Alternate.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? My professional experience, enthusiasm, and desire to represent the best for Newtown.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? transparency and resident participation in government

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Professionally, I have helped communities rewrite zoning regulations and update Plans of conservation and development

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? Always be a lifelong learner

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? Newtown is a great community, and I'm lucky to live here. I want to help Newtown be the best town it can be for the residents and businesses.