Tom Long Approved As Petitioning Candidate For Newtown Legislative Council District 3

**News Release Submitted by Tom Long Campaign**

Aug. 22, 2025

The Connecticut Secretary of the State has officially certified Tom Long as a petitioning candidate for the Newtown Legislative Council in District 3. Long, who has served two terms on the Council, earned his place on the ballot by collecting signatures as an unaffiliated candidate.

“I chose to run as unaffiliated because I believe collaboration should come before party politics,” Long said. “Over the past four years, I’ve supported ideas based on their merit, not their origin. My focus has always been on what’s best for Newtown residents.”

During his time on the Legislative Council, Long has consistently advocated for responsible budgeting, balancing adequate support for municipal services and education with the need to limit the burden on taxpayers. He emphasizes that local families and businesses ultimately carry the responsibility for funding town services and believes that encouraging economic development is essential to broadening the tax base.

Long’s approach to growth in Newtown is guided by both preserving open space and directing new development to properties already zoned for that purpose. “Our open, undeveloped space is part of what makes Newtown special, and we must protect it,” he said. “At the same time, bringing unused commercial properties back onto the tax rolls strengthens our economy and reduces the burden on homeowners.”

In addition to his Council service, Long has been deeply involved in the community as a C.H. Booth Library Trustee, Charter Revision Commission member, Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers member, and on the Economic Development Commission. He also founded Newtown Toastmasters, served on the Parks & Recreation Trails Committee, and previously served as Race Director of the Newtown Turkey Trot.

Professionally, Long is Senior Vice President at The WorkPlace, a Bridgeport-based workforce development nonprofit. He holds an MBA from Sacred Heart University and a BA from the University of Delaware.

As a petitioning candidate, Long reminded residents to look toward the bottom of their ballot in November. “Petitioning candidates appear after the rows of party-endorsed candidates,” he explained. “I encourage voters to look all the way down their ballot and consider my record of thoughtful, collaborative, and independent service.”

Long added that he looks forward to meeting voters in the coming weeks. “I expect to be out in the neighborhoods of District 3, talking with residents about their priorities for Newtown and sharing my vision for how we can work together,” he said.

The municipal election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.