Politics & Government

George Ferguson: The Patch Voter Guide

Party: Republican
Office: Legislative Council (District 1)
Status: Incumbent Seeking Third Term
Pitch: (Courtesy of Newtown Republicans)

Keeping it "Nicer in Newtown" really is and always has been a group effort.  Keeping Newtown affordable and sustainable now seems like even more of a challenge.  In the recent past we’ve all faced a lot of trials and tribulations.   Rapid population growth fueled by a housing boom and easy money led to local growing pains and a need to consider some big plans and capital projects, most notably the High School addition.  It was the right thing to do at the time.  Then rampant growth was quickly replaced by an economic crisis, fiscal instability of the State, and locally a need to stabilize and right size our Town’s plans and to recalibrate our fiscal policies, a process that continues to this day.  To make all of this more complicated we’ve been hit with a series of disruptive and damaging storms followed by a tragedy of global proportions.  Newtown as a community makes us all proud.  The community and its people have proven their character, resilience and grace, in the face of the above circumstances, sometimes to a remarkable extent.

This year we have all faced challenges that we could not have imagined and would not wish upon another.  We’ve been blessed with good leadership and a group of elected officials who first and foremost are our neighbors and friends.  Together and with a great spirit of unity and collaboration your first responders, Town staff and elected and appointed officials, have worked together to respond and to set us on a course to recovery and brighter future.  Governing in a time of crisis is a challenge to say the least, and it has been an honor and privilege to serve and play a small part in our story. 

If you’ll have me, I’ve signed up to serve for another two years.  We’ve got our work cut out for us and there remains much to do considering the myriad challenges we all face.

If re-elected, I will continue use my knowledge and skills to be a strong voice and advocate for finding ways to maintain our community's character and for keeping Newtown affordable and sustainable.  It’s a balancing act and is best accomplished from the center.  Thanks for your support.

On The Issues

  • Did you support the 2013-14 education budget?
Good schools and low taxes are what makes a community attractive to home buyers and bolsters home values. In my opinion, we’ve got one, but not the other. Last year I voted to move the budgets to the citizens as presented. The BOE and Town were still trying to come to grips with moving Sandy Hook School, improving security across the board and recovering.
  • What can be done to improve the budget next year?
Demonstrating specific results that have been achieved and the attendant benefits we expect from the resources allocated from the present and previous budget increases. We’ve got to tell people what they are getting for their investment of tax dollars.

  • Are there areas you'd like to see addressed in the municipal budget next year?
I’d like to see a review of both sides of the budget. We received better information last year and I hope that trend continues. The Selectman might want to look at re-allocating some resources towards better marketing our community to business. We need a more targeted outreach effort.
  • Do you believe Newtown's tax structure needs improvement?

    The Legislative Council looks at Senior Tax relief just about every year and has generally been increasing the amount of funding available at the recommendation of the Tax Collector. I fully support these efforts. We should also explore new ideas.

  • What is the most important issue facing residents of your district?

    Good schools, affordability and quality of life.


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