Board of Finance

My name is John S. Madzula II, and I am running for re-election to the Board of Finance as an incumbent.

I was born and raised in the Town of Newtown. Newtown is special to me. Over the past twenty years I have lived here in town on two different occasions. Five years ago I was drawn back to this special place we call home. I purchased and renovated an abandoned 1890s Victorian on Main Street when I returned. I am fortunate to see the Flag Pole every day and be reminded of what this town means to me and all of us. My commitment to this town and our citizens runs deep. My parents, John and Kathleen, still live in the house they built in the center of town over 44 years ago. My sister and I received a great education from our school system while enjoying the picturesque views and amenities this town provides. I made life long friends here with individuals I was raised and went to school with. Many still live here and I am fortunate to see them often. One could say that Newtown is truly home.

I currently practice as a litigation and transactional attorney in the areas of insurance defense, construction litigation, business formation, asset purchase and sales, and bonding/surety disputes. My profession requires me to analyze facts and data and make well-informed and reasonable decisions. These decisions are not always easy but are in the best interest of all parties involved. Prior to becoming an attorney, I ran a successful architecture, building, and construction management firm with my father for over 12 years throughout Fairfield County. This line of work required me to understand budgeting, financing, and commercial lending while possessing the ability to balance the needs of individuals within their budgetary constraints.

I served one term on the Newtown Conservation Commission which propelled me to want to be more involved with the town and for the people. I am a current member of the Board of Finance, one of only two incumbents being proposed this election term. Over the past two years, the Board of Finance members and I have provided the role of an advisory and recommendation board when reviewing yearly budgets and other financial requests. I have experience dealing with financial budgets and the associated constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years I have reviewed and analyzed budgets to improve the infrastructure of the roadways. I have had the opportunity to listen to new business opportunities and individuals wanting to bring economic development to Newtown. During all this, I have sought to maintain integrity while understanding the various needs of departments or boards while ensuring the best financial outcome for the people of this town. I pride myself on providing oversight while demanding accountability.

Newtown is home to me. I have only ever wanted the best for this quaint town, our people, and to make our founders proud. I am honored to be running for re-election for the Board of Finance. I hope I can count on all of you to vote for me in November and allow me the opportunity to work for the benefit of all residents of our beautiful town.

Chandravir moved to Newtown in 2003, 18 years ago. “Three things brought us here: good schools, the open spaces and affordability. While other towns around us have good schools or open spaces, the combination of the two is special to Newtown. COVID is providing a unique moment where this “value” of Newtown is in focus. This gives us the opportunity to seek economic development that broadens and diversifies the tax base while still preserving the character and desirability of Newtown. It is important to be strategic in this process so that Newtown remains affordable and on a fiscally sound and sustainable path. “

I have 32 years of work experience in commodity Trading business.

This role involves using strong analytical skills and experience that is helpful for an elected town Finance role. I have served on my church leadership board at Beacon Hill in Monroe for 16 years. Within the church board, I have been on the Finance committee that tracks financial health, including responsibility for cash management, monitoring giving trends, and budget projections. I also serve on the regional (New England) board of denomination (Free Church of America) that my church affiliates with. Currently I am the Vice-President of the board, and chair of the Finance team.

I have also served on the Fairfield Hills Master Plan review committee.

Our two sons grew up in Newtown and are graduates of NHS. Presently we are raising Nigerian Dwarf goats, with our two original Does from last June and 3 of their kids that were born this April. In addition to this rich experience, we have also been raising chickens for the last two years – 13 proud egg layers.

I am running for the Board of Finance and believe my experience as a business owner will help me serve in this position. I was the owner of Dent Electric in Danbury for 25 years and after that I worked for the larger company that acquired Dent Electric. I also served on the Newtown Economic Development Commission which provided me with good insight into the needs of our town.

My wife Amy and I have lived in Newtown for over 40 years. Amy and I have supported each other in our commitments to our community. Amy has served on many town commissions.

We are active members of Trinity Church, and I have served on almost every office including Warden, and am currently a Stephen Minister. We have 2 daughters who graduated from Newtown Schools, and now have 5 grandchildren.

I graduated from Texas Christian University and have a masters from the University of New Orleans.

I want to see Newtown grow & prosper while maintaining fiscal accountability and keeping its small town feel & sense of community. I am taking on this challenge with the encouragement, love & support of my wonderful family. I look forward to serving the people of Newtown.

My family moved to Newtown, from Maine in 1967. I grew up and went through the Newtown School System. I have lived in town for 48 years, leaving for a brief period when first married, then returning to raise my family here. My wife of 37yrs, Sue is a retired nurse and current Assistant Republican Registrar of Voters. We have 2 sons, Brendon (35) is an Area Coordinator for Central Ct State University and Ryan (30) Manager of Georgetown Package Store and an active member of Dodgingtown Volunteer Fire Department. We also have a “Grand pup” Nymeria, a wonderful Shepard/Husky mix.

Expansive & varied business experience helps qualify me for a position on Board of Finance. I was the Vice President of Operations for Atlantic Air Commuter Airlines (family owned & operated). Manager of a (multi- million dollar) Liquor Store overseeing purchasing & maintaining inventory, pricing, scheduling staff, advertising & marketing. Currently I am a Sales Consultant (26 years to present) at Eder Bros, managing accounts with buying, maintaining inventory, correct pricing. Knowing when & what to purchase for best profitability.

I have coached, both in house youth and travel soccer and basketball for numerous years and continued even after my sons had aged out. I felt I wanted to give back to these programs as there was someone there to coach me as I went through my youth.

Hobbies include gardening & woodworking. Avid sports fan of the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and the New England Patriots.