Brian Leonardi

My name is Brian Leonardi and I am running for the position of Commissioner on the Planning & Zoning Commission.  Over the past two years, I have served as an Alternate Commissioner on Planning & Zoning, having been elected during the 2021 municipal elections.  My wife and I have lived in Newtown since 2016 with our two incredible daughters, Avianna and Marcella, who have thrived in the Newtown Public School system and are active participants in local sports and activities.

Professionally, I am a licensed attorney in the state of New York and have practiced in an in-house capacity for the past 10 years.  I presently serve as Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Chief of Staff at Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a global leader in commercial (re)insurance services. This experience has honed my ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and work collaboratively on intricate matters.

During my time as an Alternate Commissioner, I have been committed to the betterment of Newtown.  Since taking office, the Planning and Zoning Commission has been faced with an increasing number of complex and contentious applications, including the Wharton warehouse, Mt. Pleasant apartments, Hawleyville Road apartments, and Commerce Road apartments.  Throughout every hearing on each of these matters, I have contributed actively to discussions and demonstrated leadership in thoroughly and diligently assessing each application against our zoning regulations and the Plan of Conservation and Development. 

If re-elected, I am committed to leading our town through future discussions while diligently minimizing the risk of legal challenges. In addition, I will also be a strong advocate for keeping planning and zoning matters a local decision, safeguarded from distant influences. Local control is irreplaceable, and I am committed to protecting our town’s character while considering thoughtful growth initiatives.

In summary, with your support, I aim to contribute positively to Newtown's trajectory while upholding its cherished values. Thank you for considering me as a candidate for the Planning & Zoning Commission.