Charlie Gardner has been an active member of the Newtown community since 2016, serving in a variety of leadership roles including Vice Chair of the Legislative Council, member of the Board of Assessment Appeals, and member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. At the state level, he contributes his expertise as a member of the Connecticut State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and the Commission on Connecticut’s Development and Future.

Professionally, Charlie is an attorney with 14 years of experience practicing law in Connecticut and also serves as a research fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School.

As a candidate for the Board of Selectmen, Charlie is committed to maintaining the highest quality of public services while responsibly managing costs. His priorities include supporting educational excellence while being realistic about school budgets, enhancing pedestrian safety and walkability, strengthening long-term planning, and promoting housing affordability with a focus on starter homes. He also advocates for conservation efforts, supports Newtown’s farmers, and is dedicated to securing increased state funding to reduce the local property tax burden. Continuing the redevelopment of the Fairfield Hills campus is another key priority.

Charlie and his wife, Kathy, are raising their four boys in Newtown—three of whom currently attend the town’s public schools. Deeply invested in the community’s future, Charlie is eager to continue serving Newtown with dedication, vision, and a collaborative spirit.