""My extensive knowledge of state and local building, fire, and health care codes and experience in governmental regulatory compliance brings insight into the Planning and Zoning Committee."

Served in US Navy for 22 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer

Graduate of Marist College BS and MBA

Currently working at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT - 2018– 2021

Senior Manager of Facilities

Experience:

Supervises 45 tradesmen across various engineering disciplines at an 800,000 square foot 497 bed hospital, a 76 bed behavioral health unit and 125 off-site units.

Manages the maintenance and upkeep of all assigned facilities.

Ensures compliance with all local, state and federal standards for life safety, building and environment of care.

Supervises the operation of a self-contained electrical and steam generation plant. Manages phased replacement of aging machinery.

My name is Kersti Ferguson and I am running as an Alternate for the Planning and Zoning Commission. The reason I have decided to run is because of my concern last Spring when the extremely over reaching Legislation regarding zoning was being proposed by State Legislature that would take local decision making out of the hands of Newtowners. This legislation would favor developers like those who wanted to take down the Inn over local residents. I felt strongly that I wanted to get involved and have all the voices of Newtown, regardless of political affiliation, represented to protect yet enhance what makes Newtown so special.

I was born in Savannah, GA . After graduating High School early I chose to come to NYC and enter the Fashion Industry. While attending college courses I was represented by the Ford agency as a Runway / Print model. Although I have a keen eye and interest in fashion my zest and intrigue is in Real Estate and investing which eventually won over and led me to my current position. Currently I work in NYC in the real estate sector specifically in marketing of high-end luxury properties. My professional duties often include interfacing with local zoning and historic commissions in bringing these projects from a vision to reality. Having done this for over a decade I have been successfully involved in multiple transactions resulting in well over 250 million dollars in sales.

Together with my husband in 2011 we chose Newtown as our forever home where we welcomed our son Jack, who is in 2nd grade and attends Head O’ Meadow. We looked at several towns to live in CT as well as Westchester, but this rural and charming small town with a flag pole in the middle, combined with sophisticated yet genuine folks whom we are honored to call our neighbors stole our heart.

In my private time my hobby is my historic 1790 home in the Taunton area of Newtown. Together with my husband, we have performed a gut renovation devoted to keeping the architectural details intact of this wonderful property yet bringing it into the 21st century for modern living today. All being said, I am my happiest when curling up by the fire with a good book surrounded by my family and pets. We recently added a new member to our family, a Doberman puppy we named Enzo. Prior to the pandemic I enjoyed getting involved at my son’s school, HOM and hope to resume again this year.

Dennis served on the Planning & Zoning Commission for many years, before returning to the role. "I want to make sure the zoning laws are carried out correctly and that favoritism isn’t shown. You have to do the research and know the laws."

Dennis has lived in Newtown for 30 years. He graduated from Henry Abbott Tech before serving in the US Army form 1971-77 where he was stationed in Germany.

He is a self-employed caterer (Full Bloom Catering) & driver of Newtown Senior Center bus.

He lives with his wife Barbara and son William.

“I'm running for Planning & Zoning Alternate because I have a deep-seated desire to contribute to my community and country. While it may not share the spotlight of national politics, state and local elected officials have the opportunity to debate and mold issues that have a direct impact on matters that affect each and every one of us. As an attorney with nearly a decade's worth of experience, I believe that I have the skill and temperament to serve in a role that requires attention to detail and the ability to read, interpret and draft statutes and ordinances. I look forward to serving in a capacity that allows me to further the interests of our amazing town, balance the interests of our neighbors, and comply with applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.”

Work Experience:

· Assistant Vice President, Legal & Compliance - Sompo International Holdings Company, Ltd. (2019 - Present)

· Compliance Counsel - HomeServe USA Corp. (2014 - 2019)

· Associate - NewOak Capital (2013 - 2014)

· Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, J.D., Cum Laude (2011 - 2013)

My wife, Elena, and I are the proud parents of our two daughters, Avianna and Marcella, who both attend Hawley Elementary School. We moved to Newtown in July 2016 and have fallen in love with the community and charm that makes Newtown such a special place to live.