Town Clerk

Background

I was born and raised in Newtown and am a proud graduate of Newtown High School class of 1983. I was blessed to have been married for 9 years to the love of my life, Bill Halstead, who served as Chief of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue, before his passing in 2022.

I am the proud mother of two sons, and one granddaughter.

Public service runs deep in my family. My late father, John Aurelia was a dedicated community servant who was elected to two terms on Newtown’s Legislative Council and served on the Commission on Aging for five years. My mother, Karin Aurelia, served as Newtown’s Republican

Registrar of Voters for over 12 years.

You may not know this but I have many titles:

● Town Clerk,

● Registrar of Vital Statistics,

● Election Official,

● Municipal Veterans Representative.

Progress for Newtown While in Office

Throughout my over 20 years of service, my focus has been on modernizing services, increasing efficiency and improving accessibility without additional cost to taxpayers. Some Major Accomplishments are:

1. Land Records Modernization

I collaborated closely with our software vendor to have all maps and land records dating back to the 1700s accessible online. During the pandemic, the public was able to view and purchase

land records online 24/7. This service has generated over $118,000 in revenue since 2020.

2. Online Dog Registration

Residents can now conveniently register their dogs online as previously they would need to come into the office and or mail in their payment.

3. Fraud Alert Registration for Land records

We collaborated to add a system to help protect residents against fraudulent activity, to save time and better assist with reporting.

4. VitalChek online services

Includes Town of Newtown certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records. You may order certified copies of Town of Newtown vital records through VitalChek on an expedited basis.

5. Historic Documents Preservation Program

As Town Clerk I apply annually for state grants to preserve historic documents and upgrade technology. To date, Newtown has been awarded over $192,000 to maintain records, repair vital historical documents, and modernize hardware and software.

Commitment to Education

I believe education is essential to strong leadership and effective governance. Over the past 20 years, I have earned every accreditation available in my profession including Certified

Connecticut Town Clerk, (CCTC), Master Connecticut Town Clerk (MCTC) as well as Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC), which are both designations recognized internationally. I attend annual CT State conferences and County meetings in order to stay current on legislative and procedural changes that impact our office, ensuring smooth, consistent

operations. I am committed to the professional development of my team. One of my assistants has successfully obtained the Certified Connecticut Town Clerk (CTC) designation, and another

is currently undertaking her certification.

Elections Experience

My unwavering commitment as an election official centers on upholding transparency, accuracy, and accessibility. Having prior experience as a certified elections moderator has enabled me to

see both aspects of election operations. My responsibilities include the meticulous creation of ballots for elections, as well as extensive communication with overseas Veterans overseas to ensure the timely receipt of their ballots.

Professional Engagements

In the past, I have served as CTCA Fairfield County Vice President. In my capacity as County Vice President, I was responsible for a variety of key functions. Including chairing meetings, where we deliberate on important updates, disseminate best practices, and address common challenges confronting our towns. I also played a crucial role in orchestrating programs and initiatives that benefit our members, providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and the exchange of valuable insights.

I am also a County Mentor coordinator, connecting experienced town clerks with those who are newer to the role, offering guidance and support. A significant component of my work involves

coordinating activities with various other associations, boards, and committees, ensuring that our endeavors are aligned and that we are collaborating effectively to serve the best interests of

our communities.

1. Member of the Connecticut Town Clerk’s Association, New England Association of City and Town Clerks, and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks

2. Retiree Chair: Delivered 50+ speeches at annual conferences

3. Served on Civil Service hiring panel for assistant town clerk for the City of Danbury

4. Organized Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) workshops for residents and newly elected officials

Community Service:

Outside my town clerk duties I am passionate about Newtown and supporting my community whether it is supporting the fire department serving lobsters at Lobsterfest or supporting our

four- legged family members at the rabies clinic and more:

1. Active Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary member

2. Member of Newtown’s Citizen’s Emergency Response Team (CERT)

3. Mentor for Newtown High School Career Center Intern program

4. 17 years and counting coordinating the Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic

5. Relay for Life Captain – Led the award-winning “TC TEAM” which raised $2,500+ for cancer awareness

6. Volunteer assistant for Meals on Wheels year-end financial audits

7. Host and coordinate receptions for local charities and community organizations

Vision and Dedication

Every day is different at the Town Clerk’s office — and that excites and energizes me. My mission is to deliver the best service possible to Newtown’s residents, using my experience and education to implement cutting-edge technology, strengthen continuity operations planning, improve local government budgeting processes, enhance public relations, and disaster recovery

planning.

I am honored to serve this incredible community and will continue working tirelessly to make sure our office remains accessible, transparent, and efficient.

Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieAureliaHalstead/