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Patch Candidate Profile: Eric Paradis For Newtown Legislative Council

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 9:47 GMT by Patch
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A Profile of Eric Paradis – Newtown Legislative Council Candidate

The 2024 election season in Newtown is heating up, and the Patch newsroom has turned its lens on one of the field’s most promising newcomers: Eric Paradis. Running for a seat on the Newtown Legislative Council, Paradis is a candidate who blends local roots with a vision for pragmatic, fiscally responsible governance. The Patch article on his campaign profile gives readers a snapshot of who he is, what he stands for, and why his candidacy is drawing attention from both longtime residents and new movers alike.

Who is Eric Paradis?

Paradis is a third‑generation Newtowner. Born and raised in the town’s historic Main Street district, he has lived through the shifts that have transformed Newtown—from a quiet, rural enclave to a growing community that now faces the twin challenges of development and preservation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Connecticut before serving a four‑year stint in the U.S. Army. After leaving the military, Paradis returned to Newtown and worked in the private sector as a financial analyst for a regional banking firm. His career has spanned roles that blend analytical rigor with people‑centric service, a combination he claims is essential for the kind of council work that “bridges policy and community.”

Paradis has also been deeply involved in civic life. He served on the Newtown Planning Board for three years, where he championed smart‑growth policies that balanced residential expansion with green‑space preservation. In 2021, he was elected to the town’s Zoning Commission, a position that has given him a front‑row seat to the debates surrounding the town’s recent rezoning proposals. The article notes that he is a member of the Newtown Historical Society, reflecting his longstanding commitment to preserving the town’s heritage.

Campaign Positioning: “Fiscal Discipline Meets Community Care”

The Patch piece positions Paradis as a candidate who prioritizes sound budgeting without abandoning the town’s social mission. He speaks in favor of a “balanced budget that keeps the county’s tax rates competitive while safeguarding essential services.” The article highlights several key policy areas he has emphasized:

1. School Funding – Paradis supports targeted state‑funded grants that allow local schools to expand STEM and arts programs. He also advocates for a modest increase in property taxes earmarked specifically for educational infrastructure, citing his experience on the Planning Board to argue that a well‑funded school system drives property values upward over time.

2. Infrastructure – With the town’s infrastructure aging, Paradis calls for a comprehensive, multi‑year capital‑planning initiative. He cites his financial analysis background as a tool for ensuring that every dollar spent yields measurable public benefit. The article quotes him saying, “We can’t fix what isn’t identified. A data‑driven approach to road repairs and bridge upgrades will keep our town safe and its streets smooth.”

3. Community Policing and Public Safety – In a town that has seen a modest uptick in property crimes over the past decade, Paradis proposes a partnership model that includes neighborhood watch programs, expanded funding for the local police department’s technology needs, and increased support for community outreach programs.

4. Economic Development – The candidate argues for “supporting local small businesses through tax incentives and streamlined permitting.” He stresses that any growth strategy must preserve Newtown’s historic character, which has been a point of contention in recent zoning debates.

Community Endorsements and Support

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to outlining Paradis’ growing network of endorsements. The local chapter of the National Association of Town Councilors endorses him for his “commitment to transparency and accountability.” The Patch piece also mentions the endorsement from the Newtown Chamber of Commerce, citing Paradis’ business‑savvy approach to local economic development. Notably, the article notes that the local “Community Action Group” has called Paradis a “trusted voice” on issues ranging from historic preservation to affordable housing.

The article points readers to a link that leads to a full list of endorsements on Paradis’ campaign website. Visiting the site, readers find a PDF that enumerates community leaders, business owners, and civic activists who have signed on. These endorsements help situate Paradis as a candidate who bridges the gap between grassroots concerns and the town’s economic agenda.

How to Engage

Paradis is running a lean, community‑centric campaign. The Patch profile invites residents to attend a “Town Hall” event slated for the first weekend of September, where he will discuss his platform in more detail and field questions from the public. A QR code in the article leads to a Facebook event page that lists the event’s time, location, and a short video of Paradis answering common voter questions. The event is positioned as an opportunity to meet him “in a relaxed setting, get to know his priorities, and voice your own concerns.”

The article also encourages residents to volunteer, donate, or simply share the candidate’s message on social media. The link to the campaign’s donation page reveals a transparent breakdown of how contributions are allocated—ranging from campaign signage to targeted mailers.

A Look at the Broader Field

While the article zeroes in on Paradis, it also contextualizes his candidacy within the larger Newtown Legislative Council race. A side note references a “Quick Guide to the Council Races” link that provides an overview of all candidates and their stances on key issues. In that guide, Paradis is compared with the incumbent, who is seen as “favoring broad‑scale development” and the other challenger, a former city attorney who emphasizes “legalistic oversight.” The comparison underscores how Paradis positions himself as a middle‑ground alternative—neither a status‑quo proponent nor an activist radical.

Final Takeaway

The Patch profile of Eric Paradis presents a candidate who is deeply embedded in Newtown’s history, yet also forward‑thinking about the town’s future. With a mix of fiscal prudence, commitment to public safety, and a nuanced approach to growth, Paradis is carving out a niche that appeals to both conservative homeowners and progressive families who value strong local institutions. The article’s call to action—attend the town hall, volunteer, or visit the campaign website—underscores the democratic ethos that drives the Patch newsroom: to inform residents and empower them to participate in shaping the town’s trajectory.

In short, whether you’re a resident who’s lived in Newtown all your life or a newcomer curious about local politics, the Patch’s deep dive into Eric Paradis offers a comprehensive primer that will keep you informed as the 2024 ballot day approaches.