



Patch Candidate Profile: Tracey Pertoso For Newtown Legislative Council District 3


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Tracey Pertoso: A Profile of a Newtown Legislative Council Candidate for DistrictâŻ3
In the recent Patch feature on the Newtown Legislative Council race, Tracey Pertoso emerges as a seasoned community advocate and pragmatic policyâmaker poised to represent DistrictâŻ3. The article traces her journey from a longâtime Newtown resident to a candidate with a clear agenda focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and qualityâofâlife improvements for all town residents.
Roots in Newtown
Pertoso grew up in Newtown, where she witnessed the evolution of a smallâtown community that balances the needs of a growing population with a desire to preserve its historic character. Her familyâs involvement in local volunteer organizations, from the Rotary Club to the Newtown Historical Society, shaped her understanding of grassroots civic engagement. The article highlights that she has lived in DistrictâŻ3 her entire life, giving her an intimate knowledge of the areaâs neighborhoods, schools, and economic landscape.
Professional Background
The profile describes Pertosoâs career as a teacher and smallâbusiness owner. After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Education, she worked for nearly a decade in the Newtown School System, teaching English and serving on the Curriculum Advisory Committee. Her experience in schools informs her stance on educational funding and the importance of maintaining high teacher salaries and small class sizes.
In addition to her teaching career, Pertoso launched a local boutique specializing in handmade crafts and locally sourced goods. Through this venture, she gained firsthand insight into the challenges small businesses face in Newtown, especially in navigating property taxes, licensing, and community outreach. Her business experience bolsters her campaignâs focus on fostering a supportive environment for local entrepreneurship.
Community Leadership
The article underscores Pertosoâs extensive volunteer record, including her long tenure on the Newtown Public Library Board, where she spearheaded initiatives to expand digital resources for students and seniors. She also served on the Newtown Housing Committee, working to balance the townâs need for affordable housing with concerns over maintaining neighborhood character.
Her leadership in the Newtown Neighborhood Association led to the implementation of a neighborhood watch program, a key component of her platformâs emphasis on public safety. Pertosoâs track record demonstrates a blend of handsâon problem solving and strategic policy development.
Campaign Platform
Pertosoâs campaign messaging is distilled into three core pillars: safety, fiscal prudence, and community enrichment.
Public Safety
Neighborhood Watch Expansion: Building on her success in DistrictâŻ3, Pertoso proposes a townâwide rollout of volunteer watch groups, supported by grants for neighborhood lighting and surveillance cameras.
Emergency Response Coordination: She seeks increased funding for local emergency services and advocates for communityâbased disaster preparedness training.Fiscal Responsibility
Property Tax Reforms: Pertoso pledges to conduct a comprehensive review of the townâs property tax system to identify inequities, especially for lowâincome homeowners and senior citizens.
Budget Transparency: She champions a realâtime budgeting platform where residents can track how town funds are allocated and spent, ensuring accountability.Community Enrichment
Educational Investment: Pertoso supports a 5âŻ% increase in the townâs education budget to modernize school facilities, expand STEM programs, and enhance afterâschool tutoring.
Green Spaces & Recreation: She plans to convert underutilized land into community gardens and multiâuse parks, aiming to increase accessibility to outdoor recreation for all ages.
The article also highlights Pertosoâs emphasis on inclusivity, with a commitment to engaging underrepresented voices through town hall meetings, focus groups, and outreach in multiple languages.
Endorsements and Alliances
Tracey Pertoso has garnered support from several local organizations and political allies. The Patch article quotes the Newtown Community Action Board, praising her âcommitment to equitable growthâ and noting her role in securing grants for community projects. The Newtown Historical Societyâs endorsement underscores her dedication to preserving the townâs heritage. Additionally, Pertoso has secured the backing of a local labor union, which cites her advocacy for fair wages and job training programs.
Electoral Context
The Patch feature situates Pertosoâs candidacy within the broader context of Newtownâs Legislative Council elections. DistrictâŻ3, which encompasses the townâs northern neighborhoods, has historically leaned toward moderate Republican candidates but has shown increasing openness to progressive fiscal policies. The article notes that Pertosoâs opponents include a former council member and a local business owner, each with distinct platforms. However, the piece emphasizes that Pertosoâs blend of educational and business experience, combined with her proven community service, distinguishes her from the field.
Online Resources and Further Reading
The article directs readers to Pertosoâs campaign website (www.pertosocouncil.com), where voters can download her full policy platform, sign up for volunteer opportunities, and view video messages addressing local issues. Links to the townâs official legislative council page, the Newtown Town Clerkâs election portal, and the Connecticut General Assemblyâs committee listings are also included for readers who want deeper insights into how DistrictâŻ3 fits into state governance.
Additionally, the feature links to the Newtown Libraryâs digital resource hub, offering free access to policy briefs on education reform and property tax analysis. For those interested in historical context, the article includes a link to the Newtown Historical Societyâs digital archive, showcasing photographs and documents from past council meetings.
Conclusion
Tracey Pertosoâs candidacy reflects a nuanced blend of local loyalty, professional expertise, and community activism. The Patch profile paints her as a pragmatic advocate who is equally comfortable negotiating on the boardroom floor and walking through the streets of her own neighborhood. Her focus on safety, fiscal stewardship, and educational enrichment positions her as a candidate ready to address the evolving needs of DistrictâŻ3 while preserving the unique character that defines Newtown. Whether her platform will resonate enough to secure a seat on the Legislative Council remains to be seen, but the article makes it clear that Pertoso is a serious contender with a comprehensive vision for the future of her town.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/connecticut/newtown/patch-candidate-profile-tracey-pertoso-newtown-legislative-council-district-3 ]