Chris Eide shares with Patch why he should be elected to Newtown Legislative Council District 1.
NEWTOWN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.
Candidate's Name: Chris Eide
What office are you seeking? Legislative Council District 1
What town do you live in? Newtown, CT
Occupation: Data Integration Engineer (1 year)
Family:I have been married to my wife Amanda Eide, a 5th grade math and science teacher at Reed Intermediate School, for 13 years. Amanda and I have three children: Logan, age 10; Margot, age 8; and Luca, age 4.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?My wife, Amanda, teaches for the Board of Education
Previous public office, appointive or elective:I held the seat I am currently seeking from 2016-2022 (Legislative Council District 1). Decided to step away for a bit in 2022 after the birth of my third child.
Why are you seeking this office?I am running for Legislative Council because I want to ensure that Newtown remains a safe, affordable, and welcoming community for families of all ages. As a lifelong resident raising three children in our public schools, I care deeply about preserving the character of our town while also preparing for its future. During my previous three terms on the Legislative Council (2016–2022), I worked to balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of our schools and community. I believe decisions should be driven by data and evidence, not by agendas, and I want to continue applying that approach to promote responsible development, strengthen our tax base, and maintain the qualities that make Newtown such a special place to live.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is affordability. Newtown’s tax base leans heavily on residential property compared to similar towns, while at the same time there is a lack of housing inventory for families, particularly those just starting out. This combination places increasing pressure on residents. I intend to address this by supporting responsible development that grows our commercial and industrial tax base while preserving the character of our town, and by carefully analyzing our budgets to ensure they are fiscally responsible and sustainable for years to come.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?As a lifelong Newtown resident now raising three children in our public schools, I bring both deep roots in the community and a vested interest in its future. I approach decisions with a forward-thinking mindset, always considering not just the next budget cycle but the long-term health of our town. While some may focus on short-term fixes—such as cuts that provide temporary relief but create larger problems down the road—I believe in careful, evidence-based planning that ensures Newtown remains affordable, sustainable, and true to its character for generations to come.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?I intend to revisit our reliance on bonding for capital development projects. With today’s higher interest rates, the cost of debt servicing has become an increasing burden on our budget. By applying foresight and careful planning, we can explore strategies to reduce this reliance, ease the long-term financial strain on taxpayers, and ensure that Newtown’s capital investments remain both sustainable and responsible.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?I previously served six years on the Legislative Council, having been elected three times before stepping away following the birth of my third child. During that time, I chaired the Finance and Administration Committee and played a key role on the Ordinance Committee. In that capacity, I helped draft legislation that eased the tax burden on senior citizens living on fixed incomes who needed additional support. My record demonstrates both leadership experience and a commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with compassion for our residents.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?The best advice I ever received was about the value of striving. Goals are things we can set and achieve each day, while ideals are higher standards we may never fully attain. The lesson was that even if an ideal is beyond our reach, there is tremendous value in continuing to work toward it. We should never let the impossibility of achieving an ideal prevent us from making meaningful progress.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?What makes Newtown truly special is its character—the traditions and events that bring us together as a community. The Labor Day Parade, the Christmas Tree Lighting, skating on Ram’s Pasture, and movies at Edmond Town Hall are more than just events; they’re the fabric of life here. They remind us that Newtown is a small town with a strong sense of community, even as it continues to grow and develop.My goal as a member of the Legislative Council is to preserve that character while making the thoughtful, forward-looking decisions that will keep Newtown affordable and sustainable. That means responsible budgeting, smart development, and ensuring that the qualities that make Newtown “Newtown” are still here for our children to enjoy years from now.