Developing Views 2026 – Vol. 3

Submitted January 20, 2026 by Newtown ECD Director John Voket 

After well over two decades working in Newtown and volunteering countless hours from Relays For Life to the Ambulance Corps., from Salvation Army bell ringing to MCing numerous local fundraising events – all I can say from those experiences is: what would Newtown be without its volunteers??!!

Today, dozens and dozens of local organizations like our Ambulance Corps, our five fire departments, FAITH Food Pantry, Lions, Rotary, Historical Society, Scholarship Association, Real Food CT, and so many more depend on the commitment and energy of those willing to step up and devote a few hours or days of their precious time to making Newtown a better place to live, learn, and do business.

But, oftentimes when thinking about volunteering, folks either may not consider, or completely forget about the critical role volunteers play in government service – whether it is in an elected or appointed capacity. While as you read this, our own Economic Development Commission is continuing to seek individuals to participate, and there are always at least a few openings on local volunteer boards and commissions.

Oftentimes, these opportunities slot right in with, and can benefit from expertise you may already have.

As First Selectman Walczak reminded us most recently, there were or are still vacancies on the Pension Committee and the Cultural Arts Commission available to a Republican or unaffiliated voter; there are two alternate seats on the Commission on Aging, one available to a Democrat or unaffiliated voter, the other available to a any registered voter; there is an alternate seat on the Hattertown Historic District available to a Democrat or unaffiliated voter; and the following boards have or had seats available to any registered voter – Newtown Building Information Committee (4) and the Sustainable Energy Commission (1).

Interested parties are always invited to send a letter of interest and a resume to susan.marcinek@newtown-ct.gov

And if it is elected office you seek, look no further than the expert orientation you can receive from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM). If you are ready to run for state office there’s no better place to start than Representation Matters in partnership with The Campaign School at Yale University teaching the fundamentals of running for office – particularly for those representing communities of color.

Learn more and register for these elected official training sessions here:

Click Here To Register for Day 1
Click Here To Register for Day 2 

Whether it’s a volunteer opportunity on one of the community’s many elected or appointed committees, commissions, and boards – or one of the dozens of worthy volunteer community organizations supporting and sustaining Newtown – we’ll be glad to have you!