Robert Duero
14 Saddle Ridge Rd
Newtown, CT 06482
(203) 426-8653
duero_tx@msn.com
Age: 53
Education:
BS Civil Engineering
Marquette University, 1981
Professional Experience:
Business Development Manager – Parsons
Midwest Operations Manager – TRC
Chief Operating Officer – Tyree
Business Development Manager – Dresser
Facilities Development Manager – Clark Refining and Marketing
District Manager – Halliburton
I grew up and graduated from high school and college in Milwaukee, WI, earning a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Marquette University. My professional experience has been centered in the energy industry. I began my career providing technical services to major oil and gas companies drilling wells in the western United States and offshore California. I then worked for a Chicago-based petroleum products retailer, where one of my major accomplishments was successfully completing the environmental remediation of underground storage tank sites at over 1000 gas station locations. I moved to the Northeast to work with a family-owned environmental and construction contractor business in the energy industry, providing financial and organizational restructuring guidance and direction as Chief Operating Officer. Currently, I am working with a consulting company focused on improving power delivery and integrating renewable resources into the utility grid.
Community Service:
Candidate for Legislative Council District Three in 2009
Newtown Charter Review Commission Member in 2010
Newtown Youth Basketball Association (NYBA)-Vice President of Administration
NYBA Basketball Coach 2010-2011
St. Rose Basketball Coach 2008-current
Newtown Baseball Association Coach 2004-current
Newtown Softball Association Coach 2005-2008
Personal:
My family and I have lived in Newtown since 2002. My wife Liz and I have been married for 19 years. Our oldest daughter is a senior at Newtown High School and our twins are eighth graders at St. Rose School who look forward to attending Newtown High School. I have enjoyed being active in the town’s youth baseball, softball, and basketball programs as an assistant coach for many years. In my spare time, I hike, fish, and enjoy “Packer Parties” with his family during football season.
Political Philosophy:
My beliefs regarding government:
I believe in the power of free enterprise.
I am a fiscal conservative.
I believe that personal, organizational and governmental accountability has to be present in order for individuals and communities to flourish.
I believe education is the engine behind accountability.
I believe in a limited role for government.
What I will do for Newtown:
My primary mission as a local elected official would be to ensure the citizen’s expectations are met, while maximizing the taxpayer's return on their tax payments. I will work to avoid any tax increases and potentially reduce taxes. I will do this by seeking out and actively pursuing cost reductions and ensuring that Newtown is positioned to take advantage of any tax-generating ideas that become available and fit into a strategic plan for the town that is approved by the citizens.
I will work closely with the citizens of my district, providing 1) careful and accurate representation of their interests and 2) effective communications so they are well informed about and can make the best educated decisions concerning town issues. If I am elected, I will work diligently to understand in detail all of the town’s issues and work towards acceptable resolutions.
An important issue that demands attention now is the town’s budget. Like so many governmental budgets, Newtown’s is under financial duress. Difficult decisions must now be made. My goal is to strike the best balance for the town between funding its needs and eliminating any further tax increases. I will bring leadership to the Legislative Council, insisting on transparent discussion about any and all potential cost savings measures. I will approach the process from a baseline of zero: every budget item should be scrutinized for its value to the town, and “right-sized” appropriately. Throughout this process, I will serve the will of the majority, not special interest groups. Finally, I will continue advocating for a bifurcated budget which would allow the voters greater participation in the budget process by allowing them to vote separately on the budget’s two major components, Education and Town Services.