Applying for the Village Council Interim Seat: My Letter of Interest

July 9, 2025

As some of you may already know, there have been some significant changes on Newtown Village Council in recent weeks. In June, Mayor Mark Kobusak officially resigned, and former Vice Mayor and Council member Terry Fairley was sworn in as our new Mayor on July 1.

With Mayor Fairley stepping into his new role, two key vacancies were left in the village: one on Village Council and one for Vice Mayor. At last night’s council meeting on July 8, 2025, Tracy Boone was appointed as vice mayor and will remain in the role through 2025. Council has until July 29 to appoint someone to the open seat on council. Whoever is selected will serve until the end of this year, and the seat will be up for election this November—along with Mayor Fairley’s seat and four of the six council positions.

I’m excited to share that I have submitted my name for consideration for the open council seat. As a parent, a long-time resident, and someone deeply invested in public service and community engagement, I’m eager to step up and contribute to the leadership of our village. I attended last night’s Council meeting and personally delivered a printed copy of my letter of interest to the Mayor and four of the five current council members. Council member Peg Quallen left immediately following the meeting, so I wasn't able to hand her a copy in person, but I’ll be following up by email with the letter sent to her and the full council.

Even if I’m selected to fill the seat for the remainder of the year, I will still need to run a campaign this fall to be elected to a full four-year term. I’m looking forward to that opportunity, no matter the outcome of the appointment process.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged in our local government. I truly believe our community thrives when more voices are at the table.

I have included a copy of my letter of interest below.

Stay tuned! More information to come.

Letter of Interest

July 8, 2025

Dear Members of the Newtown Village Council,

I am writing to formally express my interest in being considered for the interim seat on Newtown Village Council. As a resident, mother, and active member of this community, I care deeply about Newtown’s future and would be honored to contribute through leadership that is thoughtful, responsive, and transparent.

This fall will mark ten years since my husband and I purchased our first home in Newtown when our eldest child was only six months old. We have had two more children since. My family enjoys supporting our local businesses, watching or participating in the Newtown Memorial Day Parade, utilizing our parks, and attending local events such as Winterfest. My eldest son attended his first Winterfest in 2015 and we are thrilled the tradition has been revived. As a mother and resident, I have a strong personal stake in the long-term success of our village. This investment has driven me to take the next step in public service. I’ve gathered 70 signatures on my petition to run for a full term on council in the upcoming November election, and I look forward to continuing to engage with more Newtown residents throughout that process.

Over the past several years, I have become increasingly involved in local matters. I have canvassed during every election cycle to connect with residents and hear their concerns, attended council meetings, and participated in organizing the Newtown Garden Club. Through my canvassing and election work, I’ve built strong relationships with local leaders such as Hamilton County Auditor Jessica Miranda, State Representative Rachel Baker, Clerk of Courts Pavan Parikh, Forest Hills School Board Member Wendy Strickler-Biederman, and others who are deeply committed to our region. It would be an honor to continue collaborating with them in ways that directly support Newtown’s growth and well-being.

I believe strongly in responsive and transparent government, and that council members should reflect the  broad range of voices in our community, including families who rely on public services and schools. This fall, my youngest will begin kindergarten, and for the first time, all three of my children will be enrolled in our local public school district. I regularly attend school board meetings, volunteer in my children’s classrooms, and will serve on the PTO Board this upcoming school year as the delegate between Mercer Elementary and the Forest Hills Council. Amid critical discussions—such as proposed building consolidations in the Forest Hills School District—I believe it’s essential to have someone on council who is directly impacted by these decisions and who understands their significance for Newtown families.

I offer strong communication skills, a thoughtful approach to problem-solving, and a genuine commitment to serving my neighbors with integrity and care. I believe Newtown is at its best when it values both its history and its potential, and I would be proud to contribute in helping Newtown balance its rich history with a vibrant future as a member of council.

Thank you for considering my interest. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further about how I can help contribute to the council’s work, and welcome any questions you may have for me.


Sincerely,

Alexandria R. Alspaugh