Le Frois and Teets Seek Newton Town Council Seats

Incumbent Councilwoman and former Mayor Helen Le Frois and her running mate Michelle Teets are seeking election to the Newton Town Council.  The campaign slogan for the team is: Community Focused.  Experienced Leadership.  Proven Results.

About Le Frois

Le Frois and her husband Greg have lived in Newton for over 20 years.  They have three children, Jordan, Madelyn, and Kathryn.  “I love the town of Newton which is why I have volunteered and worked hard to make Newton a better place to live, work, and visit.  I am passionate about my work as your elected official,” says Le Frois.

Le Frois has served the Newton Town Council for two terms.  During her tenure, Newton has seen growth through multiple redevelopment projects, new businesses coming to town, several shared service agreements, and new grant awards.  All of this has led to a safer community, expanded ratables, and fiscally sound budgeting practices.  As Mayor last year, her focus was on community, communication, and customer service.  Together, the Council and staff achieved a nearly 0% municipal tax increase, started streaming Council meetings, and brought jobs and businesses into town.  As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, Le Frois was proud to honor our veterans at Newton’s first Flags of Honor event.  “My priority as a Newton Council member has always been, and always will be, to make sure the town is safe, tax dollars are used wisely, taxes remain stable, and municipal debt remains under control,” says Le Frois.  She says she is very much looking forward to serving on the Town Council with Michelle because of her passion and energy in support of a stronger Newton.

Professionally, Le Frois helps to lead an organization that serves victims of domestic violence and abuse and manages multi-million dollar budgets that saves lives.

About Teets

Teets and her husband Ken have lived in Newton for over 23 years.  Teets has been employed by the Town of Newton as a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator/Operator for almost 30 years.  Their 15 year-old nephew Robert lives with them and attends Newton High School.  Teets knows firsthand that Newton is not just a community, but rather an extension of her family.  “From the beginning of my career, working with the Newton Police Department, I quickly realized I was not just an employee, but I was family.  I have made lifelong friendships with many of my co-workers and other emergency responders.  It is amazing and rewarding to see the generations of families, raising their children in Newton, attending Newton Schools, working in the community, and just being part of our extended family,” says Teets.

Teets is excited for this next chapter in her life and hopes to become Newton’s next Councilwoman.  “Everyone who has met and comes in contact with my running mate, knows how dedicated and smart she is.  She has an endless list of accomplishments and it is exciting for me, because those who know me well, know what great things Helen and I can accomplish when we get the opportunity to work together on all the upcoming projects coming to Newton,” says Teets.

Teets is an extremely dedicated civil servant.  She has years of leadership and experience in managing multi-million dollar programs as a civilian working at Picatinny Arsenal for more than 31 years.  It is that same drive, determination, and dedication that makes Teets want to become part of the Newton Town Council.  She wants everyone to experience and enjoy all that Newton has to offer.

Their Goals and Priorities

Le Frois and Teets are committed to seeing Newton grow and prosper while remaining safe and affordable.  Le Frois and Teets will work hard and support:

• Our Newton Police Department and all Emergency Responders
• Renewal of the 5-yr Community Service Agreement with Newton Medical Center which provides a voluntary payment to the Town
• Pursuit of a Community Service Agreement with Sussex County Community College through their Redevelopment project at the McGuire site
• Continued review of Property Maintenance Standards to improve blighted conditions in town which impact residential quality of life and property values
• Providing free promotional videos and social media to businesses in town
• Continuing family-oriented, safe, community building events like movies and concerts in the park
• Keeping the Newton Pool free for Newton residents
• Redevelopment Projects in Newton. We will work hard to make sure the G&H project comes to fruition which will likely include a Starbucks, Panera, and other exciting new construction.
• Thorlabs’ expansion on Sparta Avenue which will see a new 150,000 sq. ft. building, providing 300-500 new jobs
• Work on the Babe Ruth Field drainage improvements
• Securing a $400,000 grant to install sidewalks on Rt. 206 between Walgreen’s and Trinity Street
• Implementing the $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to install sidewalks on Mill Street from Project Self-Sufficiency to Brookside Terrace
• Completion of the Rail Trail connecting Newton to the County for additional outdoor recreation
• Implementing the 10-year Water & Sewer Capital plan to ensure safe drinking water
• Continuing the Historic District Tax Abatement Program which provides financial incentives for building owners to invest in and improve their properties.

The team of Le Frois and Teets look forward to serving the residents, businesses, and taxpayers of Newton.

More information can be found on:

Facebook page: LeFroisandTeetsforNewtonTownCouncil

Instagram: LeFrois_Teets_2020

Website: LeFroisandTeets.wixsite.com/Newton2020