Fairfield Election Candidates
Fairfield Election Candidates
Get ready for November 7 with this candidate guide
If you haven’t noticed all the campaign yard signs, there’s a General Election in Fairfield coming up on November 7. Below is an (almost) exhaustive list of all the candidates and their platforms.
Arguably one of the most important elections you can vote in are state and local. These are the people who make the rules that impact our daily lives, like the beach and town parks, traffic safety, our children’s education system, and facilitate on issues like the UI proposal. Don’t sit this one out! If you can’t make it to the polls this year, here is info on absentee ballots.
Some people vote along party lines for big elections, like a presidential election, because we all know the players and what they stand for. For a local election, you may be more inclined to vote on position rather than party.
Below is a list of the offices and a synopsis of what they do, the candidates for each open seat, their candidate sites, their party line, and any additional information about them.
First Selectperson: From the town website: similar to a town mayor. The Office of the First Selectwoman handles constituent concerns; coordinates interdepartmental activities; provides research services for the development of policies, programs and facilities that enhance the socio-economic viability of Fairfield; provides leadership and administrative guidance to town employees, and to boards, commissions, and committee members; oversees expenditures; researches and administers grants; coordinates public activities, and most importantly, provides information to the public.
Brenda Kupchick—R (incumbent), Selectman running mate: Brian Farmen
Led Fairfield’s Covid-19 Response
Credited for solving town dumping scandal which including remediating 40 toxic dump sites, and repairing the Penfield Pavilion.
Facilitated Operation Hope’s HQ move to Fairfield.
Established a new town website with greater function and efficiency
Established a sister city in Ukraine to provide support
Bill Gerber—D, Selectwoman running mate: Christine Vitale
Stance on affordable housing while maintaining the values of Fairfield: “We must assemble a “bench” of expertise, both internal and external resources, including traffic, public safety, infrastructure, conservation, flood & erosion, etc. to ensure the highest possible level of defense against unacceptable incursions on our quality of life by, yes, “predatory developers”. 8-30g does exempt applications that do not meet Wetlands or WPCA requirements so we must ensure those agencies, as well as Zoning, have the tools they need- experts and studies- to ensure the Town is protected against inappropriate development. Finally, the Town needs to be transparent. Residents should always know where we are and where we need to get to in terms of existing and required moratorium and overall points. Fairfield will be subject to 8-30g for the indefinite future, but with competent leadership and transparent, comprehensive planning, we can mitigate the negative while providing a diversity of housing where and how we want it.”
10 years experience serving on the RTM
Introduced the Safe and Livable Streets bill which was passed making Complete Streets in Fairfield the law
Promises to facilitate thoughtfully located, accessible housing for seniors, young families, first responders, teachers, and other young professionals to live in and contribute to our vibrant community
Endorsed by Congressman Jim Himes, Rep. Sarah Keitt, State Treasurer Erik Russel, Attorney General William Tong, Fairfield Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1426
Board of Ed. (which is grappling with a state law many in town oppose, called the Racial Imbalance Plan.)
Jennifer Maxon-Kennelly—D (incumbent)
Regarding Redistricting: Favors grandfathering Juniors and Seniors, provided the parents provide transportation.
Walter Domeika—D
Regarding Redistricting: Favors an individual family voluntary redistricting solution.
Katie Flynn—D
Regarding redistricting: “I don’t think anyone in this community is arguing that we don’t want to utilize our buildings well, or that we don’t want to see more diversity in our schools,” Flynn said. “I think the pushback is that it doesn’t feel centered in an academic experience at any level.”
David Krasnoff—D
Regarding redistricting: favors a gradual approach. “I don’t think it’s fair that we don’t have funding or don’t have enough bus drivers to be the reason for not grandfathering,”
Frank Sahagian—D
Albert Dzurka—R
Jason Li—R
Regarding Redistricting: Believes students who lived within 0.7 miles of their school should be allowed to remain there.
Jackie Bardenwerper—R
Regarding redistricting: believes our neighborhoods and schools should be preserved as much as possible. “I think the magnet school would be an amazing addition to Fairfield. I’d very much like to see it explored further in the future, and I think it would be a great way to address racial imbalance.”
Tracey Rinaldi—R
Regarding redistricting: “I know that it’s a really sensitive issue and it’s sparked so much uncertainty and anxiety in the community. But it’s something that does have to be done,” Rinaldi said.
George Pertesis—R
Board of Finance
Jim Meyers R: Former RTM District 8; “…the need for Fairfield to continuously plan for growth so that we can ensure our infrastructure and tax base can absorb the growing costs. I intend to work with all departments in town, and the Board of Education, to ensure we are properly prioritizing capital spending
Amy Ruggiero R: “The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is taxes. I intend to approach the town budget, which continues to face rising costs, with fiscal conservativeness.”
Kevin Starke D: Climate change. The warming climate is making flooding worse in Fairfield, not only in the beach area but also along the Rooster River, where I live. It is also making schools too hot for learning at the very beginning and very end of each school year.
John Mitola D: I want to continue to help keep Fairfield an affordable town while providing the services that our citizens demand, including strong public schools, senior tax relief, updated and modern infrastructure, and recreational opportunities for all ages. My vast experience serving in Fairfield government over the years gives me different perspectives on how Fairfield government works. I think this experience helps me better serve our residents.
Town Clerk
Betsy Browne—R incumbent, unopposed
N/A
Town Plan & Zoning Commission
Kathryn Braun—R (incumbent, 4-year term)
Alexis Harrison—R (incumbent, 2-year term)
Peter Collins—R (incumbent; alternate member if elected)
Gerry Alessi—R (4-year term)
David Weiss—R (alternate)
Overbuilding in downtown Fairfield; potential threats of illegal immigrants moving to Fairfield; and controlling spending; opposes illegal immigration.
Thomas Corsillo—D (incumbent; 4-year term)
Favors improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars on town roads; improve cyclist connectivity; promotes more alternate transportation accessibility; ensure that applicants who come before the TPZ to ensure their plans enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity whenever possible.
Supports affordable housing, and maintaining the character of Fairfield.
Jeanine Pocoski—D (incumbent; 4-year term)
Jeff Randolph—D (4-year term)
Jeff Galdenzi—D (incumbent; 2-year term
Joe Siebert—D (alternate)
Zoning Board of Appeals
Terrance Keegan—R (incumbent)
Katie O'Grady—R (incumbent)
“One of the issues our town is facing, is managing commercial and residential development along with affordable housing. I as a commissioner on the ZBA I can some impact on how are our towns development is managed.”
Kevin Coyne—R (incumbent)
Jane Gitlin Nishball—D (incumbent)
Christine Hogan—D
Joseph Schwartz—D
Board of Assessment Appeals
Helene Daly—R
“Affordability in this town. I am sad to see how many senior citizens can no longer afford to stay in their homes......sad to see young married couples who want to move back to the town where they grew up, but can't afford to buy here.”
Peter Ruppert—D
Constable
• Roger Autuori (R)
• Kevin Flynn (D)
• Michael Herley (R)
• Charlene Sabia Lebo (D)
• Joe Peddle (R)
• Bill Perugini (R)
• Ruth Smey (D)
• Jay Wolk (D)
Representative Town Meeting aka RTM
This is a 40-person legislative body that is divided by district. Click here to see who your district reps are. To figure out your district, click here.
Districts
District 1
Kevin J. Lennon D: Believes in the role of government and its ability to provide quality of life / preserving Fairfield's key attributes
Peter Britton R: Lower Taxes - I want to help manage our budget to reduce spending where possible, seek to secure a balanced budget without raising taxes - make sure every program is evaluated on its own merits and answers the question of "are we doing the right thing for the community."
Kenneth Astarita R: The single most important issue facing my constituents is the cost of Town government. I intend to work with the Town Administrators to ensure that tax payer money is spent wisely and efficiently.
Melissa Longo R: Fiscal responsibility, accountability from our elected officials, and over development are all pressing issues. I intend to continue to on the path I am currently on, voting and representing our community and prioritizing real needs rather than partaking in dramatic partisan theatrics.
Eric Mengel (D)
Lynn Moore (D)
Brooke Sparacino (R) (was in D10)
Nancy von Euler (D)
District 2
Sunila Fadl D: I have an MBA in finance and over 15 years of experience in the banking industry. Addressing some of the financial issues that face the town is something I’m well prepared for as a successful banking executive. As a mother of 3 children in the Fairfield school system I have direct insight to the challenges schools and children in our community face and I am committed to making sure our children and our schools are a priority. As a caretaker of elderly parents for the past 15+ years I am in a position to really understand the plight of seniors in our community. They need more support and care and it is our job to prioritize their needs.
Christer Shea R: There are two: Affordability and Safety. Affordability: I will be a budget hawk reviewing the proposed Town budgets asking questions about all items I need to, and not voting for any expenditures which are not justified. Safety: I am a law-and-order citizen, and we need to maintain safe streets, safe playgrounds, safe schools, etc. The most important duty our town government is charged with is providing safety for its citizens.
• Ed Bateson (R) (was in D1)
• Scott Bisang (D)
• Tara Cook-Littman (D)
• Amir Nasir, MD (R)
• Amy O'Shea (R)
• David Rock (D)
District 3
Jeff Steele R: Keeping our town financially strong and safe in terms of preventing crime and maintaining infrastructure. I intend to address these issues by carefully reviewing the budget and other major financial outlays, as well as making sure our police and fire departments have the resources they need.
• Francis "Hank" Ference (R) (was in D8)
• Myke Hartigan Nicholas (D)
• Lori McArthur (R)
• Karen McCormack (R) (was in D2)
• Melissa Straus (D)
• Cindy Waldron (D)
• Cindy Wapnitsky (D)
District 4
Elizabeth Zezima D: In my district it is currently Rooster River flooding. I have approved funding for remediation efforts and am following the progress closely while relaying updates to my district constituents.
• Laura Karson (D)
• Michelle Lapine McCabe (D)
• Marcy Spolyar (D)
District 5
Kristin O’Neill D: Affordability. I intend to carefully examine our town budget. Specifically looking at our capital projects and waterfall plan. There are many upgrades needed at our town facilities, and these projects need to be completed in a timely manner in order to not incur additional costs. However, we also need to be mindful of the tax burden of our citizens.
• Roger Autuori (R)
• Josh Garskof (D)
• Keith Markey (R)
• Sharon Pistilli (D) (was in D3)
• Jay Wolk (D)
District 6
Evan Snapper R: “This post will require an understanding of financial matters as well as legal matters, such as, the encroachment by the State through the use of 8-30(G) to try and usurp the Town's authority
regarding zoning issues.”
Hannah Gale R: Safety; Support for Law Enforcement; Zoning; Public Health that includes informed consent; Neighborhood Concerns, Support for Neighborhood Schools, Etc.
Jennifer Barahona D: The biggest issues facing my voters are cost of living and road safety. I want to help maximize local efficiency and transparency while fighting to make our community as safe as possible.
• Robert Blanchard (D)
• Nancy Donne (D)
• Andrew Graceffa (D)
• Jaya Torok (R)
• Nina Velez (R)
District 7
Jack Shostak R: it is important we ensure that all of our town operations are effectively overseen, held accountable and responsible, and are tax dollar efficient. Done right the first time just makes sense.
• Steve Berecz (D) (was in D6)
• Sara Camarro (R)
• William Ferguson (R)
• John K. Kuhn (D)
• Scott Nickel (D)
• Jonathan Delgado (D)
• Joanne Romano-Csonka (R)
District 8
Christine Ludwiczak R: Ensuring that schools are properly staffed given the increased needs of children in this post-pandemic environment (i.e., learning loss from missed school, decreased socialization, social media pressures, cyberbullying, increased need of professional assistance to tackle mental health challenges). I would work to ensure funding is allotted effectively for these resources, while trying to maintain low taxes in this inflationary environment.
Shane Pendley D: If we are choosing a single issue, then I would emphasize effectively funding our public schools. However, the overarching issue is how to prudently spend our tax dollars and thoughtfully plan for capital expenditures.
• Kerry Berchem (D)
• Jim Buggy (D)
• Chris Carroll (D)
• Collin Colburn (R)
• Richard Davies (R)
• Nick Mirable (R)
District 9
Christine Brown D: I railed against the proposed 6% budget increase two years ago, and voted against additional funding for a parks project when the administration “accidentally” overspent their budget. The $25 million of federal Covid relief funds we used for flood mitigation, police equipment, and other capital projects was a one-time deal. We’re now going to have to make some hard choices, especially with significant expenditures coming down the pike including a major sewer system replacement. I’ll continue to support strong funding for our public education system, the jewel that brought so many of us here in the first place, as well as increased services for seniors, while advocating for strong financial controls across the board.
• Jim Bowen (Unaffiliated)
• Dru Mercer Georgiadis (D)
• Lisa Havey (D) (was in D6)
• Sarah Matthews (R)
• Sue O'Neill (R)
• Kelly Scinto (R)
• Karen Wackerman (D) (was in D7)
District 10
Laurie Quick R: “My goal is to contribute to a more positive and collaborative set of results for everyone.”
Tisha Fox R: The United Illuminating Transmission Line proposal. So far, I have attended both the community meeting at the Pequot Library and the United Illuminating Town Hall meeting. I will continue to be a vocal advocate in supporting the community and voice their concerns with the project.
• Matt Ambrose (D)
• Patrick Colligan (R)
• Justin Contratto (D))
• Margaret Horton (D) (was in D9)
• Pierre Ratzki (D)
• Stori Tallman (R)
• William Tuttle (Working Families Party)
Polling location by district below
Voter Registration
Accessible Voting
Absentee—CT does not have an early voting system