Candidate Profile: Agnieszka Stepniak, Brookfield Board of Finance

BROOKFIELD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Brookfield and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Brookfield Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Agnieszka Stepniak is running for election to the Brookfield Board of Finance, as a Republican.

Education.

I received my MBA from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut. Last year, I completed a two-year program with the Connecticut School of Finance and Management.

What is your occupation?

I started my career in banking and have close to 30 years of combined experience in the financial services industry and management.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My husband of 25 years and I have two daughters. My eldest daughter is a graduate of Brookfield High School and is currently attending the University of Connecticut. My younger daughter attends Whisconier Middle School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes. In March of 2023, I was appointed to serve as an alternate member of the Planning Commission. I also serve as an alternate member of the Brookfield Republican Town Committee. From time to time, I volunteer as an election worker.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this position to be a voice for the critical decisions that are being made regarding the financial well-being of our community. We must manage our hometown responsibly to support its long-term growth and objectives. With the right approach, we can continue to provide essential local services while controlling our spending and maintaining accountability. I am looking forward to working with all stakeholders, keeping Brookfield on a solid financial foundation, and making Brookfield a place for everyone to thrive.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Taxes are the most pressing issue for most Brookfield residents, along with rising interest rates and prices for goods and services. We have the opportunity to realign budget priorities while taking into account our long-term objectives. I want to bring transparency and efficiency to the budget process and put into practice sound financial controls. My main priority is to ensure that the decisions made by the Board of Finance will benefit all residents of Brookfield.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My experience with understanding economic markers and finances makes me a better-prepared candidate. Aside from my professional experience in the banking sector, I bring integrity, dedication, and transparency. I am creative in my approach to efficiency, and I am extremely resourceful. Experience in commercial lending makes me more aware of the impact of local businesses on town development, along with the financial and economic factors that affect growth. Success is measured by collaboration and moving things forward; many years of leadership experience will allow me to work with everyone on the board.

hat other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Many issues impact Brookfield residents, and I would love to serve as a resource, either directly or indirectly. As a member of the Board of Finance team, my main focus will be fiscal discipline, continued investments in our infrastructure, and supporting education.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I started my career in banking and have close to 30 years of combined experience in the financial services industry and management. I have experience navigating through changing departmental and corporate objectives while maintaining tremendous flexibility in resetting priorities and adjusting plans as necessary. I am resourceful and analytical, with ability to advocate and recommend enhancements and alternatives to processes and obstacles.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don’t ever be afraid to ask or try, because not asking or doing is a real failure.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I immigrated from Poland in 1991, and I have been a resident of Brookfield since 2018. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering for various charitable organizations in the Danbury area, especially for the Jericho Partnership food pantry. As a very young child, I lived during a state of emergency that ended with the imposition of martial laws in December of 1981. In 1989, I watched the fall of the Belin Wall and the collapse of the “Iron Curtain.” At that time, I didn’t know what all that meant, but these, along with other life experiences, made me who I am today and what I believe in. As a result, personal freedoms are near and dear to my heart. I do think that we live in unique times. I value and cherish the freedoms and opportunities that this country provides. As such, I am a proud member of the Carr/Rondini ticket, and I believe my professional experience and dedication will fit nicely with the demands that this position requires. I humbly thank you for your vote, and I look forward to serving you for the next four years.