Patch Candidate Profile: Andrew Koehm, 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.

Andrew Koehm is running for election to the Brookfield Board of Finance, as a Republican.

Education.

Grad. Certs. - Forensic Accounting & Fraud Detection, Univ. of WV, BS Accounting, UB, CTs. I worked for the Internal Revenue Service for almost 40 years in numerous assignments. I served as a technician and leader in field assignments and at Headquarters as a Data Analyst and National Program Manager.

What is your occupation?

I am retired. Previously I worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 39 years.

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

Married for 43 years with two children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Brookfield Still River Green Way Committee and the Zoning Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?

To move Brookfield toward a better fiscal track. We owe too much debt. Often Brookfield overpays for projects. It needs to be more spending efficient. Stewardship and frugality should be the guiding concepts.

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

True representative government that follows the law. Government should work for the common good of the taxpaying public and at the lowest best cost. Who you know or who you "donate" to should not be a factor in what you receive from government. I will always advocate for the lowest best cost for Brookfield government with 100% transparency. I'm a taxpayer and I want the most value for my money!

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

I've been a government auditor and data analyst for most of my career. I know how to conduct forensic financial reviews and comparative analysis of business operations. The transactions behind the statements is where you find the reality.

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

I'd like to see more voters attend the various town and committee meetings. Get involved in your town! If I can help please contact me.

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

While I can't discuss specifics of the cases I worked in my prior career some resulted in convictions and large assessments. Those took lots of analysis and work. The BOF also requires a large time commitment that I will make. I've volunteered for years in BSA, Girl Scouts, my church, non profit groups, and the BVFD. I've been a treasurer and leader in these groups. I often speak at town and committee meetings suggesting alternatives to improve outcomes. At the BVFD I was part of the team that brought 24/7 paramedics to our town funded in part by insurance billings...an out of the box strategy later adopted by other towns. I have a few ideas for ways we can reduce Brookfield costs and still provide the same or better service. Please go VOTE on November 7.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do your own research. Facebook, X, and MM, etc. are mostly opinion and rants. Get involved, do the homework and find the real facts for yourself.

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

1. I'm conservative. 2. Honesty is always the best policy. 3. Government needs to be transparent. If it's not you should demand it. 4. Get involved. Express your opinion. Vote!