Fairfield Candidate Profile: Eric Newman For RTM

FAIRFIELD, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Fairfield and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Eric Newman is running for Representative Town Meeting District 2 as a Democrat. Newman is a certified public accountant who has served on the RTM since 2011.

Are you running for office in Fairfield? Contact Anna Bybee-Schier at anna.bybee-schier@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Fairfield Patch.

Candidate responses appear as they were received and have not been edited by Patch staff.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The past eight years provided legislative and financial policy leadership that has contributed to our vibrant schools, libraries and senior center. The town of Fairfield is a leader in investing in long-term public sector clean energy infrastructure and transformative technology. This next term, I will continue to collaborate on long-term strategic legislative policy and make responsible fiscal, environmental, social and governance decisions for Fairfield.

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

Government Leadership and Experience. The past eight years, I have served on the RTM including leadership roles on the Finance Committee. In addition, I will continue to bring my two decades as a CPA with both Corporate and Government Finance experience to the Legislative Body.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

A top school system drives property values and attracts young families to our town, which drives economic development. The two nationally ranked universities in town are part of the economic ecosystem that supports many local businesses and provides high quality jobs to many Fairfield residents. The town's education institutions provide a gateway to many who decide to live, work and experience the vibrant community and quality of life Fairfield offers.

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

I have been serving on the RTM for the last eight years. I am seeking my fifth term to continue to represent the North Stratfield, Jennings, Burr and Osborne Hill sections of town in our local government. I have held several leadership roles including Chairman of the Finance Committee; Deputy Minority Leader; Vice Chairman Special Legislative Management Committee; Vice Chairman and Ranking Member Finance Committee; and served as a Member of the Senior and Disabled Tax Relief Committee.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Serving as a Government Policy Maker you are setting long term policies and Strategies that will be felt immediately and will last for decades and even generations. Every vote counts and the outcome will result the long term viability of the community, the people who work, live and play here as well as the most vulnerable residents in the community.