Fairfield Candidate Profile: Kevin Coyne For Zoning Appeals

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, so Fairfield Patch asked them to answer questions about their campaigns.

Kevin Coyne is running for Zoning Board of Appeals as a Republican. Coyne is an attorney who has held a seat on the board for 12 years.

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.

An important issue is the decreasing grand list in Fairfield. We need to support growth but still maintain the integrity of our residential and commercial districts. Any building/expansion needs to done in a reasonable manner. My focus while on the ZBA will be to ensure that any expansion or building is done in a reasonable manner.

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

I have 12 years of experience on the ZBA and for the last 6 I have served as Chairman. My legal experience is beneficial to my role in chairing the meetings as well as understanding the legal issues presented. In addition my legal background includes construction claims as well as land use and zoning disputes. The above qualifications set me apart from my opponent.

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

I have been re-elected Chairman by fellow members 5 times.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated. I have done my best to treat everyone that comes before the board fairly and with respect. Many times a person has an application who is not used to public speaking or does not have legal training. I ma

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have lived in Fairfield since 1991. I love to call Fairfield my home. I take the responsibility of ZBA very serious. I believe it is a very important board in Town, especially for the residents and businesses that wish to expand their home or business. I think that expansion can be a positive but I understand we also need to be cautious so as not to overbuild or interfere with neighbors use and enjoyment of their property. I have worked hard to find a proper balance in order to be fair to all.