Frank W. Petise Running For Fairfield RTM District 10

FAIRFIELD, CT —It's election season in Fairfield, and Patch is here to help you get to know the candidates running for local office in 2021 before voters head to the polls Nov. 2.

Questionnaire responses appear as submitted by candidates.

Republican Frank W. Petise, 45, is running for RTM District 10.

Occupation: Transportation Manager/engineer

Family: Cortney - wife, Frank - son, 5th Grade Mill Hill, Andrew - son, 3rd Grade Mill Hill, Elizabeth - daughter, 1st Grade Mill Hill

Experience: RTM and Flood and Erosion Control Board

Family in government: My father was on the Greenwich RTM for many years and my cousin served as the First Selectman of Greenwich for several years. Currently I have a cousin on the Town Council in Trumbull as well.

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Taxes and I will continue to support smart growth of our Town. Supporting the strategic planning initiatives that broaden our tax base and ease the tax burden on our residents. Additionally I will continue to monitor the Town's Budget and vote accordingly.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am seeking re-election to a third term on the RTM in District 10. In addition to serving District 10 since 2017, I have 3 children in Mill Hill School, I'm a volunteer coach, and and I am active in the District 10 community. As a professional I have worked in municipal government for the last 18 years which gives me a unique background and understanding of local government.

Accomplishments:

Prior to serving on the RTM I was appointed to the Flood Erosion Control Board. Since joining the RTM I was nominated to serve as the Vice Chair of the Public Works and Planning Committee and act as the RTM Liaison to the Mill Building Committee. I also worked with the Strategic Planning Committee to host the Workshop in District 10. My career which includes 18 years in municipal government also is evidence of my ability to be up to the challenges of serving on the RTM.

Other issues:

I believe in aspiring to keep Fairfield the great place that it is to live that it is. We should strive to be wise with our financial position by monitoring capital project planning and spending, keeping our debt service in check and reducing the Town's long term exposure. We should continue to provide the services and education that make Fairfield a wonderful Town to live in, and and encourage smart growth of our tax base.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I believe in our municipality having local control of our government. I will continue to support the structural changes, operating efficiencies, and and use of technology to modernize our Town Services and ultimately reduce the cost to our taxpayers.