Patch Candidate Profile: Alexis Harrison, Plan & Zoning Commission

FAIRFIELD, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Fairfield will be on the ballot, including Board of Selectman, Board of Education, Board of Finance, RTM and others.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 7, Fairfield Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next few weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Name

Alexis P. Harrison

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield, CT

What office are you seeking?

Town Plan & Zoning Commission, two-year term

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Sacred Heart University, Bachelor of Arts

What is your occupation?

Senior Manager, Global Consultancy

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

Three generations of my family live in Fairfield including seniors to working professionals and children attendng the Fairfield Public Schools which provides me with a broad view of the unique needs of our residents.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Current Commissioner, Fairfield Town Plan & Zoning Commission
Former Member, Board of Assessment Appeals
Former Member, Representative Town Meeting (three terms) including Chair of the Senior Tax Relief sub-committee
Former Member, FairTV Commission including serving as Chairman

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

Land is our most finite of resources, and decisions rendered by local zoning commissions on land-use are lasting and permanent. Further, decisions by the TPZ play a critical role in our economic and environmental health and vibrancy. As a Fairfield native, I want to continue to use my experience in land-use, neighborhood advocacy and knowledge of our town to arrive at well-founded decisions. Land-use decisions are not Republican or Democrat or left or right – they impact everyone and everything. If I am re-elected, I will continue to be a voice for our environment, economic development and a diversity of housing while also balancing the unique needs of our neighborhoods.

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

I routinely talk to fellow residents about zoning and planning issues, and concerns vary based on needs, age, income and other factors. Keeping the town diverse is a theme that comes up often which is something that Fairfield continues to work on by providing diverse housing options and a good quality of life. Environmental protection and preservation of oue unique historical assets is also a topic that is critical, as well as concerns of population growth and redistricting which can be impacted by land-use decisions. More State mandates on zoning and land-use consistently comes up and it's an important matter to have honest conversations about.

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

Our zoning commission is bound to follow State law in both project applications and long-term planning. I have been working for the past three years with the non-partisan grassroots group called CT169Strong to monitor legislative actions in Hartford and to advocate for local control of land-use decision making. I also have initiated a bi-monthly newsletter for residents to be informed about matters that come before the zoning commission because I feel very strongly that we need to encourage community engagement and it starts with being informed.

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

Currently, the TPZ is updating the Plan of Conservation & Development, POCD, an advisory document that guides important decisions in the Town such as the preferred density, infrastructure investment, preservation of natural and cultural resources, variety of housing choices, location and type of commercial activity, and level of municipal services. And when commercial or residential developers apply for project approvals, they cite consistency with the POCD during hearings to show that this is what our Town has envisioned for a specific parcel of land or area of town. Given that we are currently reviewing the draft document that was prepared by a consultant and our planning staff, and we as a commission are actively providing input on the draft, I will continue to share details of the plan and my critical questions and analysis of it to ensure the plan properly reflects the values of our community.

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

In my last two years as a zoning commissioner and as a past member of the Board of Assessment Appeals, I have gleaned a great deal of knowledge and experience, combined with my professional experience as a communications executive, positions me to render sound decisions and to bring more members of our community into the process. I conduct a lot of research and listen and learn from the public before arriving at well-founded decisions. I also monitor legislative bills that chips away at local control of zoning and I advocate for our local communities. Land is inherently local and decisions on land-use must be made by local stakeholders.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

In everything that you do, continue to learn and grow and give back to others.