Patch Candidate Profile: Chris Carroll, RTM District 8

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

Chris Carroll

How old will you be as of Election Day?

66 years old.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://Fairfielddemocrats.com

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

Fairfield RTM District 8

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

RTM District 8

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrats

Education.

BS, Management Science

What is your occupation?

Marketing/Advertising - Retired

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

Married to Jenny Carroll. 4 children, Cate Pepin (37) & Grace Carroll (33), both graduates of Ridgefield Schools, Sydney Carroll, RLMS & Tom Carroll, Riverfield.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

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

Not yet.

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?

I believe it is important that the residents of District 8 not only have a voice in the governing of the Town of Fairfield but are actively informed about the decisions being taken by local government and the vital issues we are faced with. As a lifelong Democrat, I am disturbed by the challenges our politics face not only nationally but locally and feel we all have an obligation to get involved and be part of the solution. I see a need for not only transparency from our local government officials but a need for a sense of urgency. As a member of management teams in the private sector, I am amazed at times how long it takes for municipal officials to address critical issues.

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

...the ability for pedestrians, cyclists, and those people with disabilities to have safe and equal access to our roads. I fully support Bill Gerber's Safe Streets proposal and will work to ensure the ordinances full and consistent implementation.

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

With 40 years of management experience in marketing and advertising, I understand how a $350 million business like Fairfield should operate. I also believe that we should all be working together to make Fairfield an even better place to live.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The Republican leadership in Fairfield has not addressed critical issues in a timely manner, negatively affecting our constituents and our budgets. I believe Bill Geber's 30 years of financial experience along with a strong RTM will have a positive impact on our Town.

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

believe we need to support our schools and all of our municipal departments and employees with the resources they need to provide the outstanding services our community requires. But we also need to hold the leadership of these departments accountable for budget spending and strategic planning.

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

40 years of business experience in marketing and advertising. 10 years as head of global marketing for Subway Restaurants in Milford, CT. Have managed budgets from $2 million to $900 million and led organizations of over 300 individuals. I have been engaged in politics since I was a young age.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Everyone is going to have an opinion; listen to everyone's input, gather as much information as possible and analyze the data. Then make a decision and stand by that decision.

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

I will work to listen and communicate to all the citizens in District 8 and work hard to make Fairfield an even better place to live.