Patch Candidate Profile: Christopher Shea, RTM District 2

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

Christopher Shea

How old will you be as of Election Day?

63

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

https://www.fairfieldrtc.com/2023-rtm-candidates

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

Representative Town Meeting-RTM

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

District 2

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

BS Construction Technology - Central Connecticut State University

What is your occupation?

Home Builder and Remodeler for over 30 years

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

My wife Amanda and I have been married for 22 years. We have two children, ages 21 and 17.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes, I am presently a Commissioner serving on the Historic District Commission.

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 am a big fan of the Town of Fairfield, it has so much to offer its residents. I believe it is a great place to live and raise a family. I think I can help make Fairfield even better and I want to give back and serve the community that has given me and my family so much.

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

There are two: Affordability and Safety. Affordability: I will be a budget hawk reviewing the proposed Town budgets asking questions about all items I need to, and not voting for any expenditures which are not justified. Safety: I am a law-and-order citizen, and we need to maintain safe streets, safe playgrounds, safe schools, etc. The most important duty our town government is charged with is providing safety for its citizens.

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

I have read many negative Letters to the Editor attacking our elected officials. We need civility and integrity to be our guiding principles. I assume that all our elected officials are passionate about Fairfield, and sometimes we disagree about how best to represent our constituents and occasionally emotions can become elevated. There is no place for name-calling in a civil society. I pledge to perform my duties with passion and respect for my opponents. I am not afraid to disagree, however I will use civility as my guide.

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

N/A

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

In speaking with Fairfield residents during my campaigning I have learned that their biggest concerns are keeping corruption out of Town Government; keeping Fairfield Affordable for all who choose to live here; and keeping our streets and communities safe. I am passionate about these issues as well and plan to address each one of them if I am honored to be elected. As a representative of Fairfield, it would be my duty to listen to all of my constituents, hear what issues they have, learn as much as I can about each issue, report my findings back to my constituents and come up with a plan of action bringing the issue to the RTM for discussion and action.

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

I am a successful small business owner who must wear many hats throughout my day. It is very important to manage multiple priorities without letting issues go unresolved. I am a proven leader in my industry, and I handle challenges joyfully by rolling up my sleeves, bringing the team together, determining the best course of action and proceeding toward that goal. Keeping the goal in mind and adjusting course when required.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

If you can dream it, you can do it. Walt Disney

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

I am ready to do my part and give back some of what has been given to me by those that served before me.

I plan to be a problem solver who brings a love of community together as a shared common trait of each of my fellow elected officials.