Patch Candidate Profile: Francis 'Hank' Ference, RTM District 3

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

Francis "Hank" Ference

How old will you be as of Election Day?

70

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?

RTM

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

District 3

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

I attended Sacred Heart University

What is your occupation?

I am retired from a Fairfield Fire Fighter career of 43 years, including nine years as the town's Fire Inspector. I am currently a part time Fire Inspector and Blight Prevention Officer in Darien.

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

Married and proud father of three Fairfield University Alums.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I have been an RTM member since 2006, serving eight terms. I have also been Deputy Moderator and Chairman of the RTM Senior Tax Committee.

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 would like to assist the administration's efforts to keep tax increases as low as possible, keeping our children in their neighborhood schools, and prioritizing investment in public safety.

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

I believe the aggressive overdevelopment of of our neighborhoods by predatory developers taking advantage of the well intentioned but misdirected 8-30G legislation is one of our town's most pressing issue. I will work with the administration to try to find a new approach to this issue.

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

I offer lifelong residency, 43 years as a Town employee, and 16 years as a public servant on the RTM.

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?

Increasing Senior Tax Relief to keep our seniors in town has always been a concern. I am also cognizant of the recent proposal by United Illuminating to pollute our landscape with 180 foot towers in our neighborhoods along the south side of the railroad tracks.

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

I have served multiple terms and collaborated on many issues over the years.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To treat others in a way that you would want to be treated.

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

I am committed to the Town of Fairfield and our administration, and would be honored to serve another term.