Patch Candidate Profile: Jane Gitlin Nishball, Zoning Board Of Appeals

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 couple of weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Name

Jane Gitlin Nishball

How old will you be as of Election Day?

65

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

Zoning Board of Appeals

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

MArch MIT, BFA Massachusetts College of Art

What is your occupation?

Architect, over 35 years

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

Native Fairfielder married to another native Fairfielder, two grown children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Incumbent Zoning Board of Appeals

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?

Zoning BY Design: As the only architect on the current ZBA, I bring my design experience to each application. My obligation is to follow the zoning regulations while considering the impact on the landscape, the streetscape, and the Fairfield community.

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

Lack of diversity of housing options. I intend to advocate for small scale housing interventions for every Fairfield neighborhood.

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

I am a licensed design professional.

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

I advocate a complete rewriting of the current zoning regulations.

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

I have served on the ZBA for the past six years.