Patch Candidate Profile: Jeff Steele, 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

Jeff Steele

How old will you be as of Election Day?

55

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

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

District 3

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

I received a joint Masters Degree in Russian Studies & International Economics from The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, DC; Also received at Bachelors Degree in Russian Studies from Lafayette College

What is your occupation?

I have held senior sales and business development roles at several energy consulting firms over the last 25 years. Currently I am the Commercial Manager for the Northeast for SolarEdge, an Israeli Solar Technology Company; I am also a Senior Board Advisor to Hughes Energy Group, a clean technology start up firm that produces biogenic fiber out of organic waste.

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

I have been married for 26 years. My wife Brenda is the Director of the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities in Fairfield. We have three children - son Alex (24) is a recent graduate of Trinity College in Hartford and currently teaches Economics at Trinity-Pawling School in NY; son Ben (22) is a senior at Salve Regina University in Newport; daughter Julia (18) is a freshman at the University of New Hampshire.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife Brenda has been the Director of the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities in Fairfield since January 2021.

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

I have been an RTM member for 14 of the past 18 years (beginning in 2005). I am currently the Deputy Minority Leader and am a former Moderator (for 3 1/2 years) of the body.

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 I can continue representing the people of Fairfield in town government with a common sense and thoughtful approach on all issues. This approach is necessary, as the RTM plays an important role in making decisions on the town budget and other large financial outlays, as well as contracts, appointments to committees, and ordinances that benefit the town and its residents.

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

Keeping our town financially strong and safe in terms of preventing crime and maintaining infrastructure. I intend to address these issues by carefully reviewing the budget and other major financial outlays, as well as making sure our police and fire departments have the resources they need.

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

I have lived in Fairfield for 24 years and know our town well, along with the issues it faces. In addition, having served on the RTM for 14 years, I have a strong understanding of how this body can be an effective part of town government and best serve its residents.

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

I am an incumbent. I don't think any officeholder has "failed the community," as each person has volunteered their time to serve the town.

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

Making Fairfield safe and desirable for all ages, along with maintaining our town's strong school system, infrastructure, beaches and parks. In addition, I am passionate about addressing mental health and wellness, and maintaining a sustainable town that looks at alternative energy solutions.

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

I have served the town of Fairfield for 14 years and am always diligent and thoughtful when I need to understand and vote on an issue in front of our body. Experience is very important, along with having a passion for improving the town and also ensuring that it is protected from unnecessary spending or proposals that can impact everyday life for our residents.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always listen to someone's perspective.

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

I am someone who has passion about the issues facing our town, and I always consider all sides of an issue when making a decision.