Patch Candidate Profile: John Mitola, Board Of Finance

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

John Mitola

How old will you be as of Election Day?

62

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield, CT

What office are you seeking?

Board of Finance

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

A.B. Stonehill College 1893; Juris Doctorate Catholic University Columbus School of Law 1987

What is your occupation?

Attorney specializing in employment and municipal law 35 years.

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

Wife Michele works in NYC and involved as a volunteer in local organizations; two sons- William and Charlie- graduates of Fairfield Public Schools; one son college graduate the other currently attending college.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes. Currently a member of the Fairfield Board of Finance since 2014 and now serve as vice chairman; I was a member of the Board of Education from 2005-2011 served as Chairman and Vice-Chair; Served on the RTM 2011-13 District 2; Appointed to the Charter Revision Commission 2021-22; Appointed as a member of the Building Committee that built Burr and McKinley Schools.

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 seeking reelection to the Fairfield Board of Finance because I want to continue to help make Fairfield an affordable town which provides the services that our citizens demand such as strong public schools, senior tax relief, updated and modern infrastructure, and recreational opportunities for all ages. Finally, I have vast experience serving in Fairfield government over the years (BOE and RTM Member; Charter Revision and Building Committee Member) which gives me different perspectives on how Fairfield government works. I think this experience makes me a better BOF member which helps our citizens.

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

Affordability and providing the services which our citizens demand. Affordability and the needs of the community always entails a "balancing act" because Fairfield has many needs, but those needs cannot be done all at once because doing so is too costly. So, in order to provide the services which our citizens want and help keep Fairfield affordable, what I intend to do and have been doing is to carefully scrutinize a First Selectperson's proposed budget (no matter who serves in that office and regardless of political affiliation) and the BOE's proposed budget, as well as scrutinize all proposed capital spending projects to make sure that such budget requests and projects are affordable and necessary and after such review make any necessary adjustments. Also, long term planning regarding our capital needs has to be part of the equation so we can smartly and in a deliberative fashion understand and plan how we are going to pay for these future capital projects at a cost which is affordable. Since I have been on the BOF I have always engaged in the analysis of affordability vs. needs and, if I am fortunate enough to be reelected, I will continue to do so.

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

I think the major difference is my experience. I have served on the BOF since 2014. Moreover, as stated previously I have held other offices in Fairfield (Board of Education, RTM, Charter Revision, and Elementary School Building Committee). I think these experiences gives me insight that the other candidates do not have regarding how our town works which, in turn, makes me a better BOF member.

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

Not applicable.

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

One big issue which has come to light over the last couple of years is the failure of the current administration to follow and put in place financial control policies so as to not waste taxpayer money, and I want to focus on this issue to make sure such polices are put in place and followed. An example is the recent town credit card fiasco where the town's internal auditor completed an audit in 2020 which pointed out several issues and concerns regarding employee noncompliance with the Town's credit card policy and made recommendations to correct those issues and concerns. Despite what the current administration states, they knew about these issues and concerns in 2020 and 2021 yet failed to act, and only finally acted in 2023 when issues regarding potential fraud and misuse came to light once again. When an internal audit makes recommendations, they need to be followed and considered not ignored. I think the BOF needs to apply more oversight regarding any administration's compliance with our financial policies to make sure that they are being followed.

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

As stated above, I have served on the BOF since 2014 and have held other positions in town government. I think as a BOF member I have been able to balance the needs of our community while keeping Fairfield affordable. Our tax dollars are well spent for the most part, tax increases have been modest, and we have a AAA credit rating. We have tremendous public schools, have a significant senior tax relief program, have invested in our infrastructure, and provide wonderful recreational opportunities for our citizens. I think that I had something to do with the accomplishment of all of these things which makes Fairfield a wonderful place to live.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To get involved. It's important to give back to your community.

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

I have lived in Fairfield for most of my life (since 1964) and love it here. I understand our history, needs and what it takes to make the community a thriving place to live, work and enjoy.