Patch Candidate Profile: Karen McCormack, 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

Karen McCormack

How old will you be as of Election Day?

56

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

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

RTM DISTRICT 3

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

RTM DISTRICT 3

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Juris Doctor-Quinnipiac University Law School and BS-Fairfield University

What is your occupation?

Attorney 28 years

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

Yes. I have family.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes. Currently serving my second 2 year term as an elected representative from RTM District 2 (now known as District 3 as of the 2023 election).

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 a seat on the RTM to continue to be a voice of logic and reason against a backdrop of extreme policies which have been proposed over the last 4 years which will and have jeopardize the freedoms, affordability and quality of life for all Fairfielders, including lifelong residents and those who have recently moved to our beautiful Town.

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 ensuring smart spending to keep tax increases as low as possible, while mindfully funding the services and amenities that Fairfielders have come to enjoy and expect.

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

I have and will vote on each item that comes before the RTM with an independent mind.

I intend to continue to challenge the ideas and proposals that come before the RTM and to ensure that critical thinking is at the forefront of every deliberation and voting decision.

Legislating from emotional vantage points never results in good outcomes. Thoughtful and logical consideration must be given to each voting item in order to act as an effective legislator.

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

I am an incumbent office holder. So this question does not apply to me.

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

I intend to highlight the successes and accomplishments of First Selectwoman Kupchick’s first term in office and continue to remind voters of how far we have come over the last four years to ensure honest, transparent and accountable town government operations.

The partisanship of certain members of the RTM must stop in order to ensure that the best interests of the citizens of Fairfield are the top priority.

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

I have served as a competent and thoughtful member of the RTM for the past four years. I remain responsive to the citizens of Fairfield (even those beyond my District) when a concern or issue is brought to my attention.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

1. To stand on my principles and convictions.

2. Always be mindful that the true test of a person’s character is what he or she does when no one is watching.

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

As a lifelong Fairfielder, there is no doubt that I have the best interests of Fairfield at heart.

I am committed to do everything that I can to make sure that Fairfield remains a place where people want to come to live, work and play.