Patch Candidate Profile: Katie O'Grady, 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 few weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Name

Katie O’Grady

How old will you be as of Election Day?

57

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

Zoning Board of Appeals

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

B.S. Fairfield University / M.B.A. Pace University

What is your occupation?

Realtor & Real Estate Advisor

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

Yes daughter Hannah O’Grady & son Ian O’Grady. Both went through the Fairfield school system, graduated college in the Northeast. My son is currently studying at Quinnipiac law school.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No they do not.

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

Yes I’m an incumbent on the Fairfield Zoning Board of Appeals. I’ve served 4 years and hope to serve at least 4 more.

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?

Fairfield has been a wonderful place for my family and I for the past 36 years. I’d like to continue to give back, serve and participate in decisions that shape our towns future.

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

One of the issues our town is facing, is managing commercial and residential development along with affordable housing. I as a commissioner on the ZBA I can some impact on how are our towns development is managed.

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

I can only speak for myself, and prefer not to make comparisons versus the other candidates

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

I am an incumbent

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

I have successfully served the past 4 years on the Fairfield ZBA. I have a successful and thriving local real estate business and I was previously a brand manager with Kraft Foods.

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

I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to our towns well being and serving the next four years.