Patch Candidate Profile: Kenneth Astarita, RTM District 1

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

Kenneth Astarita

How old will you be as of Election Day?

58

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield, CT

What office are you seeking?

Representative Town Meeting

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

District 1

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Master of Business Administration, Babson College 1992; Bachelor of Arts, Boston College 1986

What is your occupation?

Financial Services, 30 yrs

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

No, but members of my extended family reside in Fairfield.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes, I am currently a member of the Representative Town Meeting from District 10 (due to redistricting I am now in District 1).

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 decided to get involved in Fairfield town government after learning about the intertwined debacles of the “Fill Pile” scandal and Penfield Pavilion reconstruction project, and serving in the RTM gives me the best opportunity to contribute to ensuring the integrity and fiscal responsibility of Town government.

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

The single most important issue facing my constituents is the cost of Town government. I intend to work with the Town Administrators to ensure that tax payer money is spent wisely and efficiently.

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

I believe in efficiency and fiscal responsibility in Town government and I will let other candidates speak for themselves.

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

N/A

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

I will work with the Town Administrators to pursue sensible opportunities to improve the quality of life for Fairfield residents.

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

Over the course of my career I have had the opportunity to serve in various volunteer leadership posts including the last 7 years as a board member of the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals Connecticut Chapter, and 4 years as a member of the board of the Southport Woods Condominium Association, including 2 years as its’ President.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always do the right thing!

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

To the best of my ability, I will always make decisions that are in the best interests of the Town of Fairfield.