Patch Candidate Profile: Kevin Starke, 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

Kevin Starke

How old will you be as of Election Day?

55

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

Board of Finance

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democratic

Education.

Master of Arts in Religion, Yale University Divinity School; B.A. Political Science, New York University

What is your occupation?

Financial Analyst, 27 years

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

I'm married to Marie Ann Pajaro for 29 years. We have two sons, Jeremiah, 27, and Elijah, 14. Jeremiah is a student pilot, while Elijah is in his first year at Fairfield Warde High School, and is an accomplished pianist.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Board of Finance, two-year term, elected November 2021

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?

Governance of the Town of Fairfield is, to a large degree, about financial management. It is not easy for municipal governments to attract top financial talent, so I am "donating" my abilities and experience in service of the people of Fairfield. As a 27-year Wall Street veteran, I take fiduciary duty seriously, and so am holding the administration accountable to Fairfield taxpayers.

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

Climate change. The warming climate is making flooding worse in Fairfield, not only in the beach area but also along the Rooster River, where I live. It is also making schools too hot for learning at the very beginning and very end of each school year.

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

I have unique experience in the public securities markets, particularly the bond market. That is where Fairfield issues securities to fund capital projects. I have also extensively traveled, invested and worked abroad, and so bring a world of economic, governmental and financial knowledge to helping Fairfield manage its roughly $360 million annual budget.

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

The Town's purchasing policy and employee credit card abuse
Rooster River flooding
Completion of Penfield Pavilion
Air conditioning in schools

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

Fighting for full funding of the Fairfield Public Schools in the 2022 budget cycle. In my professional life, managing billions of dollars of investments and advising others on tens of billions more. Running an aircraft leasing business as part of my role as partner in my fund.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To judge not lest ye be judged.

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

The Board of Finance handles almost nothing that has a partisan element. Election to the Board should be about competence and professional achievement, as it is really a financial oversight function, not a political one.