Patch Candidate Profile: Kristin O'Neill, RTM District 5

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

Kristin O'Neill

How old will you be as of Election Day?

43

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

https://fairfielddemocrats.com

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

RTM

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

District 5

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

BA- English, Gettysburg College MAT- Secondary Education, Sacred Heart University

What is your occupation?

Former high school English/Language Arts teacher, political volunteer and gun violence prevention advocate

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

Married for 10 years to husband Thomas. Daughter Grace- 9 years old, son Charlie- 7 years old, both attend Jennings Elementary School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

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 passionate about the importance of local government. I hope to be a voice for all of the citizens of Fairfield. I believe in providing our public schools with the funding necessary to provide a quality and equitable education to each student. I believe in the availability of affordable housing. I also realize this needs to be balanced with the needs of seniors and others on fixed incomes. I hope to work collaboratively to make Fairfield an even better, and more productive, community.

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

Affordability. I intend to carefully examine our town budget. Specifically looking at our capital projects and waterfall plan. There are many upgrades needed at our town facilities, and these projects need to be completed in a timely manner in order to not incur additional costs. However, we also need to be mindful of the tax burden of our citizens.

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

My background in education allows me to better understand the needs of our public schools. My gun violence prevention advocacy has given me the opportunity to work on passing state legislation. I have seen the value in reaching across the aisle and working together.

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

The huge uptick in mental health struggles. I would love to bring more supportive programs to our entire town, not just the schools. I also want to be sure Fairfield is truly inclusive, especially in regards to the LGBTQ+ community.

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

Although I have never held a public office, I have worked closely with state legislators. I know that creating and passing policy takes hard work and tenacity. I have also worked on the campaigns of several of our state representatives. Finally, my teaching and parenting experience has taught me the true value in considering the perspectives of others.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Keep showing up!

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

I truly believe our government was created to better the lives of its citizens. If elected I would take this to heart, and hope to make decisions that would better the citizens of Fairfield. I would be honored to earn your votes.