Patch Candidate Profile: Rob Blanchard, RTM District 6

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

Rob Blanchard

How old will you be as of Election Day?

35 years old

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

https://www.fairfielddemocrats.com/rtm-candidates/robert-blanchard

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 6

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

Syracuse University, BA in History

What is your occupation?

Currently serving as Chief of Staff to the State Comptroller with over a decade of experience in public and private sector communications/public relations.

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

My wife, Samantha, and our two dogs, Winslow and Penelope.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes, city council for four years and planning and zoning commission for two years, along with other volunteer commissions/committees for veterans and community parks.

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?

Public service has always been at my core. I was raised to always lend a hand in making your town better than you found it. As this community continues to evolve, even following the influx of new residents post-pandemic, I want to play a part in making sure we grow in a positive direction by bringing new ideas and experience to the table. I also believe firmly in working together and hearing good ideas–no matter where they come from. Despite how toxic the national political climate can be, we must realize that what plagues one of us, affects all of us and division will not guide us into a better future.

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

Some of the most rewarding moments of my elected experience have been during the crafting of municipal budgets–many of which felt like an unsolvable Rubix Cube during some of Connecticut's previous financial challenges. The budget is the single issue that impacts every resident. It is a symbol of what we value. Residents, whether they are seniors, new families, renters or homeowners, deserve quality services at an affordable, predictable and reasonable cost. We need to develop a long-term vision and smart financial planning for Fairfield’s future and that is something I look forward to collaborating with both the BOF, BOS and fellow RTM members on.

Lastly, we live in a world where parents want to walk their children to school, then perhaps walk to work or the store, especially in this district. We must develop streets and infrastructure that are not only more forward thinking and safer for pedestrians, cyclists and help traffic flow. That means sidewalks, redesign, and greater traffic control.

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

The biggest difference is that while I would be a new member of the RTM--and one with a fresh perspective on approaching challenges--I also bring several years of experience serving in elected and appointed capacities at the municipal level. I also have a strong understanding of state budgeting/policies and how they impact local communities through my roles in government.

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

I've spent the summer and fall knocking on doors throughout the 6th district and hearing the concerns of families and residents. Many feel this part of Fairfield is sometimes overlooked and doesn't always receive the resources they need from town hall, especially on issues like flooding, walkable streets, development or traffic. It may sound simple enough, but I intend to take the stories, challenges and issues I've heard and provide strong constituent service and meaningful solutions for residents.

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

Some of my proudest moments during local government have occurred when working collaboratively with all members of the city council during the crafting of the budget, especially in the face of challenging economic times. I've worked to implement the best ideas and funded initiatives for veterans, prevented cuts in budgets that would have resulted in teachers being laid off and funded innovative STEAM programs for elementary school children.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

If you do what is right, it is never a tough decision.