Patch Candidate Profile: Sara Camarro, RTM District 7

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

Sara Camarro

How old will you be as of Election Day?

44

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

RTM District 7

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

BA English and Theology, Fairfield University; MAT Education, Sacred Heart University

What is your occupation?

8th grade LA teacher for 20 years

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

Aidan and Brody-identical twins who are sophomores at Warde

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?

Over the past few years, I have watched the RTM in action. Following a National
trend, things seem to be intensely partisan. I remember the days, when the RTM
members worked together across party lines to get things done. I think we need to
elect people to bring us back to those days. I am not a politician, I am a Mom,
Teacher and Fairfielder who wants to set a good example for our children that
elected Officials can and should work together for the common good of the Town.

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

Education: As a teacher and Mom, I know that the educational system is at the heart
of our community. We must continue to make wise investments in the education
system. Working in a public school, I know first-hand where resources are needed
and where we can find efficiencies without impacting the quality of our educational
system. I would like to be a voice in those conversations.

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

I believe that anyone who steps up to serve their community should be applauded. I
can promise that, if elected, I will take an independent look at the issues and work
across party lines to get things done and make our residents proud.

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

As I stated before, I think anyone who steps forward as a volunteer in any capacity
should be applauded. I just think the time has come for the RTM body to work
together, collaborate and make decisions they truly believe are in the Town’s best
interest.

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

While talking to voters, the following have been issues of strong interest to the voters,
other than those I discussed above regarding Education, Taxes and Senior Citizens:
Overdevelopment: The overdevelopment of residential apartment buildings in town
using the 8-30g affordable housing statues to avoid local zoning regulations has been
a top issue. I will advocate for reform of the 8-30g statue, but that is a state law.
Speeding: There are also many concerns about speeding. Again, this is one that is
handled by the Police Commission who is the Traffic Authority for the Town per
State Statute. I will advocate for traffic calming measures that are in-line with state
regulations.

Powerline Towers along Metro North Line: I oppose the powerlines that would run
along the train tracks.

There are many other smaller issues out there and I am happy to listen to them and
share my thoughts.

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

As a teacher and Mom, there are no two jobs in life that call for a greater level of
patience and understanding. My job as a teacher has taught me to actively listen and
collaborate with others. I think our elected officials need to talk less and listen more
to develop a strong understanding of the situation or issue before acting. I will do
my best to apply my skill set to this new challenge.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To be kind, considerate and giving of yourself to others.

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

With my kids getting older (twin boys), I have time to give back to the community I
am proud to call my home and work to continue to move Fairfield forward for the
next generations to come. I will be here to listen to you and be a voice of civility in
our government. I would be honored by your vote and work to make you proud.