Patch Candidate Profile: Sarah H. Matthews, RTM District 9

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

Sarah H. Matthews

How old will you be as of Election Day?

39

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

Representative Town Meeting

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

9th District

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Fairfield University, B.A. Communication; Minor Art History

What is your occupation?

Chief of Staff

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

Husband, Andrew Minea (Chair of the Fairfield Public Library Board of Trustees)
Son, Henry Minea (9)
Daughter, Cecilia Minea (7)
Daughter, Samantha Minea (4.5)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Father previously served on the Fairfield Board of Finance and Board of Education

Mother worked on numerous campaigns and was Deputy Treasurer of the State of Connecticut

Husband is Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Fairfield Public Library

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

Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Stratford (January 2023 - Present)

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?

To responsibly represent my neighbors and community on the RTM as an advocate for their needs and concerns. I am committed to protecting the integrity of our environment, keeping our neighborhood safe and welcoming, and ensuring our Town government runs as smoothly as possible, prioritizing how we can alleviate the financial burden of the taxpayer through efficient and transparent processes.

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

I believe many residents of District 9 would say they are acutely concerned with the beach area (and the Town in general) traffic and safety of our families, senior citizens, and children, and believe more needs to be done to keep our streets safe and welcoming. Using what I've learned after years as a PR/marketing executive successfully developing and implementing solutions for clients and collaborating with various stakeholders to do so, I will partner with the Town administration and our safety and emergency departments on how we can more effectively keep our community safe.

I also think affordability has become a huge factor for many families and our older population (many of whom helped make our community the successful, beautiful place it is now). The burden placed on taxpayers must be prioritized, and I will work with fellow RTM members and our Town administration to find greater efficiencies and ways in which we can modernize our government to keep tax responsibilities to a realistic minimum.

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

My purpose for running is to best represent the needs and concerns of ALL D9/Fairfield families, businesses, and residents, without any underlying political agenda. My intentions are from a place of true care and love for this Town. As a lifelong (sans eight years in San Francisco after college) Fairfield resident, all I want is what's best for my neighbors, friends, and our Town. Fairfield has a bright future ahead and I am privileged to have the opportunity to help move us forward!

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

Every candidate should be able to speak for themselves on their record.

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

While the RTM does not have a say over school redistricting, I will happily encourage and work with the community in any capacity possible to help navigate this disastrous, long-standing elephant in the room.
I'm committed to providing whatever support is necessary, to listen to constituents and address their needs and concerns directly.

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

With a background in marketing, public relations, and project management, I am highly skilled at working within budgets and initiating collaboration, regardless of differing opinions, while ensuring efficiency in getting a job done well. I worked with small businesses, as a marketing consultant, to set up and execute their marketing strategies throughout the pandemic.

As the Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Stratford, I take pride in being able to address issues and work collaboratively with Town departments so we may all provide, as a team, the most efficient, quality service to the residents and businesses of Stratford.

Personally, in addition to working full-time, I have three young children and have been on the Sherman PTA since my son began kindergarten. I've also been a Sherman PTA board member managing email communications for the last three years, and a room captain every year, dating back to when my oldest began preschool. I am also a board member of Near & Far Aid.

My past experiences, my family, and current work are all my greatest achievements, as they have and continue to shape my ability to successfully manage my personal, professional, and volunteer obligations effectively.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. - Maya Angelou

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

“A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.” - Dave Barry