Patch Candidate Profile: Sharon Pistilli, 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 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

Sharon Pistilli

How old will you be as of Election Day?

53

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 District 5

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

District 5

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democratic

Education.

NYU, Bachelor of Music in Music Business, cum laude, 1992

What is your occupation?

Director, Talent Solutions - Aon Corporation - 25 years

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

Todd, husband of 28 years, moved to Fairfield as newlyweds. Jordan, son age 23, Lauren daughter age 21, both graduates of Fairfield Public Schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

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

RTM 2017-present
Deputy Majority Leader 2019-2021
Chair, Solid Waste and Recycling Commission 2006-2016
Earth Day Committee 2004-2006

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?

Serving the community is an honor and a privilege. Government should serve the common good. It is important that the town provide quality services to its residents and a top notch education to its students.

My father served in the US Navy for ten years, including two years in Vietnam. His service to our country had a profound effect on me, and made me truly understand the importance of effective government, valuing our freedom and our democracy.

In addition, I grew up in a small farming community in Litchfield County where most of my family members held elected office. My family led by example and encouraged the next generation to serve as well. My grandfather’s favorite saying when we were doing our farm chores was, Many hands lighten the load. If we all contribute our time and talents, Fairfield is better together.

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

Effective use of tax dollars.

I intend on studying the budget, staying abreast of current issues, and examining our expenditures, our financial controls (audit procedures), and our debt financing. We need to be more planful about capital expenditures. Large items such as air conditioning in schools and our sewer system overhaul are big issues facing us in the near future. Staying diligent and asking the right questions shapes our approach to these matters.

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

I have a track record of almost 20 years of service to the town in various capacities. I am committed: I have near perfect attendance at meetings. I am compassionate, and I rarely run out of energy.

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

N/A

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

The most important issues to me are funding our education system, being planful about capital expenditures, keeping a close eye on our pension liabilities, monitoring issues such as the rebuilding of Penfield Pavilion (and related fill pile expenses), and the installation of new and intrusive power infrastructure by UI. I also think we need to revisit Fairfield’s senior tax relief program.

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

I have held office for three terms. I have a track record of asking tough questions in the spirit of continuous improvement of our government, and I have a solid voting record in support of education.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.

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

I would be extremely honored to earn your vote. Please contact me with any questions. My contact information is on the town website.