Patch Candidate Profile: Steve Berecz, 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

Steve Berecz

How old will you be as of Election Day?

59

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

RTM District 7 Representative

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

RTM District 7

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

BS-Springfield College, MS-Southern Connecticut State University, MA-The Graduate Institute

What is your occupation?

Retired Teacher (36 years Trumbull Public Schools)

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

Wife-Illya, Sons-Jake and Ryan...All four of us are graduates of the Fairfield Public School System

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

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

RTM District 6 Representative 2017-2019, 2021-present...I did not move, the districts changed and I am now in District 7

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?

As a lifelong Fairfield Resident, I would like to help preserve the character of the Fairfield I grew up in, by shaping the inevitable changes that will occur in the future.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is quality of life, and this is what I intend to do about it. 1) Support our Public Schools. My education in the Fairfield Public Schools laid the foundation for my success in my chosen field. We should be pushing to prepare our students for life in the 21st century and this takes commitment. 2) Keep Fairfield affordable for those of us who do not make large sums of money. Scrutinizing budgets and making wise investments in the future allows people who live on fixed and more modest incomes to live in town. 3) Keep Fairfield safe and a fun place to live. Supporting our first responders as well as our beaches/parks and the public employees that maintain them. I am a lifelong Fairfield Resident, I know change will occur, but shaping that change is my priority.

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

Experience....I have a lifetime of experience living in Fairfield, I am a former Waterfront Director for the town, I worked over 35 years in public education and I have served 2 terms on the RTM. I believe I am very unique in terms of the experience I bring to the position.

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

I am an incumbent.

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

I have an over 90% attendance/voting record in my 2 terms on the RTM.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do not be so rigid in your path, be prepared to adapt and adjust because life is unpredictable.