Patch Candidate Profile: Sunila Fadl, RTM District 2

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

Sunila Fadl

How old will you be as of Election Day?

43

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

https://www.facebook.com/FairfieldRTMD2Dems?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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 2

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

BA in Computer Science, Boston University; MBA in Finance and Marketing, UConn

What is your occupation?

VP, Senior Credit Risk Manager

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

My husband and I have 3 children. Twins age 9 and a 7 year old.

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?

I want to serve the community where I live and am raising my children. It is very important to me to help my community and bring the voices of residents to the RTM.

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

I would say there are a few top issues that are affecting the town. One of them being safe streets. It is crucial that we make our streets safe for all of our residents. I intend to support the Safe and Livable Streets ordinance proposed by Bill Gerber in RTM.

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

I am passionate about my community and I am very committed to reaching out and talking to our constituents about the issues that are most important to them. Holding this office is a privilege and should not be taken for granted. I will be an advocate for our district.

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

I think the community outreach is some thing that we have not particularly seen in the incumbents and that is some thing that I plan to change once elected.

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

One of RTM’s most important responsibilities is approving the town budget. In that capacity we can help turn things around and help solve some of the town’s financial issues.

Other issues I feel passionately about include education and seniors. We need to invest appropriately in our youth and take care of our children. Funding schools is for our children as well as our well-being as a town. Providing seniors with support and options for tax breaks and housing is essential for our elderly community.

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

I have an MBA in finance and over 15 years of experience in the banking industry. Addressing some of the financial issues that face the town is something I’m well prepared for as a successful banking executive. As a mother of 3 children in the Fairfield school system I have direct insight to the challenges schools and children in our community face and I am committed to making sure our children and our schools are a priority. As a caretaker of elderly parents for the past 15+ years I am in a position to really understand the plight of seniors in our community. They need more support and care and it is our job to prioritize their needs.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Perseverance is the only thing standing in the way of you and your goals.

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

I grew up in Connecticut and always knew that I wanted to raise my family here. We chose Fairfield as our home for its outstanding public schools, beautiful beaches, thriving community, and and welcoming spirit. I value our community and I want to serve you by listening to your needs and advocating for your interests as a part of our collective progress.