Pierre Ratzki Running For Fairfield RTM District 10

FAIRFIELD, CT — It's election season in Fairfield, and Patch is here to help you get to know the candidates running for local office in 2021 before voters head to the polls Nov. 2.

Questionnaire responses appear as submitted by candidates.

Democrat Pierre Ratzki, 34, is running for Representative Town Meeting District 10 in Fairfield.

Occupation: Attorney

Family: Wife - Stefanie (35)

Son (3.5)

Daughter (1)

Experience: Democratic County County and New York County

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue our town faces is ensuring that our kids receive the best education they possibly can. I want to make sure our schools are well funded, and our educational professionals are paid a fair wage for the hard work they do, especially in these challenging times. I oppose any budget cuts, and like the ones that the current administration put in its budget.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I will bring a civil, positive, and proactive attitude to the RTM, and I will work to make sure our legislative process is more transparent than ever. I believe voters should choose me over the opposing candidates because we need a balance of power in our local government, and which can help curb the current administration's tax increases and school budget cuts.

Accomplishments:

When I was involved in local politics in New York, where I used to live, I was part of a group of reformers that took on the party machine and helped pass ethics reforms that made the local government more transparent, more accessible to ordinary citizens, and less susceptible to corruption. If elected, I would bring the same kind of energy to the RTM. I am eager to work with everyone, regardless of party, and and to make sure that those in leadership positions are always held accountable to the voters in Fairfield.

Other issues:

When I am out canvassing, I hear about the following two issues from a lot of our residents: (1) the sidewalks need to be improved and expanded, which is especially important for senior citizens and anyone with mobility issues, and (2) traffic and speeding is a big problem, and which is why it's good that Hartford passed a law enabling localities to take more control over state roads (such as Post Road) that run through their towns. I believe we can use this new authority to make our roads safer and less congested.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am running because my wife and I have two beautiful kids, ages 3.5 and 1. We moved to Fairfield in the first place in large part because of the great school system. I want to do everything I can to make sure that the schools maintain their level of excellence, and that Fairfield can continue to be the wonderful, welcoming, and family-friendly community that it is as we watch our kids grow up.