Sharon Pistilli Running For Fairfield RTM District 3

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 Sharon Pistilli, 51, is running for RTM District 3 in Fairfield.

Occupation: Director, Human Resources Consulting

Family: Fairfield residents for 26 years.

Husband of 26 years - Todd Pistilli

Son, Jordan, 20 and daughter, Lauren, 19, both are recent graduates of Fairfield Public Schools.

Experience: RTM District 3

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

The most pressing issue facing our town is the strategic and careful spending of taxpayer funds. It is important to balance the need to properly invest in our school system and municipal services and with the need to keep Fairfield affordable.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am highly committed to our town and rarely run out of energy. I have served on the Fairfield Earth Day Committee, the Clean Energy Task Force, Jennings PTA, Fairfield Music Parents Association, ten years as Chair of the Solid Waste & Recycling Commission, and have been elected to the RTM for two terms. Because of my experience and long-time involvement, and I am well versed on the issues facing our town.

Accomplishments:

I was a co-sponsor of the Reusable Bag Ordinance, I also have been a strong supporter of investment in our education system and in environmental initiatives. When I served on the Clean Energy Task Force, I ran a clean energy sign-up campaign that, through a state grant program, earned the town a solar array valued at $20k that is installed on a Fairfield school. During the pandemic, I started a "giving garden" with my husband and several other volunteers. We have donated 80 boxes of produce per year for the past two summers; these efforts benefitted Operation Hope, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and and Fridgeport/Bridgeport Mutual Aid.

Other issues:

I will continue to advocate for installation of HVAC in Fairfield Public Schools; this has become a higher priority because of the pandemic. Climate change is making flood mitigation critical because we have properties at risk in the beach area, the downtown business district, and and Rooster River area. We need continued investment in clean energy sources and energy efficiency in order to save the environment and save taxpayer dollars. We also need to continually evaluate how coastal flooding will impact future investments in town facilities.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

The pandemic has reminded us that we are all connected, and how important it is to work together for the common good. Fairfielders have done an amazing job of supporting one another throughout this whole ordeal, and and it has made me so proud. I would be honored to be re-elected to serve as your representative on the RTM in District 3.