Patch Candidate Profile: Cristina Ross, New Canaan Town Council

NEW CANAAN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in New Canaan and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

New Canaan Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Republican Cristina Ross is a New Canaan resident running for Town Council.

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

www.newcanaanrepublicans.org

Education.

The Cooper Union - Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture.

What is your occupation?

Architect, published author.

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

Our family has resided in New Canaan for over 30 years. I am married to Martin Ross and we have three daughters.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Yes, appointed to: Open Space & Conservation Committee (2 yrs), and Parks & Recreation Commission (10 yrs). Elected to Town Council (8 yrs.)

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 practicing architect with 30+ years of experience in project management, budgets, contracts, and planning. I see some of the missteps and over expenditures that could have been avoided. I want to help steer the town in a direction that is in the short and long term beneficial in moving us forward into the future. We only get one chance to making it right the first time. The effort invested by committees are sometimes limited in vision or are beyond their expertise to see other benefits. Outcomes need to benefit everyone in the long run, the town and its residents included.

Our property taxes finance everything in our town, and a lot is expected. That is why I am running. I see the possibility in bringing about better outcomes with team work, leadership, and honest hard work. I am fiscally conservative and understand that we need to invest in our infrastructure, open space, 8-30G, and the management of our parks and buildings.

In order to to accomplish all of this, we need accountability, experience and best management practices, which are the qualities that I bring to the position on Town Council.

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 to our constituents has been decisions made without public input. We need more transparency and opportunities for the residents to opine and to generate consensus, such as with the cell towers proposed at schools.

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

I am the only candidate with architectural and construction experience. Infrastructure is a considerable part of the budget and bonding, here is where experience and knowledge can make a positive impact in making every dollar count while ensuring the best outcomes.

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

Transparency, communication and accountability.

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

Having served two terms on Town Council, and my prior history of serving for the town in other capacities.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Stay the course, and never give up."

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

I will always do what's in the best interest of the town without conflict or self-interest. I will listen and stand with the residents to ensure that they are represented.