Stamford Candidate Profile: Geoff Alswanger For Board Of Finance

STAMFORD, CT — Election day in Stamford is getting closer and there are plenty of candidates running for various positions in town. To help residents make an informed decision on Nov. 5, Stamford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as the big day draws near.

Democratic candidate Geoff Alswanger, 52, is running for a seat on Stamford's Board of Finance. Other candidates for the position include Mary Lou Rinaldi (D), David Kooris (D), Andrew Krill (R), Chris Woodside (R) and Fritz Blau (R).

A city resident, Alswanger currently serves as commissioner for the Stamford Fire Department. Prior to that, he was a member of the city's Board of Education from 2010 to 2017. He also served as the board's president for four years.

Alswanger has a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Pennsylvania. He is married with two children.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Funding critical infrastructure investments that are needed. I will bring years of experience in finance to assist in the most cost-effective way to enable this on behalf of the taxpayers.

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

Background in finance. Comfortable in financial management practices, including public account audits, complex financing and operational processes.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Drive accountability and look for ways to drive cost savings in local government

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

In public elected office as president of the Board of Education, took Strawberry Hill School from initial concept through funding and groundbreaking.

The best advice ever shared with me was...

"A winner never quits and a quitter never wins."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

From a longtime multi-generational Stamford family that has a deep love and concern for the city.