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FAIRFIELD, Conn. ? To help our readers prepare for Election Day, The Daily Fairfield sent five questions to each of the candidates on the November ballot. The following response is from Hal Schwartz, who is running for reelection to the Representative Town Meeting in District 7.
Why should people vote for you?
As a four-term incumbent, my experience in dealing with the issues that the town faces are invaluable. I know people will say that the past has been a rubber stamp of approval, but I would argue that these past eight years have been the most difficult time in recent history. We need experience in leadership positions and the leadership needs to be bipartisan.
What are the biggest issues facing Fairfield?
Fairfields major issues coming up over the next two years will be budgetary items. The budget will increase - it has to - unless we start cutting services and employees. We need to find additional ways to increase revenue while holding spending to the lowest possible levels. The next RTM will also be faced with approving six town employee contracts that will affect the budget for years to come.
Is Fairfield going in the right direction If you are an incumbent, what were your biggest achievements? If you are a challenger, what has your opponent done wrong while in office?
Fairfield is going in the right direction. We may have become a little complacent, but that will change with this election. As an incumbent, I have been trying to hold spending while taking on a leadership role on the RTM. I am a past chairman of the RTM Education and Recreation Committee, the single largest expenditure and revenue producer in town. I also served as vice chair of the RTM Metro Center Special Committee. This venture has the possibility of being a very large revenue producer.
What would you do to involve your constituents in your decision-making process?
We have in the past held constituent forums to listen to what people have to say. This is important because my belief is that my vote on issues should reflect the concerns of the people I represent and not just my view. I would like to see people get more involved in the activities of their town throughout the year and not only the hot-button items.
How can Fairfield avoid another Metro Center, i.e., a project that goes severely over budget? What will you do to prevent it? Be specific.
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Board of Finance held a special meeting that focused on five-year capital planning. I was selected to be one of two representatives of the RTM to attend. I believe that the three town bodies that have approval over capital projects need to refine the approval process. I think the discussion at that meeting was the first step in putting a process in place and I applaud the first selectman and the chairman of Board of Finance for recognizing that.
RTM members feel that there is not enough information and it is not offered early enough to make a reasonable and responsible decision. If elected I would like to be involved as a representative of the RTM on capital projects in the early stages. This way, members of the body have a place to get information or ask questions so when the time comes to vote everybody is fully informed and the approval process can be a much smoother one.
Find all of our candidates Q&As here.
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