CT Patch Candidate Profile: Amanda Parrish Morgan For RTM

FAIRFIELD, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Connecticut Patch asked local candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Candidate's Name:
Amanda Parrish Morgan

What office are you seeking?
RTM District 9

What town do you live in?
Fairfield, CT

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Executive Director, Westport Writers' Workshop; author

Family:
My husband, Nick, is a high school science teacher in Westport and I have two children: a third grader and sixth grader in the Fairfield Public Schools

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
For the past several years, I've grown increasingly distraught about the state of our political discourse at the federal and even at the local level. I am not the kind of person to sit by and complain, and I realized recently that the action I have been taking to be involved (attending BOF and BOE meetings, writing my representatives, and of course, voting) no longer felt like quite enough.

In her book Art Work, photographer Sally Mann specifically entreats artists not to shy away from civic engagement in what she calls as a "formula for good community:" "be kind, be thankful, believe in the work, and above all, care for the place where you life." That's what I hope, and try, to do.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Adequately supporting our schools to ensure that our children receive the quality of education for which so many of our neighbors sought out Fairfield in the first place. Support for schools can be financial of course, and I've followed recent debates about the school budget passionately (and weighed in myself both in writing and in person) but it also means advocating for policies that make schools more rigorous, more equitable, and safer for all students.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Like many residents in my neighborhood, I'm concerned about road safety. Fairfield's walkable neighborhoods are a major draw; being able to live in a place where my kids can walk to school, the library, the beach, or the train station has been invaluable. As our town grows (which I think is a wonderful thing), it's important to ensure that our streets remain safe for pedestrians and cyclists as well as the increasing. number of cars on the road.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am the Executive Director of an arts nonprofit and have experience working with my staff and our Board of Directors. I pride myself in being easy to work with while also principled and maintaining high standards. Previously, I taught at Fairfield University and at both Staples High School and Fairfield Ludlowe High School. Teaching, especially at Ludlowe, was one of the greatest joys of my professional life and it was also a job that required both idealism and pragmatism, relentless positivity and sometimes harsh honesty, high-energy, time management and a good sense of humor.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Right before I left for college, my favorite high school teacher told me, "don't be the person who always _____." I understood him to mean that it's easy to fall into personality tropes or to let one interest, habit, belief, or quirk become defining and it's important to avoid that temptation.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I sincerely view holding a position on the RTM as an opportunity to serve a community I care very deeply about. I have no higher political aspirations and don't relish confrontation. I hope to work alongside the other RTM members to make the best, most informed decisions to support Fairfield today and in the future that we possibly can. In a moment where values I hold dear feel under threat federally, I think local and state governments have an enormously important role.