CT Patch Candidate Profile: Betsy Elrick 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:
Betsy Elrick

What office are you seeking?
RTM District 5

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Campaign Website
https://www.fairfielddemocrats.com/copy-4-of-rtm-2-1

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
I just retired in July, 2025. I’ve worked in a wide variety of roles in the corporate business sector over the past 40 years. Most of my experience has been in leadership positions. I’ve run 300+ seat call centers. I’ve led process teams whose work impacted customer experience. I was responsible for Information Technology (IT) for an $800 Million dollar business. I’ve been accountable and responsible for learning & training, change management and culture for an IT team of over 1000 people covering Canada, USA and Mexico. I’ve been part of the leadership team for large business transformation efforts.

Family:
I am married to Sue Olsen. We have been together for 27 years and have lived in Fairfield for 22 years. We have many nieces and nephews, including a great nephew, that range in age from 3 to 37. Sue is a graduate of the Fairfield public school system.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
As I have just retired, I wanted to invest my free time in the Town of Fairfield. I really love living here and wanted to give back to the town. I have always found inspiration and satisfaction from bringing people together to solve problems.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
As a first-time candidate, I am knocking on doors to introduce myself and to hear from the people living in my neighborhood about what matters to them. I’m running to represent my neighbors, not myself and look forward to bringing their challenges and concerns to the RTM if elected.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I don’t know enough about the other candidates to make a comparison. I can tell you what I would bring to this role. I will listen to ideas, complaints and criticism. I will ask a lot of questions to make sure I have a complete understanding of what I’ve heard. I will have an opinion but will be open to changing that opinion if the facts steer me in a new direction. I will explain the rationale of why I decided to vote in a certain way. I will be collaborative, studied and prepared to discuss topics/issues in RTM meetings. I will vote for what is best for the town and District 5.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
This stage of my campaign is to hear what issues/topics are of concern to the people of District 5. When I have this information, I will better understand where I need to focus time and energy for the district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My jobs required collaboration across the US, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland and Barcelona so I am adept at working across different cultures, ways of working and finding what brings us together to deliver results. I have years of experience meeting my fiduciary responsibilities and finding solutions to problems through process changes, realignment, negotiation and collaboration. I was voted Employee Resource Sponsor of the year, I was an Employee of the Year award winner, and I was a recipient of the Presidents Award.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My Mom told me I can do anything and be anything I want if I put my mind and heart towards accomplishing that goal.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am looking forward to hearing from our residents and finding ways to give back to the community and Town of Fairfield.