CT Patch Candidate Profile: Dave Rock For Board Of Finance

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:
Dave Rock

What office are you seeking?
Board of Finance

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Small Business Owner

Family:
Married to Elisabeth, father of John, 17 and Ainsley, 15

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Currently serving as a member of the RTM, District 2

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running for the Board of Finance because I believe Fairfield deserves careful, independent oversight of how our town raises and spends its money. For me, this isn’t about party politics — it’s about making sure taxpayers get value for every dollar, while also investing wisely in the services and infrastructure that keep our community strong.

My background in business, finance, and civic leadership has taught me the importance of transparency, long-term planning, and listening to residents. I want to bring that same balanced approach to the Board of Finance: asking tough questions, making data-driven decisions, and ensuring we’re protecting Fairfield’s future.

At the end of the day, I care deeply about this town — it’s where I’m raising my family, ran a small business, and serving in local government. I see the Board of Finance as one of the most independent and nonpartisan bodies in Fairfield, and I want to use that independence to make fair, thoughtful decisions that benefit everyone, regardless of politics.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is striking the right balance between affordability and investment in our town’s future, and this is what I intend to do about it: work to control tax increases while also making smart, long-term investments in schools, public safety, and infrastructure.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The major difference between me and my opponent is my deep roots and active service in Fairfield. I’ve lived here for 15 years, raised my family here, and rolled up my sleeves to serve our town in many ways. I was elected to the RTM in 2023, where I serve on the Finance Committee and as Vice Chair of the Senior and Disabled Tax Relief Subcommittee. Beyond government service, I’ve coached Fairfield Youth Lacrosse for seven years, owned and operated a local business, and have been an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and a supporter of Operation Hope.

My opponent is an attorney and a newer resident, having lived in Fairfield for just three years, and has not yet served the town in a public capacity. I respect anyone willing to step forward, but I believe Fairfield benefits from leaders with long-standing connections, proven service, and a strong understanding of our community’s needs.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
In addition to protecting taxpayers and strengthening financial oversight, I intend to focus on several related issues that matter deeply to Fairfield families. First, we need to ensure our schools remain excellent while keeping costs sustainable. Education is both our town’s greatest strength and our largest investment, and I want to make sure those dollars are used wisely.

Second, I want to support policies that make Fairfield affordable for seniors, young families, and long-time residents alike. Programs like senior and disabled tax relief are critical, and I will continue to champion ways we can help people stay in their homes without placing undue burdens on others.

Finally, I believe the Board of Finance should always operate with maximum transparency and independence. Residents should be able to clearly see how decisions are made, what the trade-offs are, and how their tax dollars are being spent. My campaign is about building trust through openness, accountability, and smart long-term planning.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I bring more than 25 years of senior corporate and entrepreneurial experience in finance, marketing, and business development, alongside my civic service in Fairfield. As a senior executive at M2 Media Group and Ziff Davis Media, I managed multi-million-dollar budgets, oversaw large teams, and was responsible for P&L, operations, and business development. Earlier in my career, I co-founded freebizmag.com, building it into a profitable internet start-up that exceeded revenue targets by 800% in its first year. I’ve also represented my industry before Congress, successfully lobbying on behalf of publishers to resolve postal audit disputes.

Locally, I’ve served on Fairfield’s RTM Finance Committee, as Vice Chair of the Senior and Disabled Tax Relief Subcommittee, and as a small business owner, Chamber of Commerce member, coach, and nonprofit supporter. This combination of high-level financial management and hands-on community leadership shows that I not only understand complex budgets and strategy, but also the day-to-day realities facing Fairfield families. I believe that mix of experience makes me well prepared to serve on the Board of Finance.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice anyone ever gave me is, “If you know better, do better.” To me, that means once you’ve listened, learned, and understood a situation, you have a responsibility to act on that knowledge and leave things better than you found them. It’s a simple principle, but it’s guided me in business, in public service, and in how I try to contribute to Fairfield.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
What I’d like voters to know is that I’m running for the Board of Finance because I care deeply about Fairfield and want to make sure our town remains affordable, sustainable, and strong for the future. I’ve lived here for 15 years, raised my family here, and served our community in multiple ways — from the RTM to coaching youth lacrosse to running a small business.

I believe the Board of Finance should always put residents first, make decisions based on facts, and operate with independence and transparency. My goal is to be a watchdog for taxpayers while also making smart, long-term investments in the services that make Fairfield such a special place to live.

Most of all, I want people to know that I see this role as service, not politics. I’m committed to listening, asking tough questions, and working with anyone who shares the goal of keeping Fairfield strong for today and the next generation.