CT Patch Candidate Profile: Jack Shostak 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:
Jack Shostak

What office are you seeking?
Representative Town Meeting (District 7)

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Campaign Website
https://www.fairfieldrtc.com/2025-rtm-candidates

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Owner, Shostak Construction LLC, 30+ years

Family:
My sister and I were raised here in Fairfield, by my parents, Janet and Jack. Since then, my wonderful wife, Lakin, and I have proudly raised our three children Jackson, Will, and Phoebe (all of whom attended Fairfield Public Schools).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Yes, my son Jackson.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
Fairfield is my home town, it’s the place where I grew up, where I started my own business and where my children were raised. I’ve decided to run for Fairfield’s future. I hope that someday my kids will have the opportunity to live here with their own families while enjoying safe neighborhoods and good schools, in a town that hasn’t been over-developed, or become congested and unaffordable. If elected, I hope to be able to help maintain the character of the town with sensible growth, low taxes, successful schools, and sound governance.

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 the need for responsible and diligent governance. When I first ran for this position two years ago we were just emerging from the mire of issues like Penfield, The Fill Pile, and contaminated soil in our parks. Clearly, our government failed us in ways that were irresponsible on so many levels. These mistakes ultimately cost us millions. Today, the political make-up of our town government is lopsided in a way that essentially allows one party rule. I don't think that many would disagree that we need to create a more equitable balance of power for the purposes of ensuring greater transparency and accountability, and for serving the needs and interests of the broader tax payer base. The voters are apprehensive about their return on investment, and I intend to represent and serve them in a way that honors their concerns.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The major differences between me and the other candidates is determination, industriousness, and fiscal conservativism. As a life long Fairfield resident, I have come to know the community exceptionally well. Having participated in my kids' activities, and as an active volunteer, I have been engaged with many residents on personal levels, and have come to know which town issues are pressing and important to them, which, in turn, will inevitably prove to be very valuable when representing them. I know many seniors, many in my own generation, and many in the younger generations who love to call Fairfield their home. (Fun fact: I may be the only candidate on the ballot who can say that he represents the same District in which he was raised, and where he raised his own children.) Professionally, I am, the owner of a residential construction company which requires unrelenting dedication, hours of work, patience, and a personal ethos of "do it right, or don't do it at all". My personal success requires that I have strong communication skills with clients, contractors, and vendors, but I'm also the kind of person who likes to roll up my sleeves and produce meaningful work. I know the importance of collaborative decision making as well as how to work on a tight budget, but most importantly I know how to get the job done.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
One of the issues that I intend to address is how to manage the overdevelopment that we've seen over the last several years. The landscape of our town has changed drastically, and traffic problems are not unnoticed by anyone who lives here. Beyond that, overdevelopment puts strains on our school system and infrastructure. When I first started my business over 30 years ago I vowed to never build on any undeveloped land in Fairfield, and I have remained committed to that to that. For this reason I intend to help strengthen local control over zoning and conservation and plan responsibly. In addition I feel it would be my responsibility to fight wasteful spending to prevent further tax hikes (we just had the largest increase since 2018 and now face a state mandated property re-evaluation). I'm also adamant about supporting our police, fire and other emergency responders because the safety of our residents is paramount.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
To put it simply, managing a small business is a very challenging endeavor. I believe that my budgeting capabilities, communication skills, reputation, and efficiency over the past 30+ years of managing my company, are all evidence of how I can handle serving the interests of the residents in District 7. In addition, my positions as a community volunteer over the years, and past experience as president of the Mosswood Condominium Association, point to my willingness to serve our community. If I earn the honor of representing my neighbors in District 7, I want them to know me in such a way that they feel completely comfortable asking me questions or offering suggestions/ concerns.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
It's best to be a good listener.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
District 7 Neighborhoods/Geography: Gould Manor, Green Acre, Tanaka Park & the University Neighborhood, Katona, Sunny Ridge & Sun Set, between North Benson and Jennings, and Jennings up to High Street.