CT Patch Candidate Profile: Jim Meyers 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:
Jim Meyers

What office are you seeking?
Board of Finance

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Campaign Website
https://fairfieldbof.com

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Chief Financial Officer, CPA, Auditor, 35 years

Family:
My wife Sharon is a Fairfield Public School teacher (25 yrs). My daughter Lindsey and two sons, Chris & Jeff, are all products of the Fairfield Public Schools

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I am currently a member of the Board of Finance, appointed unanimously by the Board of Selectmen to fill a vacancy. I also serve on the BOF Purchasing & Budgeting subcommittees. Previously, I served as a representative on the RTM for District 8 and was a member of the RTM Finance Committee.

Why are you seeking this office?
Having served on the Board of Finance over the past year, I have observed significant lapses in judgment and weak internal controls, as highlighted by the town’s internal auditor and the inquiries of our board members. I believe my experience as an auditor and CFO uniquely qualifies me to serve as the eyes and ears for the Fairfield taxpayers and to hold the administration accountable, regardless of party affiliation.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The most urgent issue facing my constituents is the lack of financial oversight and accountability in town operations, which has resulted in expensive mistakes and diminished public trust. We are also dealing with an overdevelopment crisis, putting pressure on our schools, roads, and public safety budgets, and increasing the tax burden. As a member of the Board of Finance, I will focus on strengthening accounting controls and ensuring that projects are planned transparently and meet community needs. My goal is to balance vital investments with affordability for both young families and long-time residents.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
As a Certified Public Accountant and Chief Financial Officer, I bring a unique set of financial leadership skills, particularly in aligning financial strategies with budget priorities. I am prepared to provide oversight of the town’s Chief Financial Officer and department heads, serve as a resource for best practices, and monitor both the annual operating budget and long-term capital projects.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
In addition to fiscal oversight and responsible development, I plan to focus on several key issues: adding a second internal auditor to enforce financial controls, lobbying the administration and the RTM to return to two installments for auto taxes, and insisting that next year’s home re-assessment not be used to boost town revenues. I will also ensure the education budget is balanced to meet the needs of students and teachers in the classroom, rather than being consumed by bureaucracy. Furthermore, for seniors, we should explore the feasibility of a tax freeze to help vulnerable residents stay in Fairfield. Lastly, I will advocate for timely and fair negotiations on union and employee contracts, making sure town employees feel valued and respected.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have over 35 years of experience in finance, whether as an auditor evaluating the financial controls of Fortune 100 companies, a consultant assisting small and large businesses in modernizing their systems, or as a trusted Chief Financial Officer to some of the top CEOs. In each of these roles, I have worked diligently to grow businesses, control costs, and ensure adherence to proper financial procedures.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
“Do the right thing, even when nobody is looking.”

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I believe in compromise and collaboration. I believe in gathering all the facts, remaining open-minded, conducting objective analysis, and then selecting the best solution. I am grateful that my parents chose to live in Fairfield, and that I was able to grow up here and raise my family in this special town. If given your vote, I promise to continue working to improve Fairfield for future generations.