CT Patch Candidate Profile: Kenneth Osborn For ZBA (Alternate)

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:
Kenneth Osborn

What office are you seeking?
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate)

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

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

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Nearly 40 years of experience across Wall Street finance, digital media entrepreneurship, and residential real estate.

Family:
I’ve lived in Fairfield for 20 years with my wife Susan, a finance executive, and we’ve raised three children here — Morgan (22), Kelsey (19), and Henry (17). All three attended Fairfield Public Schools, and I’ve been actively involved in numerous PTAs, youth sports, and community life throughout the years.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No, although I did grow up in local and state politics in NJ, so I know the ins and outs of it all.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running for the Zoning Board of Appeals because I want to help “Keep Fairfield, Fairfield.”
As a longtime resident, parent, and local business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how special our town is — and how easily that character can be lost. With increasing state-level mandates and pressure to urbanize, it’s critical that we stand up for local control and thoughtful, community-based decision-making.

Fairfield is more than just where we live — it’s a town with charm, diversity, and a vibe that people connect with. Just ask my daughter Kelsey. She was accepted to nearly every college she applied to, but in the end, she chose Fairfield University because, in her words, she loved the “vibe.” That’s how powerful this place is.

I’m running to protect that. To make sure future families feel the same way we do. Let’s work together to keep Fairfield, Fairfield.

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 preserving Fairfield’s character while balancing growth, affordability, and livability — and this is what I intend to do about it.

We live in a time of deep political division, but local government should rise above that. Zoning isn't about partisan politics — it’s about thoughtful decision-making that protects what we all love about our town. Whether you're a young family just starting out, a longtime resident, a senior hoping to age in place, or someone working hard to afford living here — we all want the same thing: a town that feels like home.

As a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, I’ll work to ensure that development aligns with the unique character of Fairfield — from our beach neighborhoods to our historic centers — while supporting smart solutions like affordable housing and responsible planning.

The fight over the monopoles near the train tracks is a perfect example: it’s not left or right — it’s local. And I’m committed to helping Fairfield maintain its charm, beauty, and livability for everyone.

My focus is on Fairfield — not party — and I’m ready to work with anyone who shares a commitment to preserving what makes our town so special.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart is the combination of my professional background, deep community involvement, and genuine connection with people.

I grew up around politics, but I’ve spent decades as a professional, a small business owner, a Fairfield dad, and an engaged resident — coaching youth sports, volunteering in schools, and staying active in town life. I don’t just understand policy; I understand people.

I talk with everyone — neighbors, parents, seniors, business owners — and I take pride in being approachable, a good listener, and someone who can relate to people from all walks of life. I believe that empathy, clear communication, and mutual respect are essential for good governance, especially on a board like ZBA where every decision affects the fabric of our town.

My experience, involvement, and ability to connect with others are what make me different — and what I’ll bring to the role every day.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
While my central focus is on zoning, I see every issue — from affordability to traffic to long-term planning — as connected to how we grow. And I believe we can grow in a way that keeps Fairfield the place we all love.

I’m not someone who wants to freeze Fairfield in time. We’re a dynamic town with two great universities, a thriving local economy, and new families moving in every day. Growth is part of our future — and it should be. But I believe we can grow thoughtfully — with respect for our neighborhoods, our natural beauty, and the unique “vibe” that makes Fairfield feel like home.

That’s what my daughter felt when she chose Fairfield University over other top schools. It’s what you feel when you’re at the beach, walking downtown, grabbing a coffee, or coaching a youth game. That feeling is worth protecting — even as we evolve.

My goal is to help ensure every zoning decision supports a Fairfield that works for all of us, at every stage of life — now and in the future.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Throughout my life, I’ve taken on challenges that require leadership, teamwork, and accountability — all skills that translate directly to serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

I served in the Army National Guard, started my career on Wall Street, built and ran a successful local business, and have been a dedicated Fairfield resident for over 20 years. I’ve raised a family here, volunteered in our schools, coached youth sports, and worked closely with people from all walks of life.

Whether in the military, in business, or in the community, I’ve always believed in working together to get things done — and in making life enjoyable along the way. This is our town, and we all want to love where we live. I’ll bring that same energy, experience, and collaborative spirit to this role.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
That’s a tough one, but I’d have to say it came from my mom: “Make good decisions.”

It’s simple, but it’s stuck with me through every phase of life — and now, it’s the same advice I give my own kids as they grow into adulthood and start making choices on their own. I can’t always be there to guide them, but I remind them to use good judgment, stay true to their values, and think things through.

That advice applies to everything — parenting, business, service, and certainly public office. Sometimes the right decision is the hard one, but I try to live by that principle every day: do the work, listen, and make good decisions.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I try to live by one simple principle: do the right thing — even when it’s hard. Whether in business, family, or military service, I’ve had to make tough choices, and I’ve always leaned toward the high road, even when it’s cost me financially. I believe character counts, and I bring that same mindset to public service.

My wife and I have always tried to quietly support our community — helping local kids and families in ways that don’t show up in headlines, but matter deeply to us. Fairfield is more than just where we live — it’s part of who we are.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me at The Edge Fitness (been a member for nearly 20 years), out on the golf course, or skiing with friends and family. I believe in staying healthy, staying active, and staying connected — and that applies to community life too.

I’m running because I care about Fairfield and the people in it. I’ll bring honesty, energy, and a grounded, community-first approach to the Zoning Board of Appeals.