CT Patch Candidate Profile: Pierre Ratzki 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:
Pierre Ratzki

What office are you seeking?
Representative Town Meeting (RTM), District 10

What town do you live in?
Southport

Campaign Website
https://www.fairfielddemocrats.com/rtm-candidates/pierre-ratzki

Party Affiliation:
Democratic Party

Occupation:
Attorney

Family:
My wife and I have two children, 5 and 7

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I am currently an RTM Representative for District 10; I am also a commissioner for the Greater Bridgeport Transit Board of Commissioners

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for reelection because I want to see Fairfield thrive as we watch our kids grow up.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue in our town is ensuring that our kids receive the best education they possibly can. Our schools should have the resources they need, and our educational professionals should receive fair compensation for the hard work they do.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have a track record of accomplishments during my time on the RTM, including helping pass a budget that included: restorations to education funding, raises for teachers, new police hires, capital improvements and infrastructure funding, flood mitigation, and environmental cleanup, all while keeping taxes in check. I have worked well with colleagues from both sides of the aisle and will continue to bring a civil, positive, and proactive approach to my service on the RTM.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
(1) Accessibility and mobility issues: during my time on the RTM, I have taken a particular interest in ensuring that we improve the condition of our roads and sidewalks. In many places, our walking spaces are inadequate, with sidewalks either completely absent or in a state of disrepair. This poses a major problem for anyone with a stroller, wheelchair, crutches, or other mobility issues. Thankfully, in the past few years, we have seen several renovation projects, including repairing the stretch of sidewalk on Westway Road between Westford Drive and Pequot Ave. I will continue to ensure that we address our walking space issues going forward. Similarly, our bus stops often have either no or inadequate weather cover; this is an issue I have helped address both on the RTM and in my work as a transit commissioner.

(2) Traffic and road safety: traffic is a major issue in our town, and seems to be only worsening with every passing year. We have several ways to try to address our traffic issues. In keeping with our town’s Complete Streets Policy, I will continue to work to ensure that more people are able to safely walk, bike, and take public transit, which will help reduce congestion. We also need to crack down on speeders and dangerous drivers, who treat our neighborhood streets like a racetrack. Towards this end, I co-sponsored an ordinance to put speed cameras in school zones, which will help reduce speeding and accidents in these critical areas. Additionally, in 2024, the RTM formed a Traffic Authority Commission staffed with experts and enforcement officers. This new commission will continue to be a resource for updating our road designs to improve safety and mitigate congestion.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
In my time on the RTM, I have worked well with all my colleagues and have helped enact several measures. I co-sponsored an ordinance providing speed cameras in elementary school zones; helped pass the new ethics ordinance, which prohibits conflicts of interest among public officials; helped pass a responsible budget that balanced town priorities while keeping taxes in check; and have pushed for infrastructure improvements throughout the town and particularly in District 10, including sidewalk and road repairs. I have been accessible to any constituents who have questions or concerns, and will continue to be if reelected.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Never procrastinate - when you think of it, do it!

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Please feel free to reach out at pratzki@icloud.com