CT Patch Candidate Profile: Richard Jacobs 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:
Richard Jacobs

What office are you seeking?
RTM

What town do you live in?
Fairfield, CT

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

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
graphic designer/photographer

Family:
I have lived in Fairfield for 42 years with my wife Loretta. We have two adult sons who have gone through the wonderful Fairfield school system.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I served 11 years on the Solid Waste and Recycling Commission and I served eight years as a TPZ Commissioner

Why are you seeking this office?
Over the 40+ years I have lived here, Fairfield has gone through lots of changes. Fairfield is losing that small town feeling and becoming more of a city. Changes are inevitable, but I would like Fairfield to retain as much of the small town character as possible. The need to control taxes must be balanced with the needs to educate Fairfields next generation. Our excellent school system is one of the reasons so many people want to move here. Another reason people move here is our proximity to Long Island Sound and the many opportunities for recreation. We need to protect these resources and make Fairfield a safe, more walkable community that we can all be proud of.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Quality of life. Addressing traffic, overdevelopment and the tax burden on residences. Encouraging industrial zoned properties to never become residential. Clean industry, asks very little of this town and is a source of revenue.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have served on many committees to make this town a better place.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
This is a simple one. Often developers will come before zoning and ask for a sidewalk waiver. Sometimes this is appropriate. The TPZ commission does not have the ability to levy fees against the developer for this, The RTM can enact legislation that would enable TPZ to collect the cost of a sidewalk from the developer if they asked for a waiver, and if the waiver is appropriate. This money could go into a fund within the town to build sidewalks in other parts of the town. Very simple. Cost the taxpayers nothing.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I served on the first Solid Waste & Recycling commission, and we wrote the regulations. During my tenure on Zoning, I proposed many zoning changes that were enacted. One of which is expansion of public notification of projects to nearby residents. Another is the Dark Sky Initiative, which requires new commercial developments to install lighting that does not create light pollution. I also lead the call for installation of the sidewalk on Round Hill Road by Fairfield U. I introduced the regulation for double striping for parking spaces in commercial parking lots and lead the change to move the minimum square to the road frontage which stopped any new flag lots or pie shaped developments.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Think about what you will say before you say it. Try to build consensus with what you say.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I was a Cubmaster and a Boy Scout leader for many years. I have two sons that are both Eagle Scouts. I am an avid sailor and have a deep commitment to environmental causes.