CT Patch Candidate Profile: Robert J. Ellwanger, Jr. 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:
Robert J. Ellwanger, Jr.

What office are you seeking?
Board of Finance - 6 Year Term

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
Retired

Family:
Peg - wife of 50 years; two married daughters, Tracy & Faith, living close by with three grandchildren.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Current member of the RTM, representing District 3.

Why are you seeking this office?
I'm a seasoned financial services professional and long-time Fairfield resident with a decade of service to the community, and I know how thoughtful, transparent financial planning can make all the difference - and I'll bring that to the Board: smart decisions over short-term fixes.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Affordability. I intend to bring transparency in how we spend taxpayer dollars; accountability in evaluating town projects and debt; and efficiency in supporting schools, public safety, and infrastructure without unnecessary burdens on residents.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am a professional - not a politician, and will ask the hard questions, demand clear answers, and ensure that every dollar is spent with purpose. I will represent the voice of the taxpayer to keep Fairfield strong, sustainable, and affordable.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
During my campaign I am addressing the need to: reexamine the town's current Senior & Disabled Tax Relief Program so that more may benefit from it; increase town accessible housing choices so that more housing-cost burdened families can afford to live in town; strengthen town fiscal and operational controls for enhanced governance and greater accountability; strive to keep tax increases moderate and below the rate of inflation; and maintain the town's AAA rating, saving taxpayers money through lower borrowing costs.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a retired division head for a Fortune 50 financial services company for over 37 years, I know how to effective manage multi-million dollar budgets as well as how to implement effective corporate governance. I have also implemented greater financial transparency and accountability in my current role as Treasurer of a local Protestant church. Having recently served on the town's Affordable Housing Committee - as well as in my current role as an RTM representative - I appreciate the importance of listening in a bipartisan way to all views, and making decisions that are based on data and not rhetoric.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Like most of the voters I have been speaking to, I consider myself socially more progressive while fiscally more conservative. As a town resident for over 57 years, I appreciate the fact that Fairfield has a proud tradition of excellent schools, strong neighborhoods, and community pride, and am committed to protecting our tax dollars, putting students first, and keeping Fairfield affordable and strong.