CT Patch Candidate Profile: Shane Pendley 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:
Shane Pendley

What office are you seeking?
Board of Finance

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Campaign Website
https://www.fairfielddemocrats.com/board-candidates/shanependley

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
I’m the managing partner of an investment advisory, and I practiced law prior to that.

Family:
I’m married to Sofia Pendley. We have two kids, Luisa (10) and Oscar (6), who both attend Riverfield Elementary.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
My wife serves on the Board of Health

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Currently serve on the Board of Finance

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running to bring a measured, collaborative approach to town government at a time when bitter partisanship is eroding basic comity. I’m also running to contribute my professional and Board experience as the Board of Finance prepares to lose two of its most seasoned members who are not seeking reelection. And I’m running to ensure that public-school parents have a voice on the Board.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Fairfield is playing catch-up on long-deferred capital projects, and the share of the operating budget devoted to debt service is projected to rise in the coming years. That growth threatens to crowd out other priorities.

The challenge ahead is to maintain the scope and quality of services residents expect within a tighter budget. Years of underinvestment mistaken for fiscal discipline created this pressure. The problem underscores the need for forward-looking decisions and heightens the urgency to expand the Grand List.

In the meantime, I will continue to champion balanced investment in our schools and press for greater efficiencies across departments.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Having served since January 2024, I bring valuable Board history and institutional knowledge. I also offer a distinct perspective, both professionally and personally. Professionally, I draw on experience in investment management and law, as well as the perspective of owning and running a business. Personally, I’m the only candidate with young children in the Fairfield Public Schools, which is a critical viewpoint for the Board.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
During my time on the Board of Finance, I have demonstrated my commitment to civility, professionalism, and process. I am proud to have led my caucus on education, particularly during the last budget season, which resulted in a bipartisan effort to restore dollars to the BOE budget. I am also proud to serve on the Purchasing Policy Subcommittee, where I continue to work to improve this critical policy.