CT Patch Candidate Profile: Sharon Pistilli 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:
Sharon Pistilli

What office are you seeking?
RTM District 5

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Campaign Website
https://www.fairfielddemocrats.com/team/sharon-pistilli

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Director, Executive Compensation for 27 years

Family:
My husband Todd and I have been married for 30 years and moved to Fairfield three months after our wedding. We have two children, a son Jordan (24) Lauren (23). Both attended Fairfield Public Schools.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have served on the RTM for four terms, since 2017. I have been Deputy Caucus Leader for four years, Chair of the Finance Committee and Chair of the Senior and Disabled Tax Relief Subcommittee.

Previous to serving on the RTM, I was Chair of the Solid Waste and Recycling Commission for ten years.

Why are you seeking this office?
I want to make Fairfield a better place to live. I believe strongly in the common good and in building strong community. I am honored to serve my town by being on the RTM.

We are charged with scrutinizing the expenditure of our taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars, in approving investments in critical capital projects such as Dwight School, and also have input on our capital planning which funds critical infrastructure (the biggest that comes to mind is our aging sewer system!).

There is a balance in making investments in education, infrastructure, and town services and keeping Fairfield affordable.

We also take action on important initiatives to make every day life better. An example of this was the Safe and Livable Streets ordinance in 2023 that helped enable the town to better coordinate projects that enhance bike and pedestrian safety.

It is a true pleasure to serve in our vibrant municipal democracy, and I hope to earn your vote for reelection.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Smart investment of tax dollars.

I know this sounds like a very broad answer! We only have limited resources and we have to prioritize how to use them. What does this mean to me as your representative?

Education - Fund the school system, because it’s the backbone of our town and it’s the best investment we can make in our future. We have to study and ask questions about how the school budget is derived. Are there any cost savings that we could be achieving? Where do we need more investment?

Senior and Disabled Tax Relief - We have made some changes to this program in the 2023-2035 term, and I would like to continue to serve so that we can further improve the program and do everything possible to keep Fairfield affordable for senior and disabled individuals.

Capital Planning and Infrastructure - we need to continually update our long-term plans.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am strongly committed to serving the town and have demonstrated this in my many years of service . I have perfect attendance this term on RTM, and have had near-perfect attendance my entire public service career of 18 years (ten years on Solid Waste Commission and eight years on RTM).

Also, I rarely run out of energy!

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The impact of climate change on Fairfield. District 5 is particularly hard hit by flooding of the Rooster River, which has been an issue that is being mitigated.

Affordability. This includes senior and disabled tax relief, economic development, housing, town services.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have used my professional and government experience to ask the right questions and to scrutinize expenditures and programs.

I have the experience of eight budget cycles, and history that enables me to provide insight or dig deeper if something doesn’t seem quite right.

I chaired the Senior and Disabled Tax Relief Subcommittee this past term, and we were able to implement a modest change to the program and look forward to doing more work on changing program provisions next term.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Many hands lighten the load.

My grandfather used to tell us that when we were working on the family farm in Litchfield County….and it’s true!

If we work together, the synergy is amazing and proof of what an amazing town we live in.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I would be honored to earn your vote for reelection.

If you have any questions, please reach out! My contact information is on the town website.