CT Patch Candidate Profile: Steve Berecz 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:
Steve Berecz

What office are you seeking?
RTM District 7 Representative

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Retired Teacher (36 years-Trumbull)

Family:
Wife- Illya, Sons- Jake and Ryan
All of us attended/graduated from the Fairfield Public School System

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have served three terms on the RTM
District 6 (2017-2019, 2021-2023)
District 7 (2023-2025)
I did not move, the district maps changed.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am a lifelong Fairfield resident. I am running to preserve as much of the Fairfield I grew up in as possible, and to help shape those changes that are inevitable.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Affordability.
People stay in Fairfield, and move to Fairfield for the services provided, and obviously the location. I plan to (and have) scrutinized budgets, but also it is important to support the people providing the services that attracted people here, and kept "Townies" like myself here. This is a delicate balance that I have learned to navigate.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Experience
I have 36 years experience in Public Education in a neighboring town. More than half our budget is spent on Public Education.
I worked for 30+ summers for the Fairfield Recreation Department starting as a lifeguard and finishing for over 10 years as the Town's Waterfront Director.
I am a lifelong resident of Fairfield, and there are few people that have my background, knowlege of the town, and connections with contituents.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
As the former Fairfield Waterfront Director, I am accutely aware of public safety issues. This is an area I would like to add some additional focus to if re-elected.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Besides the qualifications listed above, I have a 90+ percent attendance record at RTM Committee Meetings and Monthly RTM Meetings during my three terms on the RTM.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Do not be so rigid in your approach to things. Be open minded to others, you might just learn something.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
We live in a great country and letting your voice be heard via the vote is the basis of that greatness. Be active in, and educated about, local issues.