CT Patch Candidate Profile: Tara Cook-Littman 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:
Tara Cook-Littman

What office are you seeking?
RTM District 2

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Party Affiliation:
Unaffiliated

Occupation:
Attorney / Advocate

Family:
I have been married to my husband Owen Littman for 25 years. We chose to raise our family in Fairfield, CT because I grew up here and know there’s no better place to raise a family. I have three children, ages 22, 20 and 18, who are all now in college at the same time. I also have three dogs, 5 bunnies and 11 chickens.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Fairfield Board of Finance 2014-2015, Fairfield RTM District 2 2023-2025

Why are you seeking this office?
Most people would agree that the political climate in our country is toxic. More people are feeling disconnected from our federal and state government and feel powerless to effect change. However, at the local level, we have the opportunity to work together in positive ways that impact the lives of our community members every day. From passing common sense budgets, to funding critical projects in town, to passing ordinances, the RTM has a critical role in helping Fairfield thrive. While I am endorsed by the Democratic Party, I am currently an unaffiliated voter. I do not want to represent a specific party, but rather the residents who elect me. I want to work with everyone, regardless of political affiliation, faith, socioeconomic background or ethnicity to create a community where everyone feels valued, heard and respected.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The last time I ran for RTM in 2023, we were asked a very similar question, and I will be giving a similar answer. There is not one most pressing issue for my constituents. My constituents lives and concerns are diverse. It is my role as their elected official to make sure I understand all the issues we are facing in Fairfield so that I can best represent everyone’s priorities. From knocking many of their doors and having countless conversations with Fairfield residents, I can share that some of the top issues I hear about in my district include: (1) Overdevelopment of Fairfield leading to traffic issues and potential overcrowding in our schools, (2) Ensuring our children receive the highest quality education while feeling safe at all our schools, (3) safety on our streets when walking and biking and (4) growing our grand list to ease the tax burden on our residents and keeping Fairfield affordable for all.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
One of the major differences between myself and some of the other candidates is that I am an unaffiliated voter. I am proudly endorsed by the Democratic Party because I share many of the same values, but like many Americans today neither political party fully represents me anymore. According to Gallup polling, 43% of Americans are currently registered as unaffiliated. Because I am not affiliated with a specific political party, the decisions I make, and how I vote, will only be influenced by my constituents and what is best for them.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Those of us at the local level need to make sure we are addressing issues within our control that are being ignored by the federal government. While DC politicians spend their time fighting over shutdowns, bickering between political parties and playing the blame game, we can take very specific actions in Fairfield to protect our residents. For example, we can address issues related to environmental protection and public health - including limiting the use of pesticides on public land, implementing a town wide composting program and encouraging the use of electric lawn equipment through ordinances. In addition, Fairfield prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive community. However, our neighboring towns have permanent commissions and working groups set up to make sure their communities are welcoming to all. In Fairfield we do not have a permanent commission to ensure that Fairfield continues to be a place where everyone, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, race or disability feels welcome and valued in Fairfield. I will continue working to set up Fairfield's Commission on Culture and Belonging so we can celebrate our differences together.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
It has been a privilege to serve on the RTM for the last two years in District 2. During that time, I have learned so much about how Fairfield functions - not just with budgets and ordinances - but how our decisions can impact the daily lives of our residents. Being on the RTM has only strengthened my desire to serve and be able to help my neighbors.

Since 2012 I have been building coalitions and advocating to effect policy change at the local, state and federal level on various issues including pesticide regulation, GMO labeling and fighting Antisemitism. I have spearheaded advocacy campaigns that led to the passage of three different laws. During these advocacy campaigns, I formed coalitions of diverse organizations and individuals who did not necessarily agree on everything, but they put differences aside, found common ground and created positive change. This is not dissimilar from how government can be most effective - by bringing people together.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Try to stay in the moment and remain present. Thinking too far ahead can create anxiety because the future is so uncertain, and getting stuck in the past prevents growth and positive change. Today is the most important day of all.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
The best part of being on the RTM is meeting constituents. If I am fortunate enough to be elected again, I encourage anyone who lives in District 2 to reach out to me for coffee or a chat so that I can continue learning what our community cares about.