CT Patch Candidate Profile: Thomas Noonan For Town Plan & Zoning Commission

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:
Thomas Noonan

What office are you seeking?
Commissioner for Town Plan & Zoning

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Attorney

Family:
I am married to Lauren and we have two children, Thomas and Elizabeth, who both attend the Fairfield Public Schools (Woods and North Stratfield, respectively).

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have been a commissioner on the Fairfield Plan and Zoning Commission for about 10 years. I have been chair of this commission for about 4-5 years.

Why are you seeking this office?
Fairfield is my home, and I want it to thrive and prosper. Prosperous towns need responsible land use policies to balance responsible development, environmental protection, and residential care and considerations. I believe that I have gained crucial experience to meet this balance for Fairfield's benefit. I believe public service is an important tenet and I am willing to serve Fairfield constituents in this role.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
ensuring responsible development, balancing it with residential and environmental care

I intend to advocate for responsible land use policies and regulations to maintain this balance. I will continue to research beneficial land use policies, listen to stakeholders and constituents, and make responsible decisions for benefit of Fairfield and its citizens.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
As a commissioner and chair, I bring reasoned and balanced analysis and judgment when carrying out my duties.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I expect that the Fairfield Plan and Zoning Commission will be considering amendments to its regulations in the coming years. These amendments will need to hit an important balance between residential considerations and environmental care on the one side and development on the other, particularly in light of state statutes, either existing (i.e., 8-30g) or potential (i.e., like what we saw last June). I will advocate for reasonable and balanced zoning policies and regulations so that developers and citizens utilize Fairfield enacted regulations to develop as opposed to state policies or laws.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have been on the Fairfield Plan and Zoning Commission for about 10 years, serving effectively as chair for about 4-5 years. I believe my past work on the commission has been responsible, reasoned, and balanced with Fairfield's benefit as my single 'north star'.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Research and preparation are key to being professional and effective.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am open to new ideas or ideas from others, and follow where the evidence may lead. I am collaborative and willing to support good ideas regardless of where they originate.