Patch Candidate Profile: Kris O’Brien For Stamford Board Of Education

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Candidate's Name:
Kris O’Brien

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Stamford

Campaign Website
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Party Affiliation:
Republican / Independent

Occupation:
General manager of an electric and generator business 2 years at this position

Family:
Yes married 17 years, wife is a teacher. 3 kids all in Stamford public schools

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
I am a concerned parent, and looking to bring my perspective as a parent to the board so we could better shape the future of the school system

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
They don’t feel like they’re being listened to or supported. I plan to make myself available and proactively interact with the community, teachers, students, and parents to hear issues in real time and bring them to the board.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am only one of two parents running for the position and no one currently on the board has children in Stanford public school systems. My wife is also a teacher so I see and feel every day firsthand how these decisions impact families in the city

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The search for a new superintendent, the high school, 4 x 4 schedule, construction of new schools, I’d also like to try and shift the focus of the board back to our kids and avoid politics as much as possible

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
On a professional level, my 10 years on Wall Street and my 15 years in the trades have given me a very wide range of experiences and challenges. On a personal level, with children in the school system, and my many years of coaching I have met a lot of families in this city. Those relationships mean a lot to me and those are the people I’m doing this for as well.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
To be yourself. It’s extremely simple, but it’s something that a lot of people get away from sometimes.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’ve said this in my campaign I want people to know how invested I am in this and the passion I have for this. I want voters to know that I’m gonna listen to them and fight for them.