Patch Candidate Profile: Richard Freedman For Stamford Board Of Finance

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:
Richard Freedman

What office are you seeking?
Board of Finance

What town do you live in?
Stamford, CT

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Real Estate, 30 years

Family:
Married to Nancy, parent of Emily, Jessica and Benjamin

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Stamford Board of Education 2005 - 2008
Stamford Board of Finance 2013 - present

Why are you seeking this office?
To use my expertise in experience in public and private financial management to continue serving the public

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Funding the largest school construction program in decades. The Board of Finance, under my leadership as chairman, created a school construction fund (also called Fund 57) in 2022. It now contains over $60 million and my intention is to continue funding this construction fund.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have significant experience serving in elected office in Stamford, 15 years total including the last 10 years as chairman of the Board of Finance.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The city's underfunded Police and Fire pension funds are a drag on the city's finances and need better asset management.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
* Creation of the school construction fund
* Keeping increases in the mill rate manageable while providing sufficient funding to city government. The mill rate has increased at about half the rate of inflation since the beginning of my current term in office in 2021.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Always put yourself in the other person's shoes.