Patch Candidate Profile: Caryn Kaufman For Trumbull Town Council

TRUMBULL, 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 their towns.

Candidate's Name:

Caryn Kaufman

What office are you seeking?

Town Council, District 4

What town do you live in?

Trumbull

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

I am the Founder and CEO of Caryn Kaufman Communications, a strategic communications consulting firm. With over 30 years in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, I have worked with The White House, members of Congress, foreign dignitaries, former presidents, CEOs, international athletes, and celebrities. I help organizations discover and share the most compelling stories about their work, which builds understanding and morale internally and increases awareness, differentiation, and support externally. My specialty is crisis communications and managing complex issues in high-stakes situations.

Family:

Yes. My 92-year-old mom, Beryl, is my hero. She was the executive director of the Connecticut Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficits (CACLD) for 40 years. My older brother, Steve, and I live with her in the house we grew up in. Steve has worked at Sikorsky for 30+ years, and some people may recognize him from the garden department at the Bridgeport Home Depot, where he’s also worked for many years. My dad, Gary, was a salesman who passed away in 2004. Every Sunday, he would bring home fresh bagels, and I’d watch the Sunday morning talk shows with my parents, which was my early introduction to current events.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My mom serves as the chair of the Trumbull Economic and Community Development Commission (appointed, not elected).

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

While I have not held elective office, I served as the communications director for Connecticut’s largest city for five years during Mayor Fabrizi’s administration. As a strategist and spokesperson for the city and the mayor, I led messaging and crisis communications responses, wrote policy and budget statements, speeches, and informational materials.

Why are you seeking this office?

There’s a saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” that really resonates with me. I’ve always been interested in public service and have often thought about running for office, but the timing was never right—until now. It’s time for me to step up and give back to the community that has shaped me.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

As I’ve been meeting with neighbors to hear what’s on their minds, I’ve been hearing about three connected topics. First, affordability. No matter the age group, people are concerned about rising costs and their ability to continue living in Trumbull. Next, the status of the mall and a desire for more dining, retail, and entertainment options. Last, achieving these goals while preserving the town’s character and charm. If elected, I will work in a bipartisan manner to engage in thoughtful, respectful conversations to find this balance. I will listen with an open mind, educate myself and my constituents on the issues before the Council, work to build consensus, and advocate for the people I serve.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

One of my distinguishing qualities is my experience as a strategic advisor to the mayor of Connecticut’s largest city for nearly five years. During that period, I gained insight into what it takes to lead and manage local government—from economic development and health initiatives to public safety, public works, and everything in between. I also worked with our city, state, and federal elected officials to advance key projects and develop a shared vision for the future. These lessons and insights will benefit Trumbull if I am fortunate enough to be elected.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

People want to know that their elected officials are focused on responsible fiscal management, keeping our town safe, and ensuring our schools support both students and teachers. Making sure that Trumbull remains a community of choice that welcomes everyone is vital for the town's future. If elected, I will stand up for these important issues on behalf of my constituents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am grateful for the many experiences that have prepared me for leadership roles and public service. Along with my time in the mayor’s office, I will share the following three experiences, which have shaped me in important ways:

Early in my career, I worked in Washington, D.C., on national healthcare reform for a nonpartisan policy think tank whose honorary chairmen were former Presidents Ford and Carter. Our members included Fortune 500 companies, unions, healthcare providers, faith-based groups, and consumer organizations. Our coalition brought together these diverse constituencies, who rarely agreed on anything, to advocate for common-sense healthcare solutions for the American people. By working together and compromising, these organizations were able to raise their voices in unison and deliver a powerful message to Congress.

I’m also a two-time entrepreneur. Before starting my own company, I was a partner at a boutique New York public relations and public affairs agency that represented Fortune 500 companies, foreign governments, nonprofits, and technology firms. I understand the pressures small businesses face, the joy of building a successful company, and the importance of delivering results for the people you serve.

Finally, I was a professional pianist for many years. To excel at anything, it takes hard work, focus, attention to detail, patience, perseverance, commitment, and passion. These are all qualities that I am confident will serve Trumbull well if I am elected.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. It’s important to try to see things from their perspective, to understand what matters to them, what worries them, and what we have in common. Doing this can help when you're looking for areas of compromise and ways to work together.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As an adult, I’ve lived in Washington, D.C., New York City, Milford, and Bridgeport, Connecticut, and most recently Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A big reason I moved back to Trumbull is because it’s home. Home is about community and connection, and while I enjoyed experiencing those other places, Trumbull is where my heart is. I loved growing up here and am a proud graduate of Jane Ryan, Madison Junior High, and Trumbull High. I would be honored to serve my community as a member of the Trumbull Town Council. To learn more about my professional experience and leadership qualifications, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/carynkaufman/.