Meet Urb Leimkuhler
Q: What motivated the formation of FSA?
A: Despite some recent progress by our Town officials, State and Town taxes have risen substantially over the past 15-20 years. Our seniors have felt the brunt of this; they carry a disproportionate share of the tax load. Seniors needed a collective voice - and we need each of theirs. Q: What are issues of greatest concern for senior well-being in Fairfield? A: Our seniors are as heterogeneous as our Town is. Many are really hurting economically. Others who are better off feel resentful and abused as taxpayers. Regardless of their income or asset levels, keeping our seniors is so important to everyone’s economics. Besides taxes, we want to help address seniors’ wellness needs and their need for community. Q: You have an actuarial/technical background. How have you applied your business skills to your advocacy for seniors? A: I’m a (casualty insurance) actuary by education and training, have led large business units, and have worked with companies and investors as a consultant. These experiences relate to volunteer work: quantifying costs/benefits of legislation, organizing and communicating with volunteers, charting plans, monitoring progress. But each of us can offer much to our community. Q: What is your most important objective for FSA for the next 12 months? A: We’ve been active with State legislative leaders in pursuing a better deal on senior taxes; we need a continued series of small victories toward senior tax reform on Social Security income, pension income, estate taxes. Plus early action steps toward improved housing options for seniors that want to stay in Fairfield but struggle to find viable options. The goal is real, continuous progress that gives seniors and taxpayers hope for the future. FSA can be a catalyst for change - but only if senior advocates get involved and work with us. I can’t emphasize this enough. |
Meet Gordon Makenzie
Gordon has led FSA initiatives advocating change in the burdensome CT taxes affecting seniors. Gordon's primary role within FSA is to focus on state-wide issues affecting seniors. Two years ago we surveyed 600 seniors and learned that their primary issues of concern were financial; that is, a need to make Fairfield more affordable for them. Gordon is focusing on repeal of the State tax on our Social Security Income and other financial strategies. 
Meet Jan Reber
Jan R. Reber is deeply involved in Fairfield civic life especially involving conservation, zoning, and seniors. He is a "modest student of history and rhetoric" specializing in Urbanism. 
Meet Carrie Makover
Carrie is one of our webmasters and a core member of our Affordable Housing Interest Group. She brings to FSA her background as a Planner and as a computer professional. 
Meet Bob Ellwanger
A retired sales & marketing executive, Bob currently serves on the boards of several non-profits in the areas of development, website management and digital marketing. Bob's passions include advocating for seniors, choral singing, and being on in two. Bob is our Communications Manager. 
In Memoriam: Bob Frigo 1933-2017
Bob Frigo passed away in late 2017. He was chairman of FSA's housing committee and co-chair of the town’s Affordable Housing Committee. He had a serious concern for not only Affordable Housing, but also for available housing alternatives for seniors. Bob moved to Fairfield in 1973 and devoted his time and efforts to many community activities for the town, especially the Library. In 2016, he was a co-founder of the Fairfield Senior Advocates. Posthumously Bob received the "Fairfielder of the Year" award for 2017 because of his many volunteer activities that benefited all residents. He will be missed. |