2 Fairfield Town Plan & Zoning Commissioners Endorse Candidate

The following is an opinion shared by Fairfield Town Plan and Zoning Commissioners Lenny Braman and Steve Levy:

We all agree, Fairfield is an amazing town. But it can be even better:

• safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists;
• expanded and enhanced open space;
• more affordable homes to allow seniors and young people to stay here;
• commercial corridors that are walkable and inviting;
• a town that is sustainable and resilient.

How do we do that? It starts with planning.

That's the function of our Town Plan & Zoning Commission -- and on November 7, we have an
opportunity to elect someone who has the experience, expertise, and vision to help Fairfield achieve its full potential.

Tom Corsillo is the candidate Fairfield needs on our Town Plan and Zoning Commission.

We have both worked with Tom since he joined the Commission as an alternate last year. We have witnessed his thoughtful approach to and keen understanding of applications that have come before us --- a testament to his eighteen years of professional experience in planning and zoning, working on complex land use matters in a range of settings, from big cities to towns half the size of Fairfield.

Notably, the results of this election will have a tremendous impact on the direction of our town's Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), which will be finalized and adopted in the months ahead. Tom's comments on the draft POCD – he was the first, for example, to call for amendments to address our schools' current racial imbalance and formulate remedial strategies– demonstrate that he is up to the task of helping shepherd the completion and approval of this key document that will guide our town for the next ten years. He has demonstrated the maturity and vision necessary to formulate the plan that will steer us through the challenges of the coming decade.

As a young father of two children in our public school system, a public affairs strategist, and a Democrat, Tom also brings a fresh and valuable perspective to a commission on which five of its seven current voting members are attorneys and five of seven are Republican. A truly representative government means having public servants with diverse backgrounds and voices like Tom.

Tom understands that getting things done means being proactive, rather than simply waiting for applications to come before the Commission. He understands that creating homes that our seniors, young people, and essential workers can afford is both a moral responsibility and key to growing our tax base. And he understands that we need to put people first, not cars – having been one of the leading advocates for the Safe and Livable Streets Ordinance that was introduced in the RTM by Bill Gerber and, this week, successfully enacted.

Maintaining the status quo is not a workable plan for a viable Fairfield. We need to build affordable homes, while at the same time slowing overdevelopment of certain parts of town. Keeping the status quo will not grow our tax revenue or maximize the potential of our Post Road and Black Rock Turnpike commercial corridors. We need to take affirmative steps to make it safer to walk and bike around Fairfield.

It's time for a change. It's time for a new voice. It's time for a real vision. That is why we strongly urge everyone to vote for Tom Corsillo for a four-year term on Fairfield’s Town Planning and Zoning Commission.