Fairfield in Focus

As we approach Election Day this upcoming Tuesday, November 4, and prepare to choose our local leaders, this is the perfect moment to take stock of what Fairfield’s Democratic officials have accomplished in recent years. From Town Hall to the Board of Finance to the RTM, Democratic leadership has brought stability, accountability, and progress — ensuring Fairfield remains one of Connecticut’s most desirable communities in which to live, work, and raise a family.

Standing Up for Fairfield’s Interests

Democratic leadership has shown courage in defending Fairfield against external threats. After the previous administration’s inaction, the Gerber/Vitale Administration led the charge in opposing United Illuminating’s plan to install 100 industrial monopoles through residential and historic areas and in fighting the proposed sale of Aquarion Water Company, which would have harmed ratepayers and reduced local control.

By committing to the legal fight and mobilizing residents, legislators, and businesses, Fairfield’s Democratic leadership has consistently put community interests first and stood firm in protecting the Town’s character, safety, and environment.

Effective, Ethical, and Forward-Looking Leadership

During the late First Selectman Bill Gerber’s 19 months in office, the Gerber/Vitale Administration set a high standard for integrity and results-driven governance. It made Town government more efficient, transparent, and collaborative while improving how services are delivered to residents.

The Gerber/Vitale Administration strengthened internal controls, reinstated the First Selectman’s oversight of purchasing, implemented a new ethics policy and hotline, and established a bipartisan Charter Revision Commission to modernize Fairfield’s governing framework. It also professionalized Town operations by creating key leadership roles to ensure expertise in every area of management.

Under current First Selectman Christine Vitale, Fairfield is continuing this important work. First Selectman Vitale oversaw the successful and transparent Charter Revision process — now on the ballot as seven questions — removed an official who violated purchasing procedures, and restored a fully-functioning Board of Selectmen by seating Marcy Spolyar, ensuring Fairfield’s top governing body is operating at full strength.

Fiscal Responsibility and Smart Stewardship

Democrats have maintained Fairfield’s AAA credit rating and kept budgets among the lowest in the state, with mill rate increases below the rate of inflation and in the lowest quartile in Connecticut. The Gerber/Vitale Administration strengthened the Town’s financial safeguards — moving over $200 million in investments to safer accounts and creating a Project Management Group to oversee roughly $500 million in capital infrastructure work.

The Board of Finance (BOF), Democrat-led for the first time in Fairfield history, has worked with the Administration to further modernize Fairfield’s financial management. Treasury operations have been reformed, independent oversight from the Town’s Internal Auditor has been restored, and annual internal audits have increased nearly fivefold. A new tracking and planning process for capital projects has also been implemented to ensure accurate tracking, on-time delivery, and transparent reporting.

Democrats on the BOF also facilitated Fairfield’s first long-term capital plan for the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) — ensuring modernization of the Town’s sewer system and stable rates for residents. With disciplined analysis of debt capacity and capital needs, they’ve collaborated with the Administration to implement a long-term capital plan that prioritizes essential projects, reduces deferred maintenance, and saves taxpayer dollars.

Investing in Infrastructure, Public Safety, and Schools

Under Democratic leadership, Fairfield has made record investments in infrastructure, road safety, and school facilities. The Gerber/Vitale Administration launched a robust Complete Streets initiative, signed the Vision Zero pledge, and secured state and federal grants totaling over $1.3 million to make streets safer for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians alike.

Major facility improvements include the successful Penfield Pavilion remediation and rebuild, new leadership and oversight at the Water Pollution Control Facility, and creative reuse of Town-owned properties such as the Adaptive Recreation Center and the Fairfield Environmental Education & Field Station.

Democrats also advanced the long-stalled Dwight Elementary School renovation and Early Childhood Center project, demonstrating a thoughtful, long-term approach to meeting school capacity and community needs. These advancements stand in sharp contrast to the shortsighted and often “penny-wise and pound-foolish” decisions of prior Republican boards — in particular, the Republican-majority decision to reduce capacity during the Mill Hill School building renovation.

Strong, Collaborative Legislative Leadership

Fairfield’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — with a Democratic supermajority — has focused on collaboration and good governance. In recent months, the RTM unanimously approved a series of major measures, including the Ethics Ordinance, Charter Revision ballot questions, and key grants for pedestrian improvements, early voting implementation, and public safety.

These actions underscore Democrats’ commitment to effective, bipartisan solutions that improve Fairfield’s quality of life and maintain public trust.

A Commitment to Inclusion and Community

From youth to seniors, Democrats have worked to make Fairfield more welcoming, equitable, and connected. The creation of the Commission on Justice, recognition of heritage months, and expanded community programming reflect an understanding that Fairfield thrives when all residents are valued and heard.

A Clear Contrast in Vision

While Democrats have delivered steady progress and responsible governance, the Republican-led Town Plan and Zoning Commission (TPZ) has too often stalled or obstructed. The Commission took over seven years to complete the Town’s legally-required Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) — more than twice the time taken by most Connecticut towns — exposing Fairfield to legal and planning risks.

Thanks to persistent Democratic advocacy, the POCD was finally completed and adopted, restoring order and clarity to Fairfield’s growth and preservation strategy. With Fairfield’s new 8-30g Moratorium recently achieved, and the Town now positioned for another four years of local control after progress on the 100% affordable 980 High Street Project, Democrats have ensured that Fairfield’s planning framework supports balanced development, affordability, and the preservation of neighborhood character. Fairfield deserves leaders like our Democratic TPZ candidates and commissioners who show up, respect the process, and work in good faith for the Town’s future — not those who sow division and spread misinformation.

Vote Row "A" for Fairfield’s Future

Fairfield’s progress is no accident. It is the result of dedicated, responsible, forward-looking Democratic leadership — from the First Selectman’s Office to the Board of Finance and from the RTM to Democrats on the TPZ. Together, they’ve built a stronger foundation for the future: financially sound, environmentally responsible, and community-centered.

On Tuesday, November 4, vote Row "A" — all the way — for continued progress, collaboration, and a brighter, healthier, more prosperous Fairfield for all.