Feedback Sought By Fairfield's New Charter Revision Commission

FAIRFIELD, CT — With the new Charter Revision Commission's meetings underway, the Fairfield Board of Selectmen is encouraging the public to offer feedback about potential changes to the Town Charter.

On Wednesday, the selectmen briefly discussed the commission, and called on residents to reach out to the group.

The commission has a webpage on the town website, and a form for submitting feedback.

As of Thursday, the commission had received 27 emailed comments and suggestions from residents and offials.

"The [Charter Revision Commission] is actively soliciting input to help us understand where we can improve our Town of Fairfield Charter," wrote Chris DeWitt, a Republican and the commission's Chair, in a statement. "We held the first Public Session on November 6, 2024, and started the data input process."

Late last month, the CRC began soliciting input from Fairfield's Town Department Heads and other boards and commissions.

"We all believe the more data we have, the better," DeWitt said.

The other members of the commission are: Jane K. Biagini (D); Daniel M. Blanco (U); Mary L. Hogue (U); Brian L. McCann (R); Gerard McEnery (D); Eric N. Treschuk (D); and Karen P. Wackerman (D).

First Selectman Bill Gerber gave the commission a blueprint of items he said he would like to see the group tackle, but beyond that, he has taken a hands-off approach.

"It's a really good commission, but I'm not in touch with them," Gerber said Wednesday. "I haven't been going to those meetings, because I don't want to loom over it at all."

Gerber's approach mirrors that of former First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, who also did not attend Charter Revision Commission meeting in 2021 and 2022, the last time a commission was convened to make changes. Voters did not adopt that commission's recommended changes.

"Bill, I totally agree," said Kupchick, who now serves as a selectwoman. "I didn't go to any of those meetings, either. I didn't really have time, but I also wanted to stay away from it."