Letter To The Editor: Charter Revision Moves Fairfield Forward

To the Editor –

I have been following, with great interest, the back and forth related to the Fairfield Town Charter
Revision. Being a Selectman, I had a front row seat to the process as well as a vote on the document to put forward to the voters.

Given the transparency of the process and the breadth of the topics discussed in the past year, as well as the overall political climate, I am not at all surprised that there is a diversity of views on the revisions.

That said, I am surprised by the vitriol, the tone and some of the commentary back and forth. In my view, this commentary is fed by several different factors: (1) genuine differences of opinion; (2) frustration over the compromises within the document, (a dirty word in politics these days); (3) politics itself and the desire to gain an advantage and not give the other side ‘a victory’; (4) personal self-interest on individual provisions of the document.

After being involved in town government for 18 years or so, I can tell you the process is never linear, it is never smooth, it is never ‘as you would want it’. Honestly, my corporate experience has been similar albeit faster and more contained as everything isn’t done with public scrutiny.
Setting all the ‘noise’ aside, the only question that should matter is whether this document is better than what we currently have.

In my opinion, this document is easier to read, better organized, clearer in its definitions and roles and responsibilities, addresses positions that already exist in town government, updates some older provisions that are not required in the 21 st century and provides better guidance for those of us in town government. Further, and, sadly, required by the times, puts front and center the expectation that everyone in town government treat each other with respect and civility.

Is it a perfect document? Probably not, the times change, and updates will be required, and the revised charter allows for those changes to be addressed as necessary – broad or narrow – as we move forward as a community.

So, does this document move Fairfield forward? Yes, it does, and putting the noise aside, that’s the only thing that matters. That is why I voted in support of it and why I encourage my fellow citizens to do the same, with me, in Tuesday’s election.

Best regards,
Tom Flynn
Selectman, Town of Fairfield