LTE: Seeking Clarity And Transparency In Hiring Of Fairfield COO

The following Letter to the Editor was written by Fairfield Board of Finance member Amy Ruggiero:

To the Editor:

As a finance professional for over 30 years and a member of the Board of Finance, I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the ongoing lack of transparency exhibited by First Selectman Bill Gerber. This is most recently evidenced in his appointment of Interim Town CFO David Becker to the additional role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Fairfield.

Since Mr. Becker's appointment as interim CFO over seven months ago, his resume has not been provided to any town bodies upon request. I am troubled that Mr. Becker is managing a nearly $400 million organization without appropriate credentials. The delayed appointment of a permanent CFO is very concerning given Fairfield’s past. With one individual serving in multiple critical roles including CFO, COO and Deputy Emergency Management Director, without confirmed qualifications, a lot is at stake, and taxpayers should be concerned.

I raised questions about the hiring process for the COO position at two Board of Finance meetings (March 6 and May 21). Despite Mr. Gerber's assurances that the role would be publicly posted and there were no current candidates in mind for the role, it is now apparent that Mr. Becker was indeed being targeted for this role, contradicting Mr. Gerber's statements to the Board. Mr. Gerber lied to me, to the entire Board of Finance, and to the public.

I have requested that First Selectman Gerber disclose Mr. Becker's resume, the date the COO position was posted, and how many other applicants applied. Given Mr. Gerber's recent newsletter on inclusive hiring practices, Fairfield residents deserve clarity on Mr. Becker's selection process.

Additionally, when will the Town appoint a new CFO?

Mr. Gerber's actions have undermined his pledge of transparency and accountability. With the same political party in control of all town boards, there is no balance of power or checks and balances.

I urge Mr. Gerber to promptly address these issues and provide the necessary information to restore public confidence in Fairfield's administration.

Sincerely,
Amy Ruggiero
Board of Finance Member