Setting the Record Straight

Keith Bradley’s recent letter exemplifies partisan spin disguised as civic concern. Fairfield voters deserve facts, not fiction. Let’s clear up the record.

First, the Charter Revision Commission that Democrats derailed was not partisan. It was evenly balanced, with three Republicans, three Democrats, and one unaffiliated member, appointed specifically to ensure fairness and transparency. To portray it as a “one-sided” Republican effort is simply false.

Second, the Penfield Pavilion scandal wasn’t a Republican failure; it resulted from the lack of oversight during previous Democratic administrations, as thoroughly documented in town investigations. The corruption that ensued became one of the biggest scandals in Fairfield’s history. The subsequent reconstruction and cleanup were managed by Republican First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, who worked tirelessly to restore taxpayers' trust and ensure a safe facility. The Democratic ribbon-cutting months later doesn’t change history.

Third, regarding monopoles, the truth is clear: this has been a bipartisan fight. Residents from across the political spectrum, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, have come together through neighborhood coalitions to protect our community. To credit only one party is both misleading and disrespectful to the volunteers and advocates who have made their voices heard.

Regarding Ms. Longo, the Republican Town Committee Leadership immediately and unequivocally condemned her comments and called for her resignation. One individual’s refusal to accept responsibility does not define Fairfield Republicans, who have consistently denounced divisive or hateful rhetoric.

And finally, Mr. Bradley’s reference to “safe streets” projects should be met with a reality check. Anyone driving around town can see the crumbling, undersized roundabout on Redding Road, the tire-shredding curbing on Villa Avenue, and the confusing white line “road diets” along Old Post Road that have made driving less safe, not more so. Poorly executed planning is no cause for celebration.

What is true? Fairfield’s single-party Democrat control has led to two major governance scandals involving taxpayer funds, including the fill pile debacle and the Becker $170,000 SUV purchase, the largest tax increase since 2018, changes in our car tax collections that have burdened taxpayers, and policies that systematically excluded diverse political voices from boards, commissions, and meaningful decision-making.

It’s time to reject the spin and remember that local government isn’t about MAGA or D.C. politics; it’s about competence, transparency, and common sense right here in Fairfield.