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On February 3rd, Fairfield will choose its next First Selectperson. For me, this is not just another election, it is a chance to renew a promise I made more than 20 years ago when you first trusted me to serve: to put people before politics and always fight for a better sustainable future for our community.
I am running for First Selectperson because I love this town. Fairfield welcomed my family, gave my children a place to grow and thrive, and entrusted me to represent you on the RTM, in the State House, and now in the State Senate. That trust has been the honor of my life. I hope I have earned the opportunity to continue that service as your town’s chief executive.
Throughout this campaign, I have kept my focus on issues, solutions, and people, not on name-calling, not on personal attacks. Sadly, we’ve all seen a different style of politics become more common: misinformation, gaslighting, and vitriol designed to divide neighbors and tear down anyone who dares to lead. I’ve seen it at the State Capitol, in Washington DC, and yes, even here at home.
But that is not what I see when I look at Fairfield.
When I knock on doors, attend school events, visit small businesses, or talk with seniors at the senior center, I meet people who still believe that our differences, even when they are real and significant, are not insurmountable. They believe we can debate vigorously and still treat each other with respect. They believe we can listen first, understand one another, and then work toward common ground.
That is the Fairfield I know. That is the Fairfield I want to lead. That commitment and resiliency comes from my own story.
I am the son of immigrants who fled communism, came to this country with almost nothing, and built a life through 14-hour days in a small Chinese restaurant. My father rarely rested, but he always found time to tell his children that hard work, education, and character were the keys to a better life, not just for ourselves, but for the people around us. He believed and taught me that our success meant we had a responsibility to give back.
Those lessons led me to public service. They shaped my belief that democracy and public policy must serve the greater good, not partisan advantage or personal power. They are why I fight so hard on issues like affordability, public safety, education, housing, social and racial equity and the environment, not as abstract policies, but as decisions that affect real families, real businesses, real futures.
Over these past months of the special election, I have been deeply moved by the volunteers and supporters - students, parents, seniors, longtime residents, and new arrivals, who have stepped forward. I am grateful for every conversation, every concern shared, and every person who chose hope over cynicism and engagement over apathy.
I ask you to look not just at what I say, but at what I’ve done - my votes, my advocacy, my presence in your neighborhoods when it wasn’t an election year. If you believe, as I do, that Fairfield deserves a First Selectperson who listens, unites, and leads with compassion and conviction, then I respectfully ask for your vote and trust.
Together, we can ensure Fairfield remains a community where every voice matters, every child has a chance to succeed, and every neighbor believes that tomorrow can be better than today.
On February 3rd, let’s choose a future built on service, integrity, and shared purpose. Fairfield’s future depends on the right leader. I’m ready to go to work for you as your First Selectperson.
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