Vitale Seeks To Complete Term Of Late Fairfield First Selectman Gerber

FAIRFIELD, CT — In an expected move, Democratic Selectwoman Christine Vitale is seeking to complete the term of the late Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber, who passed away last week.

Vitale, a former Chair of the Fairfield Board of Education, was elected to her Selectwoman's post with Gerber in November 2023. She was designated as Acting First Selectman by Gerber when he went into the hospital before his passing.

The Board of Selectmen, which is now Vitale and Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, is set to discuss the vacancy caused by Gerber's death at its next meeting, which scheduled for 4 p.m. on Wednesday in the First Floor Conference Room in Independence Hall.

"To hear, consider, and act on the designation of Selectman Christine Vitale to the position of First Selectman to fill the vacancy in the First Selectman position pursuant to Section 6.3(B) of the Town Charter," the agenda for Wednesday's meeting reads.

To view the full agenda, click here.

— The late Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber, center, after his victory in November 2023. Selectwoman Christine Vitale, who is seeking to complete Gerber's term, is on the left in the white sweater. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch

If Vitale is chosen to serve out Gerber's term, which is set to expire in November 2027, that will leave a vacancy for her Selectman's post. Whoever that is, they must be a registered Democrat in Fairfield, because replacements must be named from the same party.

The board will also consider nominees for the Selectman's post during the meeting, if Vitale is elevated to the First Selectwoman's Office.

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