Fairfield voters will head to the polls Feb. 3 for a special election to choose the town’s next first selectman, following the death of Bill Gerber last summer.
State Sen. Tony Hwang, a Republican representing Fairfield, Easton, Bethel and Newtown, will face Democrat Christine Vitale, who has been serving in the role since Gerber’s passing.
Hwang collected enough signatures in a petition drive to trigger the special election. Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen set the Feb. 3 special election date.
Vitale was appointed first selectman by the Board of Selectmen in August and will serve until November 2027, completing the remainder of Gerber’s term. She was Gerber’s running mate, elected to the Board of Selectmen in November 2023 with time served on the Board of Education from 2017 to 2023 and as chair from 2018 to 2022.
Hwang said his candidacy marks “an opportunity to come back and serve Fairfield,” noting his two decades of public service.
“It’s a reflection of over 20 years serving the community,” he said, adding that he hopes to bring the leadership skills and relationships he has built in Hartford to the town’s top job.
Hwang is calling for three public debates with Vitale, one on economic development and public safety, one on housing and community planning and one on taxes and spending, particularly in light of an upcoming property evaluation.
Vitale said she welcomed the opportunity to discuss issues with Hwang in a public forum and give residents the chance to learn more about both candidates.
“As in years past, I would expect a number of community organizations to invite the candidates for first selectman to participate in a debate,” said Vitale. “The Rotary Club, the League of Women Voters, the Fairfield Education Foundation and universities have all hosted debates in the past. Hopefully, they will consider doing so again for candidates running in both the November municipal election as well as for the Feb. 3 special election.”
From FCN partner Easton Courier.
