To my Fairfield neighbors, thank you.
The result of this Fairfield First Selectperson special election was not what we hoped for. I’m disappointed, of course. But above all, I am deeply grateful, because something important happened here. People showed up. People spoke. People voted. In a time when too many feel unheard or disillusioned, that matters. Democracy is not a spectator sport. It belongs to the people.
I congratulate First Selectperson Christine Vitale. For Fairfield’s sake, I want her to succeed. And I will always support efforts that strengthen our town, protect our neighborhoods, and deliver for residents.
But after a divisive campaign, we should also name a hard truth: Fairfield deserves better than the politics we’ve seen and read.
Too often, national anger and party labels tried to crowd out local problem-solving. Personal attacks and insinuations replaced honest debate. Neighbors were pressured to see one another through the lens of “political parties” instead of as a community. That kind of politics is corrosive, not just to one candidate, but to the spirit of Fairfield itself. It discourages good people from serving on boards and commissions, volunteering, or stepping forward to lead. It also teaches our kids the wrong lesson: that public service is something to fear rather than honor, and that attacks are acceptable and the norm.
We can agree to disagree. We should debate. But we must do it with truth, respect, and decency, because we are still neighbors. We shop in the same stores, cheer on the same students, sit in the same traffic, and walk the same beaches and parks. We share the same hopes: a safe community, strong schools, responsible budgeting, a vibrant downtown, thriving small businesses, and a shoreline protected for the next generation.
This campaign was never about titles or power. It was about transparency and solutions impacting our town. It is about kindness. A simple belief that kindness is not weakness. Kindness is a leadership trait. Kindness is the discipline to tell the truth when distortion is easier. Kindness is the courage to listen when emotions run hot. Kindness is the choice to stand your ground with solutions without tearing others down.
To everyone who supported our message, thank you. To our volunteers, thank you for the grit and grace you showed, conversation by conversation. To my wife and family, thank you for carrying the weight of this campaign with grace, love, and strength.
Most importantly, I want everyone to hear this clearly: my commitment to our community does not end with one election result.
I will continue showing up. Listening. Working. Being there, in good times and hard times, to solve problems, defend our quality of life, and bring people together around practical solutions. Because long after the lawn signs come down and the campaign slogans fade, Fairfield is still home. And our neighbors matter more than stereotyping labels.
Let’s lower the temperature. Let’s reject the politics that divide, and let’s prove something powerful about this town we love:
Fairfield can disagree and still be kind. Fairfield can compete and still be one community.