The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is maintaining constructive governance and town operations to the benefit of all Fairfielders. Under the past administration (2015-2019), the town lacked severe oversight and transparency.
The outcome of such led to two of the biggest scandals of Fairfield’s history. One, my Gould Manor and Holland Hill neighbors know too well: the Fill Pile Corruption & Contaminated Soil. This scandal resulted in soil contamination at public schools and parks around town, causing public health and safety concerns, in addition to costing the Fairfield taxpayer millions of dollars in damages. Two, the Penfield Pavilion. As a builder, I am obligated to observe and follow current building codes which are dutifully overseen by our town’s very capable building inspectors. Yet, when the pavilion was re-built, it somehow wasn’t built to FEMA’s regulation, and has cost the taxpayers millions more. This will be the third re-build.
Luckily, the current administration has been more transparent, and has directed prudent action (soil remediation at parks and schools and fixing the pavilion), for public good. Yet, no matter what the party may be in charge, it is important we ensure that all of our town operations are effectively overseen, held accountable and responsible, and are tax dollar efficient. Done right the first time just makes sense.
