Responsible leadership, balanced results

On behalf of all our elected Democratic officials, I would like to thank the voters for the opportunity to lead this great town.

For the past eight years, the Democrats have been working hard to protect your interests in town. Whether it is taxes, smart growth, open space, education, schools space or senior tax relief, this Democratic administration has been at the forefront of championing these issues. We are grateful for the opportunity you have given us to serve you, and we will continue to work for the betterment of Fairfield.

We have heard the issues that you, the voters, wanted us to resolve; and we have worked to build consensus to find the best solutions. Fairfield Democrats have done a pretty good job during very difficult times. Over the last eight years we have seen huge increases in health insurance, fuel and electricity costs, while subsidies from the state diminish every year, our administration has done more with less.

This is especially true considering that school enrollment has skyrocketed. We have built significantly more classrooms than any of our neighbors; and while no one likes tax increases, our increases have been less than surrounding communities.

I think that the quality of life in Fairfield is the reason we are such a desirable community in which to reside, which is the driving force in maintaining our property values.

Tangible results are the true litmus test of our successful administration. After years of neglect, we have restored the quality of our educational facilities, increased the town’s surplus of open space, rehabilitated our sewer lines, increased senior tax relief and begun a major renovation of the Penfield Pavilion and the Stratfield School.

We have also been the driving force for the revitalization of brown fields, such as the Exide site and the property where our third train station is being constructed. We have participated in a renewable energy program, which has meant free solar panels for town buildings; and we are working on additional energy conservation measures, which will save the town significant funds.

This is a so-called “off year” as far as elections are concerned because the candidates on the ballot are running for local boards, commissions, and Representative Town Meeting. The next few years are potentially the most challenging that have faced our town in a long, long time, which is why it is so important to elect the people who have been instrumental in working to maintain the important priorities for Fairfield and who have a great record of resolving difficult issues:

• Keeping Fairfield fiscally strong

• Completing the third train station and Commerce Drive upgrade

• Supporting excellence in education

• Maintaining an environment where businesses flourish

• Keeping taxes as low as possible so people aren’t forced out of town, and continuing and expanding our senior tax relief program

• Important projects such as the Stratfield and Penfield Pavilion

• Preserving open space and maintaining the wonderful character of our town

• Keeping Fairfield safe

• Maintaining civility in town government

In many ways, local elections have more of an impact on our daily life than state or federal elections, that’s why we need your support on Nov. 3. Make every effort to get out and vote on Election Day, and be a part of the process.

Let’s prove the old maxim that “all politics is local.” I ask you all to please support our Democratic team on Nov. 3.

Mitchell Fuchs

Chairman,

Democratic Town

Committee