FAIRFIELD — For First Selectperson Christine Vitale, the town she has lived in for 28 years continues to be one that she is proud to call home. Especially now that she stepped into the shoes of the late Bill Gerber the past seven months.
“When I look back on 2025, I am reminded how life can change in an instant,” Vitale said.
“2025 was the year we tragically lost my friend and our First Selectman Bill Gerber. I wish I could turn back time and have him here with us.”
Gerber succumbed to brain cancer last summer soon after he was diagnosed. Prior to his death, he named Vitale – his running mate in 2023 when he replaced incumbent Republican Brenda Kupchick – to take over as acting first selectman. However, after Kupchick decided to abstain in the vote to officially name Vitale permanent first selectman (a subsequent charter change now deems the title “first selectperson”) sitting Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang collected enough signatures to force a special election. That election takes place Tuesday, Feb. 3.
During her address, Vitale led with the feel-good story of the Fairfield National Little League team’s run to the Little League World Series championship game.
“He (Gerber) would still be talking about how incredible it was that Fairfield National went all of the way to the Little League World Series!” she said. “I know that is one of my favorite Fairfield memories of this past year – our community united and proud, cheering for our kids.”
On a more serious note, Vitale touted how proud she how the town came together to grieve Gerber’s death while bringing everyone together.
“Even during times of transition, we have come together to keep Fairfield moving forward,” she said. “2025 showed us just how resilient we are, and I’m here tonight to report that the state of Fairfield is strong.”
She went on to list her and Gerber’s achievements.
“Our strength is reflected in our AAA bond rating,” Vitale said. “Our strong financial resilience supports successful, competitive bond sales each year, which help fund our capital projects.
“Our strength is reflected in our stellar public schools. Seven of our public schools were recognized as being schools of distinction by the Connecticut Department of Education.
“Our strength is reflected in our two top-tier universities, Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University, which bolster our local economy and serve as a resource for talent, culture and recreational opportunities.
“Our strength is reflected in our vibrant Town Center with its array of restaurants, businesses and a state-designated Cultural District celebrating our arts scene. We have welcomed over 60 new businesses to town this year and continue to have a strong partnership with our Chamber of Commerce.”
She included the town’s ability to effect change in the fight to keep UI’s monopoles out of Southport and stop the sale of Aquarion Water Co. Both were issues residents were vocal about as they fought to have the electric utility place the proposed transmission lines underground and how the sale of Aquarion would create a nonprofit that would be unregulated and subject to higher water rates.
She praised the work of the town’s new human resources personnel in her seven months.
“The strength and resiliency of an organization relies heavily on attracting and retaining highly qualified personnel,” she said. “Our human resources are among our town’s most valuable assets. We have a great team who bring fresh ideas, energy and the experience needed to move key initiatives forward. When I took office, I immediately brought in Lee Palmer, an experienced Human Resources professional, to advise on recruitment and HR policies and procedures.”
In the past six months, Vitale brought in Director of DPW Frank Petise, Director of Risk Management Joseph Barbera, Controller Anthony DeFelice, and Benefits Manager Judy Warner. She added that the new Director of Human Resources Regina Williams started today.
In a rebuttal following the state of the town address, RTM GOP Minority leader Peter Britton was not so happy about the changes in human resources and finance departments.
“Turnover in finance and human resources is at all-time high,” Britton said. “A dozen employees have left from those two departments alone in the last two years. The year-end audit deadline was missed. Taxpayers are wondering who is minding the store.
“That is not reform. That is not progress.”
Vitale addressed the perceived glut of housing that is starting to pop up all over town.
“For the past several decades, developers were able to bypass our local zoning regulations under the 8-30g state statute to move high density housing projects forward,” she said. “In 2025, we secured Fairfield’s first-ever housing moratorium, temporarily halting new 8-30g applications through March of 2029. We are well on our way to earning enough housing unit points to achieve our second moratorium which will give us an additional five-year pause.”
Britton was not celebrating the moratorium as he pointed to the recent growth in high-rise apartment buildings either being built or about to break ground just before the moratorium went into effect.
“We were told economic growth was a priority,” he said. “But the only growth residents see is more high-rise apartment buildings, which add traffic, strain services and change the character of our town without clear benefits.”
Affordability was another issue Vitale brought up during her address, especially in the wake of expected higher property taxes following the state-mandated property revaluation.
“As we finalize the Town budget, difficult decisions will need to be made as we work to keep Fairfield affordable while also maintaining the essential services our residents rely upon and keep Fairfield such a desirable place to live,” Vitale said. “I highly encourage residents to stay engaged in the budget process. Attend budget meetings, share your thoughts with the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and RTM as they begin their budget review.”
The proposed town budget will be posted on the annual Budget section of the Finance department webpage in mid-February.
Britton is most concerned about affordability for senior citizens as the impact of the higher property taxes kick in later this year.
“We were told affordability would be a priority for the seniors on fixed incomes,” he said. “Yet, for the past two years we have seen the highest tax increases since 2019 and spending increases of over $25 million.
“After revaluation, Fairfield residents are facing projected tax increases of 6-8%. We’ve all heard this. Even if spending remains flat, no plan was presented to mitigate that impact. No relief strategy. No serious acknowledgement of the burden this places on homeowners who did nothing wrong.”
