Last Updated on November 12, 2025 by Matthew Hallock

Amidst the clamor for a special election to replace our First Selectman, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads. While a new leader is necessary, Fairfield does not need a Special Election; it needs a Super Special Election—a moment of true, fundamental change. This isn’t just about selecting one person; it’s about holding a town-wide referendum on two of our foundational documents: the Town Charter and Town Plan. This is our opportunity to demand the difficult questions be answered and the serious problems be addressed. Fairfield is a leader – but you don’t get that by default. You have to take the actions that make you one and be a model for others. 

Here is a link to the story The Voice published in July. One night less than two weeks before he passed, the Charter Revision Commission (CRC) presented their draft to First Selectman Bill Gerber. The late-night session, which has never been posted online, was sparsely attended by The Voice and two other members of the public. One Selectman dialed in remotely and the other did not attend. The most important things were left unsaid by the CRC. They did not publicize the fact that they had already filed a revised Charter with the town clerk, and this was all for procedural show. They did not have a good answer for who instructed them to make some questionable acts, such as allowing department heads to live even further away from Fairfield, when in fact most residents want them to live in town. They did not have a reply for how staffing for a town attorney and assistant town attorney was eliminated from the charter, compelling the town to use outside counsel instead of on-staff lawyers. They did not respond to the dozens of emails from citizens, town employees and leaders alike on a wide variety of issues. They did not listen to the First Selectman’s insights into the deficiencies and limitations of the Board of Selectman system (of which he was in charge – think of that – the big boss said we should change the system). He called on the CRC to explore ways to rework the town government, such as having a town manager and town services. They didn’t have credible answers to many actions, like quietly inserting key clauses at the last minute. And they ostensibly do not have to answer these questions now, because they did not publish the transcript. Perhaps worst of all, they ignored the constituency they are bound to serve: the public. Multiple parties, including First Selectman Gerber, said there was 0% public awareness or input on the key issues being discussed. At the end of that meeting, he readily accepted The Voice’s offer to better better engage the community. 

Not only did the CRC not act on any of this in the intervening weeks, they disrespectfully met again to forward their agenda virtually the night he died. The unspoken message from vested interests is that he is out of the way. The town feels the opposite about Bill Gerber: he led the way.  

Fairfield is now a two-legged stool: it has executive and legislative branches, but no judicial branch. There’s no court of public opinion. The ballots we cast are for the future of our town, and that future demands a comprehensive plan for governance, accountability, and restoration of our community’s trust.

Fairfield needs a town-wide, non-binding referendum where all 60,000 residents (parents: vote for your kids!) can speak and vote on the foundational issues we face. We are looking for answers to fundamental questions about our town’s integrity and governance. As a municipal leader, we need to establish the critical pillars of accountability, transparency, and ethical governance that define our community’s health and safety. Due to the access of information thanks to Google, your voice can be heard like never before, making it impossible for our public servants to ignore the imperative to act in your best interests. We can have a town-wide referendum on the topics in the Charter and Plan. This is a call for deep, systemic change, moving beyond a simple leadership change to tackle crucial issues within our governance structure. Both documents were revised without sufficient public input and need immediate and thorough re-evaluation. This is our chance to derive answers to fundamental questions and fix long-standing problems.

Our community deserves robust and transparent governance, which includes:`

  • Restoring the neighborhoods of Fairfield and dissolving the state’s gerrymandered districts.
  • Three-year terms for all seats: (Board of Finance, Town Planning & Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals, RTM, etc.). Elected officials, as well as boards and commissions, can get in close touch with their constituents through regular updates on their activities and professional responses to public inquiries. In this era of connectivity and AI, everyone can be vocal and informed.
  • Organizational Clarity: Establishing a clear and effective organizational chart for town government. Adopt hiring best practices with transparent consideration of qualified candidates. 
  • Ethical Procurement: Implementing a strict code of conduct for all purchasing processes, with preference for local vendors. Follow ESG (Environmental, Societal and Governance) and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion standards). 
  • Residency and Transparency: Restoring residency requirements for key officials and ensuring absolute transparency in all financial dealings. 
  • Accessible Town Services: Establishing and improving essential town services for all residents.
  • Affordable Homes: Addressing the need for affordable homes within the community for our children, seniors, students, service economy workers and those less fortunate (substance abuse problems, homeless, etc.). 
  • Code of Conduct: Implementing a code of conduct that includes a second chance program for all those who have run afoul of the law. All business partners must share their ownership, financing and insurance.

A town-wide poll concerning the future of our town that builds on governance, accountability, and the restoration of public trust is the mark of a leader that the whole state, even the country, can look to.