Selectman James Walsh and Acting First Selectman Sherri Steeneck had four political appointments scheduled for their meeting Wednesday evening. The first three, putting new members on the Golf Commission, the Board of Health and the Plan and Zoning Commission, received approval without discussion. But when it came time to pick a replacement for former First Selectman Kenneth Flatto, the two once again failed to agree.
Steeneck, the boards Democratic representative, is filling the role in the meantime as the ranking member of Flattos party. She insists that the only choice she will approve is the Democratic Town Committees endorsed nominee, Board of Finance member Michael Tetreau. She said that was the process followed with all the other nominees.
As an example, she brought up an appointment made earlier in the meeting. Both selectmen approved naming Gerald Alessi as an alternate on the Plan and Zoning Commission. Alessi will replace fellow Republican Matthew Wagner on his partys recommendation.
This is the process, Steeneck said. Our party has made a decision. I was asked to present [Tetreaus] name.
Walsh, the Republican representative on the three-member board, again refused to vote for Tetreau as a replacement. Walsh says this because Tetreau has announced his candidacy for the office in Novembers election. Walsh said he would not want a first selectmans judgment influenced by poll numbers.
Theres a gun to my head, Walsh said. Either I go along with it, or we ride out the 30 days and you go around me by having the Democratic Town Committee machine go to the 18 electors and make them choose [Tetreau].
Flatto resigned early May 3 after 12 years in office to serve as the executive director of the state Department of Special Revenue. The towns charter and state regulations give Walsh and Steeneck 30 days to pick a replacement on which they both can agree. If they cannot decide, a panel of 18 elected Democrats will make the choice instead.
Walsh also criticized Steeneck for not considering the other candidates he suggested, most notably Flattos chief of staff, Thomas Bremer. Steeneck, however, said she talked to many of Walshs suggestions, and none wanted the job. She added that Bremer was one of the committee members who endorsed Tetreau and is now serving on his campaign committee.
Not one person besides [Tetreau] sent me a resume, a letter, called me, asked me about wanting to take that position, Steeneck said.
Who do you think should be Fairfields first selectman? Name your own candidates in the comments below.
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