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FAIRFIELD, Conn. ? To help our readers prepare for Election Day, The Daily Fairfield sent five questions to each of the candidates on the November ballot. The following response is from Christopher DeWitt, a Republican running for reelection to the Board of Finance.
Why should people vote for you?
Four years of experience on the Fairfield Board of Finance and a voting record that demonstrates prudent financial spending and analysis that makes town departments responsible for spending. My degree in engineering from Fairfield University, program management and operations experience give me a unique background to support BOF issues. Ive served on the BOF budget subcommittee, the charitable giving subcommittee and recently helped rewrite the town purchasing and procurement policies.
What are the biggest issues facing Fairfield?
Affordability and growth. As we strive to provide our citizens with increased services and maintain our existing infrastructure, the Board of Finance must pay a role in the balancing act that these two competing interests hold. These priorities inevitably compete with existing contractual obligations and decreased state and federal funding. Keeping our seniors in their homes and supporting an increased enrollment in our schools are top priorities for our town.
Is Fairfield going in the right direction ? If you are an incumbent, what were your biggest achievements? If you are a challenger, what has your opponent done wrong while in office?
Fairfield is heading in the right direction. In the last four years, in one of the worst economic environments in decades, we have sustained our AAA bond rating, instituted discussions on long-term planning and debt ratios in regards to long-term bonding. Im proud of helping to implement enhanced yearly budget planning and revising the towns purchasing policies to align with current worldwide standards. Im also proud to have limited costly land acquisitions.
What would you do to involve your constituents in your decision-making process?
The most effective way to involve the constituents in the process is to ask, then act on the inputs. The yearly budget meetings at the Senior Center and my availability online with citizens allows them to voice their opinion and help me implement their desires. I would urge all citizens to come to budget meetings, or watch FairTV and voice their opinions to all elected officials through email, phone or letters.
How can Fairfield avoid another Metro Center, i.e., a project that goes severely over budget? What will you do to prevent it? Be specific.
Transparency and involvement with town boards. We need to have a totally transparent process where major projects are led by a dedicated project leader. Project leaders should be scrutinized by town boards and have no long-term ties to the town. If a contract is required, it shouldnt be issued for longer than one year. Elected officials who help govern these projects cannot operate alone and MUST be held accountable when poor decisions are made.
Find all of our candidates Q&As here.
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