FAIRFIELD, Conn. Michael Tetreau has had his new job for only 18 days. But he has already started his fight to keep it. Tetreau, Fairfields interim first selectman, launched his campaign to remove the interim from his title this November. He and running mate Cristin McCarthy Vahey began their run at the Colony Grill in Fairfield with a visit from Gov. Dannel Malloy.
Make sure that we stay the course, Malloy said, referring to the 10 straight years Fairfield has had a Democratic first selectman. You couldnt have two finer candidates. You couldnt be a better town. Dont let anyone take that away from you.
Tetreau took over as Fairfields chief executive office June 10, after a panel of the towns elected Democrats unanimously chose him to replace former First Selectman Kenneth Flatto. He will hold office until at least Nov. 8, when voters will decide. Flatto took the job in April as executive director of the state Division of Special Revenue.
In the election, Tetreau will face either Representative Town Meeting member David Becker or his former colleague on the Board of Finance, Robert Bellitto Jr. Both men started their campaigns for the Republican nomination earlier this spring. The GOP will select its candidate at its caucus July 19.
McCarthy Vahey is minority leader in Fairfields legislature, the Representative Town Meeting. She is running with Tetreau hoping to keep the Democratic majority on the three-member Board of Selectmen. Though the two officially launched their campaigns Monday evening, McCarthy said she feels like shes always campaigning by listening to her constituents.
Its just wonderful to hear peoples stories, and some of the history, and how were all connected to each other in the community, McCarthy Vahey said. That part just astounds me.
About 100 supporters joined Tetreau and McCarthy Vahey at their launch Monday. Many were fellow Democratic leaders. Tetreau pointed out that he had many high school classmates and family members in attendance as well. He said that running the town he grew up in puts an interesting perspective on his decisions.
First selectman is the only job where you have 35,000 bosses, Tetreau said. When theyre your friends, your family, the kids you went to high school with its a different feeling. You just feel a greater responsibility.
What issues do you think are most important in this Novembers election? Tell us what you think matters most in the comments below, or send questions for the candidates to gcanuel@thedailyfairfield.com.
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