FAIRFIELD, Conn. ? One issue kept coming up among the voters walking out of Fairfields polls Tuesday afternoon: the Fairfield Metro train station project. Nearly all of the Fairfielders interviewed said the cost overruns that dominated the summers discussion at town boards were the issue they cared about most when casting their vote
To me, it was a waste of money to the town, Philo Shelton said about the station. Shelton felt they should have just added more parking at the current stations without adding to the New Haven Line. Who wants another stop on the way to New York?
Though The Daily Fairfield did not ask voters to reveal their personal choices, it did not appear that the focus on the train station helped either candidate for first Selectman.
Some voters appeared to hold Interim First Selectman Michael Tetreau and his fellow Democrats responsible for the actions of his predecessor, Kenneth Flatto, which could give an advantage to Republican Robert Bellitto, Jr. or Independent Hugh Dolan.
Somebody shouldnt have that power, over obligations that the town has to pay for, Marie Scopa said about the deal Flatto reached with the state to restart the project in 2010.
Others praised Tetreaus leadership. Bridget Murtha also said Tetreau handled himself well during other crises - such as Hurricane Irene - that have hit Fairfield in his six-month tenure in office.
Id like to see him elected again - he seemed very good in handling the storm, Murtha said. He kept us informed, even with the lights out, and they came back on quickly.
Of course, other issues were important to certain groups voting Tuesday. Many elderly Fairfielders wanted to see senior property tax relief programs get expanded. Many also mentioned education - both parents concerned about the quality of schools and others interested in keeping the school districts spending under control.
I think our schools are overcrowded now, and we need to make sure we have the resources to support the kids we have now, said Lynn Schuster. But she also added, Lower taxes are also important.
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