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Tetreau Lays Out Agenda for Fairfield in 2012

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield just made it out of a year that saw a train station controversy, a damaging storm, questions about the town’s credit rating and continuing rough economic times. Now its citizens can look forward to a more financially stable, cooperative and open government, greener town projects and more support for the arts and senior citizens.

At least that’s what First Selectman Michael Tetreau told the Representative Town Meeting on Monday night. Tetreau outlined his plan for his first full year in office in the “state of the town address” for 2012.

“We certainly had our share of challenges and learning experiences,” Tetreau said of 2011. “But we have also had some tremendous successes.”

One of the challenges Tetreau highlighted was the recent announcement by Moody’s that Fairifeld’s AAA credit rating has a “negative outlook.” Standard and Poor’s upheld the town’s highest-level rating this summer, leading to low interest rates for the town’s debt. Tetreau said he would focus on getting rid of the town’s negative outlook and starting new budget-planning workshops to keep better track of Fairfield’s expenses.

Tetreau also told the RTM he would set up a volunteer Arts Council to encourage cultural development in town. He also announced that Fairfield would hold its first Restaurant Week and Celebrate Fairfield Day in the fall.

One of Tetreau’s main focuses was new technologies. The town will roll out a new, more useful website later this year. FairTV, the town’s government access channel, will also start live broadcasts of town meetings. Tetreau also emphasized using more environmentally friendly technology in future construction projects.

“We want to make this part of our culture,” Tetreau said of creating a “green” Fairfield. “We want to make sure that we consider this on every single project that we undertake.”

Another aspect both Tetreau and the representatives mentioned is better care for Fairfield’s senior citizens. The RTM launched a subcommittee Monday looking into expanding senior tax relief programs. Tetreau advocated for the policy in his speech also, as well as improvements to social services for those over 65.

“We value our seniors and we want them to stay active in our town,” Tetreau said.

Tetreau asked the RTM members, as well as those serving on other town boards, for “better teamwork” to help accomplish these goals. Republican RTM leaders David Becker and Joseph Palmer, in their written perspective on the state of the town, also called for more cooperation.

“In the end, we are not simply a separate set of town bodies, members of different parties, ‘town’ or ‘education’ sides; we are all members of the citizenry of the town of Fairfield,” the Republicans said. “We are one town and must work each and every day toward the betterment of the lives of all Fairfielders.” 

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