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Tetreau Takes Over As Fairfield's 1st Selectman

Any doubts about Fairfield Democrats’ choice for interim first selectman were erased as soon as Michael Tetreau entered McKinley School’s cafeteria Thursday night. The 18 elected officials tasked with naming Fairfield’s  next chief executive applauded the moment Tetreau stepped through the double doors. Less than 15 minutes later, they unanimously elected him to the job.

“Mike Tetreau is ready to lead,” said RTM minority leader Cristin McCarthy Vahey in her nomination speech. “It’s about time. Let’s not delay this vote any longer so that Mike can get to work.”

Former First Selectman Kenneth Flatto resigned May 3 to become executive director of the state’s Department of Special Revenue. Democratic Selectman Sherri Steeneck took over the job last month while a permanent replacement was being chosen. But she and Republican Selectman James Walsh could not agree on a replacement within 30 days. So per the town charter, a panel consisting of Fairfield’s Democratic RTM members, Zoning Board of Appeals members, Registrar of Voters Matthew Waggner and Steeneck named a successor instead.

Tetreau is a native Fairfielder, but left town to attend Princeton University and launch his career. He returned to Fairfield in 1995. Since then, he has served on the Town Plan and Zoning Commission, the Representative Town Meeting and, most recently, the Board of Finance. Professionally, he was a Realtor with William Raveis in Fairfield before Town Attorney Richard Saxl swore him in Thursday night.

“Fairfield is a great community,” Tetreau said in his acceptance speech. “There is so much that is special about this town.”

Tetreau officially takes over Friday morning and will hold the office at least until November’s election. He is currently the only declared Democratic candidate for the job. RTM member David Becker or fellow Board of Finance member Robert Bellitto are the Republican aspirants.

Tetreau said that over the next few months he will focus on maintaining projects already in motion, such as the final stages of the Fairfield Metro train station. He also said he was prepared to deal with recent budget cuts made by the Representative Town Meeting and upcoming interview with credit agencies about the town’s bond rating.

“When you look at everything that’s in process, you want to stay up to speed, and along with that, make sure you don’t drop any balls,” Tetreau said after the meeting. “There’s a lot going on.”

What do you think of Fairfield’s new First Selectman? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

 

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