Democrats Continue to Erode Public Confidence

Laura Devlin
Apr 23
5 min read

Updated: Apr 28

Dear Fairfielders,

In this update:

In Defense of Good Governance: A Call for Accountability in Fairfield

As the dust settles from the April 21st RTM Committees Meeting, one thing is clear: Fairfield deserves better. In a baffling display of defiance, the Democrat majority on the RTM brushed aside legitimate concerns over the rule suspensions and procedural shortcuts that led to the dissolution of the Parking Authority, moves that, while technically legal, fall far short of the standards of good governance...

Zoning Alert: Will Fairfield Trade Local Control for State Redevelopment Funds?

Fairfield is on the verge of a major decision that could reshape its future and limit residents' voice in the process. Earlier this month, the Commission on Economic Development gave a green light to begin the process of joining Connecticut’s new Municipal Redevelopment Authority (MRDA), a state-led effort to promote downtown and transit-oriented housing development. With tens of millions in state funding on the table, MRDA offers towns financial incentives and planning support, but it comes with strings attached...

Out of Touch and On the Record: Lawmakers Caught Joking About Tax Hikes

At a recent Tax Equity Caucus press conference, Easton State Rep. Anne Hughes was overheard on a hot mic making a stunning remark: “Tax my people, they won’t even notice.” Standing beside her, Fairfield Rep. Sarah Keitt joined in with a high-five and laughter, captured on video for all to see...

Read the full articles below

In Defense of Good Governance

During the April 21st RTM Committees Meeting, in a puzzling display of denial and defiance, members of the RTM Democrat majority failed to acknowledge that the collective missteps and the suspension of the rules that led to the dissolution of the Parking Authority amounted to bad governance.

While some individual rule suspensions may seem “small” or inconsequential, and while legal maneuvering may have rendered the actions technically permissible, technical legality does not equal good governance. It is disappointing that the majority continues to ignore the many non-partisan voices, including Fairfielders 4 Good Government, who have spoken up about this flawed process. These voices highlight how these actions were a disservice to our democratic process.

Nationally, Democrats have focused on adhering to rules, avoiding shortcuts, and demanding accountability from government. Yet here in Fairfield, some of those same principles seem to be dismissed when it's politically inconvenient.

We deserve better. We deserve a local government that listens to constituents without bias, and that approaches governance with thoughtfulness and transparency. Too many Democrat legislators have taken a myopic, political view of this debacle, ignoring the broader implications for trust in local government.

There is, however, still an opportunity to fix this. The simple motion to rescind and start over currently being debated would be a meaningful step toward restoring public confidence. As Representative Jeff Steele (R-3) rightly stated, “Come back with a fully baked plan.” One that:

Allows for an operation free from political influence,
Establishes a proper department,
Properly appoints a qualified department head, and
Drafts an ordinance to institute a Parking Commission that can serve as a strong, representative voice for commuters, while working in tandem with town operations.

Anything less is just that, less. We encourage you to write to the RTM and ask them to pass the resolution to rescind at their April 28th meeting.

WRITE TO THE RTM

WATCH THE APRIL 21 RTM COMMITTEE MEETING

18 DEFICIENCIES DISSOLVING THE PARKING AUTHORITY

Zoning Alert: Fairfield's Participation in State Housing Redevelopment Effort May Compromise Local Zoning Autonomy

Earlier this month, Fairfield’s Commission on Economic Development approved a positive referral to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) to begin the process of joining the Municipal Redevelopment Authority (MRDA), a state agency that provides grants, low-interest loans, technical assistance, and planning support to towns looking to revitalize downtown and transit-adjacent areas.

With $60 million in state funding, plus another $30 million set aside for 2027, MRDA is now actively recruiting towns to join.

MRDA aims to boost housing production, particularly multi-family units. To join, a town’s legislative body (RTM) must vote to align local zoning with MRDA’s goals, allowing "as of right" multi-family development near transit and town centers. This means projects could move forward without public hearings or zoning board discretion, limiting opportunities for neighbors to raise concerns.

As Fairfield prepares for the RTM to take up the issue, several important questions remain unanswered:

What specific zoning changes would be required? It’s unclear whether current zoning in the Metro Center area meets MRDA’s criteria, or whether the Downtown and Southport Center areas would also be included.
How would MRDA’s goals apply to Fairfield, where over 1,500 apartment units are already approved or under review but remain unbuilt?
What influence would MRDA have over Fairfield’s Town Plan and Zoning Commission, which currently holds independent authority over land use decisions?
What role does the First Selectman play? After an RTM vote to join, the town’s chief executive must sign a Memorandum of Agreement with MRDA to officially establish a new “development district,” a responsibility traditionally held by the TPZ.

Before Fairfield makes a binding decision, residents deserve full transparency and a clear understanding of the long-term implications. A public hearing is legally required before a vote, we encourage you all to pay attention to this critical meeting when it is scheduled before the RTM. For more information, write to the Economic Development Commission by clicking here.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEETING MINUTES FEB 6

MRDA PRESENTATION

EMAIL THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Out of Touch Lawmakers: Easton State Rep. Anne Hughes and Fairfield State Rep. Sarah Keitt Laugh About Taxing the People

At a recent Tax Equity Caucus press conference, Easton Representative Anne Hughes was caught on a hot mic saying, “Tax my people, they won’t even notice.” To make matters worse, Fairfield Rep. Sarah Keitt was seen high-fiving Hughes and laughing along with the comment.

This moment is a glaring reminder of what happens when lawmakers become disconnected from the real struggles of working families. To these politicians, raising taxes on their constituents seems like a joke. It's an insult to the people of Connecticut who are already burdened by high taxes, inflation, and increasing cost of living.

Taxing hard-working individuals is no laughing matter, and it's about time we remind our lawmakers of that. You can e-mail Rep. Keitt directly here.

To read more on this story and see the full details, click here: Read More

To read RTC Chair and former State Rep for the 134th, Laura Devlin's op-ed, click here.

EMAIL REPRESENTATIVE KEITT

Spring FUNraiser: We Hope You Can Join Us, Saturday, April 26th.