Opinion: In Defense of Good Governance

The following opinion essay is from the Fairfield Republican Town Committee:

FAIRFIELD, CT — 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 some 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 those of 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.