Did Fairfield GOP Err In Fundraising Auction? Local Democrats Say Yes

FAIRFIELD, CT — The longstanding fundraising practice by the local Republican Town Committee of auctioning a ride on one of the Fairfield Police Marine Unit boats is being questioned by the Democratic Town Committee as misusing a public asset.

The local GOP offered a ride for up to six people on the boat as one of the auctioned items at its annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner in April, and according to a recent column in Connecticut Post, the police department has offered it to both parties and others.

"Fairfield Democrats have condemned and refuse to engage in the practice of using Town assets to fundraise, as it is both inappropriate and divisive," party officials wrote in a statement on Patch.

They accuse Republicans of being dismissive of the criticism over the practice, and stress that using a town asset for partisan purposes is prohibited in Connecticut by state statute.

However, RTC Chairwoman Melissa Longo, who is also a member of the Representative Town Meeting, is saying not so fast.

Democrats are only bringing this up because it is an election year, she said in a statement to Patch.

"For at least 15 years, donations from both the police department and fire departments have been part of our auction items," Longo said. "No one questioned it when the First Selectman were democrats and now suddenly, under a Republican Administration, it is an issue. I find that circumspect in an election year."

Fairfield Police Lt. Michael Paris told Patch that the police department maintains "a neutral stance when it comes to political parties and most certainly will offer support to anyone who wishes to learn more about policing."

As such, the department offer these "incentives" to anyone who wishes to learn more about policing, Paris said, as part of its community policing arm.

"Our officers are truly humbled by those who are able to join them in a 'ride along' during our course of duty, and we at times will offer these 'certificates' to really engage the community to learn more about our capabilities," Paris said. "We are especially happy to see these opportunities again and so long as time permits, we will be happy to extend these type of opportunities to anyone who inquires as we have done many times before."

Longo continued, "It is a horrible shame the police department is unfairly getting labeled as a political pawn by the Fairfield DTC. We strongly support our first responders and regret that their good nature and practices of fairness in donating items to all civic groups have been criticized."