Kupchick Issues 1st Statement Since Tuesday's First Selectman Election

FAIRFIELD, CT — With a recount scheduled for Tuesday, Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said Thursday that she is thankful for the residents who voted on Tuesday, and she looks forward to "an open and transparent recount."

Kupchick, the Republican incumbent, made her first statement since the election, which placed her 42 votes behind Democratic challenger Bill Gerber, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State's office.

Gerber garnered 8,966 votes, while Kupchick received 8,924, and she said she has been down the recount road before.

"I faced a similar situation in 2010 during my first state rep race when on election night I was ahead by a small margin," Kupchick told Patch.

"I refrained from making any comment on the outcome then and will not now regarding the preliminary election results in the First Selectman’s race until the mandatory recount is complete. I believe in the sanctity and integrity of each and every vote."

On Wednesday, Gerber declared victory in the contest, and said he was starting work on the transition.

Later that day, the recount was called. Two other races in Fairfield, District 2 of the Representative Town Meeting, and for the election of Constables, are also subject to a recount, according to Town Clerk Betsy Browne.

"I appreciate all our residents who made their way to the polls this week to fulfill their civic duty and look forward to an open and transparent recount so everyone can feel confident in the process," Kupchick said.

The recount is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities in Fairfield.