Patch Candidate Profile: Christine Vitale, Board of Selectpersons

FAIRFIELD, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Fairfield will be on the ballot, including Board of Selectman, Board of Education, Board of Finance, RTM and others.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 7, Fairfield Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next few weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Name

Christine Vitale

How old will you be as of Election Day?

55

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.gerbervitaleforfairfield.com

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

Selectman

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democratic

Education.

BA, Political Science and English, Binghamton University

What is your occupation?

Over thirty years experience in project management. Professional background in association management, event planning and management consulting. Currently working part-time as accounts receivable coordinator for private boat club.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Happily married to Bill Vitale for thirty years. Proud mother to Katherine (age 26), Julia (age 22), John (age 16). Katherine and Julia are graduates of the Fairfield Public Schools and John is currently a junior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Board of Education member since 2017; BoE Chair (2018-2022)

BoE Liaison to Fairfield Cares Community Coalition

Member of the Board of Health (2020-2022)

Liaison to Roger Sherman Building Committee (2018-2021)

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

The division at the national level is trickling down to Fairfield which is concerning. I am running to bring collaborative, effective, and inclusive government back to Fairfield.

Twenty-seven years ago, my husband and I chose Fairfield to start and raise our family. I love this town and I want to make sure that we keep Fairfield affordable, attractive and accessible for all ages. This means continued investment in education and public safety, developing a long-range capital plan, protecting our natural resources and focusing on sustainability. I want to continue engage the public to move Fairfield forward.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue is the lack of financial controls in town hall. As Selectman, I would require more oversight by BoS to make sure things like internal audits are being addressed properly.

I would also want to see improved communication within town hall and with the public. The town newsletter should not be a substitute for questions being asked and answered in a public meeting or data posted and shared with meeting agendas. The number of missed deadlines and failures in communication on key issues like Penfield and the UI Monopole Project is concerning and puts an added financial and emotional burden on residents.

We need a solid foundation on which to stand and grow; this means improved communication, better management and stronger fiscal controls.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As a former Chair of the Board of Education, I have a proven track record of leadership, advocacy and consensus building. I have years of experience working with other Boards and town departments and promoting civil discourse.

My professional background in project and financial management will be helpful as the Board of Selectman will be providing oversight to multiple town projects and initiatives.

I also have deep understanding of one of the town's largest budget drivers, the education budget. I have been active participant in the town's budget process and capital planning workshops. While the BoE has not moved a redistricting plan forward, the conversations around racial balance, maintenance of neighborhood schools and facility utilization will be ongoing. I will continue to support the Board of Education and Superintendent as they continue to work on these complex issues. Strong schools equate with a strong community. They drive our property values and attract families to town which is beneficial to our local businesses.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

No

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Fairfield is at a crossroads we need leaders with vision over the next four years to help plan for the next 40. We need to stop planning in silos. We need to engage the public and set a long range capital plan that supports an investment in our infrastructure so we can grow responsibly. We need to talk about the impact development has on traffic, public safety, resiliency, and school enrollment.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Serving as Chair of the Board Education for four years has prepared me to serve as a Selectman. Under my leadership, the BoE initiated the purchase of the Giants Steps property, moved the districtwide HVAC projects forward, approved a 5-year District Improvement Plan. During the pandemic, I worked with the leadership of the Board of Finance and RTM to leverage the surplus in the education budget to help keep the mill-rate flat. I have shown that I can lead in a crisis, make difficult decisions, build a spirit of collaboration and engage the community to set a vision for the future.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Try not to get too caught up in the past. Learn from past mistakes, but focus on the positive change you can make today.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am looking forward to further engaging with the community and sharing our message that Fairfield is Better Together. We are a great town, but we can create even more opportunities for our residents.