Republicans Thwart Special Election for Selectman Seat in Fairfield: Report

FAIRFIELD, CT — While Fairfield Democrats secured the required signatures to force a special election for a seat on the Board of Selectmen, the Republican majority on the board thwarted that attempt by declaring the special election null and void at Wednesday’s meeting, according to the Fairfield Citizen.

In December, the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee submitted 3,199 petition signatures to the Town Clerk for certification on a petition to require a special town-wide election to decide a replacement for Republican Laurie McArdle’s seat. A total of 2,031 signatures were required, according to state statute.

Related: Fairfield Democrats Look to Force Special Election for Selectman Seat

McArdle resigned her seat that same month, citing an increase in business travel. Representative Town Meeting member Ed Bateson, the Republican Town Committee’s endorsed replacement, was approved in a vote by Democratic First Selectman Mike Tetreau and Republican Selectman Chris Tymniak to fill the vacancy.

McArdle, who was elected along with Tymniak last November, had three years remaining on her term.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Tymniak introduced the amendment that basically voided the special election, according to the Citizen. Tymniak and Bateson claimed that since the seat was filled by following the procedure in the Town Charter, there is no need for a special election.

The Citizen reports that Democratic Town Committee Chairman Steven Sheinberg said they plan to follow the will of the people and pursue further action.

Read more, including comments from the selectmen during the debate over the amendment, at the Fairfield Citizen here.