Fairfield Charter Revision Commission Begins New Review Of Document

FAIRFIELD, CT ? The Fairfield Charter Revision Commission on Wednesday began its new review of proposed changes to the Town Charter, based on recommendations from the Board of Selectpersons.

Wednesday's meeting was the first of at least two, in an effort to get the proposed changes on the ballot in the fall's election. The second meeting is scheduled for Thursday, and a commission could hold a third meeting on Monday, if necessary.

"This document was antiquated," said First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, who sat in on Wednesday's commission meeting. "It needed updating."

Earlier this month, the board sent a set of 24 recommendations to the commission for review. After that review, which will include public comment on Thursday, the document will be sent back to the Board of Selectpersons for a vote.

If approved by the selectpersons, ballot questions will be created and sent to the Secretary of State's Office to place the questions before the voters in the fall election.

During Wednesday's meeting, the proposed change of the Representative Town Meeting from the current 40 members to 30, appeared to lose some steam, as both Selectpersons Tom Flynn and Nancy Lefkowitz argued that they did not believe a case has been made to reduce the membership.

"You didn't close the deal with me on this," Flynn said. "What is the real reason to do it for Fairfield, not the theoretical reason, but what it means for the town. Why is 30 the right number?"

Whether the item will make it on the ballot in the fall remains to be seen. Numerous residents have expressed a desire to keep the RTM at 40 members.