Becker Begins Run for Top Fairfield Post

The first challenger to replace Kenneth Flatto’s as Fairfield’s first selectman has officially stepped forward. Representative Town Meeting member David Becker, R-1, announced his candidacy in a news conference Saturday morning at Old Town Hall. He wasted no time with his campaign, heading out in the afternoon to ring doorbells around town.

“I plan to take the ground game to another level,” Becker said. “I enjoy campaigning, going door-to-door and meeting the residents of our community throughout Fairfield.”

A shipping company executive by trade, Becker also works with the Southport Volunteer Fire Department and serves on the board of directors for the Fairfield Arts Council. Becker, 28, first won his seat in the RTM in 2009. But he said Saturday that his young age and short political career would not hurt his run for Fairfield’s chief executive position.

“[My opponents] can bring it up, but I think it’s an asset,” Becker said. “I think my age can truly serve as a benefit.”

It is not clear who will challenge Becker, but it will not be Flatto. The five-term Democrat will leave his post at the end of April to head the state’s Division of Special Revenue. The remaining members of the Board of Selectmen will choose Flatto’s replacement after his departure, most likely based on a recommendation of the town's Democratic Party. Becker, a Republican, will have to wait until the November election for a chance at the job.

One other Republican, Board of Finance member Robert Bellitto, has also formed an exploratory committee, but he has not yet officially announced his candidacy. No Democrats have made official announcements, either.

Becker has based his platform on financial responsibility. He said Saturday he plans to make reforms in the town’s pension plan, limit the use of bonding to finance building projects and delegate more town services to the private sector. He also said he plans to better fund the “most important areas” of the school district’s budget and to address the potential overcrowding issues in Fairfield’s schools.

“This won’t be easy, but it can be done,” Becker said. “It comes down to having a firm, realistic grip on spending, and unwavering leadership. I pledge to deliver both.”

Whom do you think would be a good candidate for first selectman? Leave your suggestions in the comments below.

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