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FAIRFIELD, Conn. To help our readers prepare for Election Day, The Daily Fairfield sent five questions to each of the candidates on the November ballot. The following response is from William Sapone, a Democratic candidate for the Representative Town Meeting in District 3.
Why should people vote for you?
I am one of many dissatisfied citizens of Fairfield, and I can understand the frustration of voters with our elected officials. My taxes went up as my property value went down. I would be willing to work to see if I could help move the town towards better fiscal responsibility.
What are the biggest issues facing Fairfield?
The biggest issue is striking the right balance between the acceptable costs for maintaining the high education and quality of life standards that distinguish Fairfield, while avoiding overtaxing our constituents, particularly our senior citizens. Our schools are aging and maintenance is lagging, which are major issues from a budget perspective.
Is Fairfield going in the right direction If you are an incumbent, what were your biggest achievements? If you are a challenger, what has your opponent done wrong while in office?
Not if our taxes keep going up. I don't believe anyone has done anything wrong, and in fact, believe those in office try to make decisions which are in the best interest of our town. I would rather say that I think I, with my background and experience, that I could give a different perspective to help better manage the future of our town.
What would you do to involve your constituents in your decision-making process?
I have found that email is a good way for the public to be involved and give feedback, and I would welcome any comments from my constituents.
How can Fairfield avoid another Metro Center, i.e., a project that goes severely over budget? What will you do to prevent it? Be specific.
As a former project manager, and chair of the Fairfield Woods Building Committee, I know cost overruns happen. It is difficult to anticipate every possible problem. Contingency funds are provided for that purpose, but given the unknowns that can arise, that may not be enough. The contaminated soil problem was not foreseeable in the magnitude encountered, but better coordination and communication among the state, the town and the developer in solving the problem, rather than arguing over responsibility, would have been more productive. A building type committee to monitor the construction would have been the best way to keep the community involved and informed.
To reach Greg Canuel, email gcanuel@thedailyfairfield.com.
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