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Fairfield Selectman McArdle Resigns; Replacement Process Begins

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Selectman Laurie McArdle has resigned from the Fairfield Board of Selectman, saying her husband’s new business out of state will leave her traveling more and unable to commit the time needed to serve.

Laurie McArdle, a Republican on Fairfield's Board of Selectmen, has resigned effective Dec. 1.

Laurie McArdle, a Republican on Fairfield's Board of Selectmen, has resigned effective Dec. 1.

Photo Credit: Contributed photo
Ed Bateson

Ed Bateson

Photo Credit: Contributed photo

Her resignation is effective Dec. 1, Fairfield Republican Party Chairman James Millington announced Wednesday.

“Over the past several months, my personal situation has changed. My husband has purchased a company out of state, which means that I will be spending more time traveling,” McArdle said in a statement. She will not be able to “dedicate the time required to properly contribute to this board.”

Millington stated that the McArdles' new business acquisition would have forced McArdle to miss several Board of Selectmen meetings and she did not feel that was fair to the people of Fairfield.

“Unfortunately, the business climate in Connecticut ranks among the worst in the country for small businesses,” Millington said. “As a result, the opportunities for expansion and acquisitions have led many, including the McArdles, to pursue ventures outside of our state.”

Being elected last November and serving Fairfield for the past year was “a great honor,” McArdle said.

"I have truly enjoyed meeting so many new people. I've seen firsthand the efforts of our department heads and many town employees,” she said. “The dedication of the appointees and volunteers is amazing and is the drive that makes things happen. Being on the Board of Selectmen has also allowed me to meet many of our students and citizens who bring honor and pride to Fairfield with their tremendous accomplishments whether in sports, academics or dedication to Fairfield. I appreciate the efforts of those who work tirelessly to preserve our town's history and maintain its unique character.”

Millington stated that he has begun the process of recommending a replacement to the Board of Selectmen. There is a longstanding agreement between the Republican and Democrat parties that the Board of Selectmen will honor the recommendations of the RTC and DTC when filling vacancies to elected offices, he said.

The RTC will hold a meeting on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Board of Education headquarters to vote on a replacement. Any registered Republican can seek the party recommendation by emailing the chairman a letter of intent and being nominated from the floor at the meeting.

Millington further announced that Ed Bateson has also resigned from his position as RTC vice chairman and submitted a letter of intent to seek the party recommendation to succeed McArdle. Bateson is a member of the RTM and former majority leader.

Bateson’s resignation creates a vacancy for the RTC vice chairman position that will also be filled at the Dec. 5 meeting. Millington stated that he has received a letter of intent to seek election as RTC Vice Chairman from Michael Herley (RTM-10). He stated that anyone else seeking that office may also submit a letter of intent to him for consideration. 

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