With the calendar’s flip to October, and just under a month from the election on Tuesday, November 4, New Fairfield’s race for First Selectman seats is becoming increasingly ubiquitous. Yard signs of all sizes are popping up, social media feeds are filled with campaign ads, urgent texts are beginning to flow for those on campaign lists, and the list goes on. Current First Selectman Melissa Lindsey hopes to retain her position after one two-year term, adding Jon Russo to her slate as Selectman, while long-serving former First Selectman, and current Selectmen, Pat Del Monaco and Khris Hall are working to regain their roles as the Town’s top officials, following three terms that ran from 2017 to 2023.

Both candidates make the case for their bid with an earnest desire to continue to move the Town forward in what they believe is the right direction. Here are their stances on a variety of topics:

What inspired each to run for First Selectman again.

Pat Del Monaco:

There are many reasons that I decided to run again including the challenge of the job, the opportunity to help residents of the Town that I have called home for 35 years, and the desire to continue the work of maintaining and improving infrastructure, identifying sources of non-tax revenue, and delivering responsible budgets to the taxpayers.  I am disappointed in the lack of progress on important projects in Town and fiscal mismanagement over the past two years.  Many of our residents cannot sustain tax increases at twice the rate of the Federal Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

Melissa Lindsey:

I am running for re-election because I really do believe in everything I’ve done since taking office in November of 2023… I am proud of the positive changes we’ve achieved, including strengthening our financial position, investing in our Town infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and building on community programs that improve the quality of life for all residents…I want to continue moving forward on projects that have been started while focusing on those that protect our town’s character. I believe that New Fairfield is one of the best towns to live in, and I want to ensure we keep it from turning into something unrecognizable…

What they appreciate most about their partnership with their running mate.

Pat Del Monaco:

Khris and I are a team.  We have similar interests but different professional backgrounds, and we are able to bring our individual perspectives to the table to debate the issues, collaborate and solve the problems before us.  Both of us have lived in New Fairfield for decades, but we have had different experiences in town, which strengthens the decisions that we make together. 

We have been through some challenging times—the Macroburst, COVID pandemic, and Tropical Storm Isais come to mind—and we have developed a strong working relationship and trust in one another’s judgement as a result.

Melissa Lindsey:

Jon brings a fresh perspective to the leadership of our Town, backed by great ideas, a strong business background, and a positive outlook. He is focused on building a better future for New Fairfield, not dwelling on the past.

We know the road ahead will not be easy.  Years of poor decisions and overspending have left challenges that cannot be ignored. I am confident that, together, Jon and I can move New Fairfield onto a steadier path—one that avoids overwhelming tax increases year after year, addresses our financial challenges head-on, and builds a solid, sustainable plan for the future. Combining his energy and optimism with my own, we can restore stability and ensure New Fairfield thrives for years to come.

How serving as First Selectman/Selectman over the past two years has provided an eye-opening experience and changed their perspectives on town issues, politics, and more.

Pat Del Monaco:

​​Serving as Selectman for the past two years has confirmed my suspicions of a growing partisan divide in Town. 

My experiences in the early part of my career as First Selectman involved collaboration and compromise – elements that are missing in the current environment.  As a result, Khris and I decided soon after announcing our candidacy that we would seek candidates for our ticket that were bipartisan, qualified and willing to work across the aisle for the good of the Town.

Melissa Lindsey:

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned in municipal government is how slowly things can move. Red tape and bureaucracy often make progress more frustrating than I would like. I’ve also had to accept that, as much as I want to, I cannot help everyone.  Some requests are simply outside the authority of the First Selectman.

What has surprised me most is how negativity can sometimes overshadow the progress we are making together. While there will always be differing opinions, I believe our community is strongest when we focus on facts, accountability, and working toward solutions.

Given the heightened political polarization at every level of government, what they think might help ease working relationships.

Pat Del Monaco:

Transparency in government is one way to address polarization.  For example, my Administration conducted important “working group” meetings in public – there were no closed door meetings to discuss important projects such as the Communications upgrade, ARPA project allocation, proposed ordinances, etc.  Open meetings allow the public to hear for themselves the reasoning that goes into decisions made by the elected Boards, and helps to stop the rumors and misinformation that contribute to politically driven polarization.

Melissa Lindsey:

I do believe that we can work toward a more undivided community.  The first step is clear: everyone, whether elected, appointed, or serving in any capacity, must stop thinking in terms of “two sides.” There should only be one side: the side of New Fairfield first.

By staying positive and working with everyone, I believe we can reduce the divisions…I am committed to continuing to rise above political games. I have not, and I will not, engage in them. My hope is that by leading with collaboration, transparency, and respect, others will follow, and together we can build a stronger, more united New Fairfield.

Here are some strategies they hope to lean on to help the Town grow.

Pat Del Monaco:

I will focus on completing important projects that were funded by state and federal grants with the aim of strengthening our local economy.  The goal of the Town Green project is to provide a space for residents to gather and recreate in the center of our business/commercial district, spurring foot traffic and support of our local businesses.  Another grant funded project with similar goals is the Margerie Trail project.  The trail will attract residents and non-residents alike to the center of Town.  I will continue to seek grant funding to strengthen infrastructure necessary to support local businesses, minimizing the impact of improvements on taxpayers.

Melissa Lindsey:

I plan on working to reinvigorate our Economic Development Commission and work with them to revitalize efforts that attract and support businesses able to thrive long-term in New Fairfield. That means being thoughtful about the types of businesses we pursue — focusing on those that meet real community needs, strengthen our tax base, and fit within the small-town character we all value.

 I believe in a deliberate, well-planned approach to growth. Before committing to any project, we must consider its impact on traffic, infrastructure, schools, and the

environment. Just as important, we need to listen directly to residents through

surveys, forums, and ongoing dialogue to understand what services and amenities

people feel are missing…

Some new initiatives the candidates would support.

Pat Del Monaco:

I will strongly support completion of the Town Green and Margerie Trail projects, both of which are funded by existing grants. 

I will also ensure that the bus lot project is completed without further, costly delays and will revisit our previous plan to address the safety issues plaguing Candlewood Lake.

Melissa Lindsey:

I strongly believe that right now we must take a slow and steady approach. Our first priority must be getting out from under the overwhelming debt we took on when building our two new schools. Once that burden is reduced, we can begin looking ahead to new opportunities that will strengthen our community.

Among the priorities I would like to explore are revitalizing both the Town Hall and the Town Hall Annex, considering the creation of a community center, and evaluating realistic tax credit options to help support our seniors. By moving forward responsibly and thoughtfully, we can continue to improve New Fairfield without placing additional strain on taxpayers.

The candidates’ positions on fiscally responsible budgeting.

Pat Del Monaco:

During my prior Administration, we kept taxes below or close to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment — even through periods of high inflation related to COVID.  In five out of six years of my Administration, tax increases were below or just above 3%.  I will collaborate with the Boards of Education and Finance to return to sensible tax increases by:

·  Examining every line item in the municipal budget to identify unnecessary costs

·  Reviewing possible efficiencies in shared services with the Board of Education

·  Identifying sources of Non-Tax revenue

·  Restoring our long-term capital spending plan to address infrastructure needs on a reasonable schedule before they become problems

·  Reviewing the way the Town provides medical insurance, one of the biggest increases in recent budgets, to make sure we are getting the best deal for taxpayers

·  Taking a look at recent State legislation – the Homestead provision – to see if it can be used to provide property tax relief to permanent residents.

Melissa Lindsey:

Until we are out from under the overwhelming debt, we must slow our spending. A zero-based budgeting approach is essential—every dollar spent should be justified, not simply carried forward year after year. We cannot continue increasing spending at the rates we’ve seen without overwhelming taxpayers, as we witnessed this past year.

It is critical that we plug the holes left from years of poor decision-making and build a strong, long-term financial plan. Surprise expenses should not be the norm. Instead, we need to establish and adhere to a solid capital funding plan that prepares us for the future, protects taxpayers, and ensures New Fairfield remains financially stable for years to come. 

Their final thoughts on the race.

Pat Del Monaco:

I am proud of what Khris and I have been able to accomplish. with the support of Town staff and our colleagues on the BOF and BOE.  We led the Town through a macroburst and pandemic, built two state-of-the art schools, strengthened public safety, executed a plan to revitalize our Town center, and vastly improved communication with Town residents through Facebook, Instagram, the monthly Town Newsletter.  I look forward to the opportunity to serve the Town of New Fairfield for the next two years.

Melissa Lindsey:

I am honored and excited to be running for re-election.  I believe in what we are doing to bring honesty and accountability to our Town government.  I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with all elected and appointed Boards and Commissions to do what is best for New Fairfield.  We do not want New Fairfield to become a Brookfield or a Ridgefield.  Both of those towns are great, but they are not New Fairfield.  We do not want Hartford to control our small town.  Together, we can stay New Fairfield strong!