In New Fairfield, a remarkable percentage of residents cast votes for the municipal election. Following a lengthy campaign that grew increasingly heated, the race for First Selectman ended in a razor-thin win for Republican Ms. Melissa Lindsey with 2,094 votes to Democrat-incumbent Ms. Pat Del Monaco’s 2,016. The 78-vote difference transfers Town governance to Lindsey, with her running mate, Mr. Tom Perkins as Selectman who won with 2,115 votes. Del Monaco will also serve on the Board as a Selectman.
Lindsey says she is “honored to have been elected by the people of New Fairfield for this important position. I am grateful to everyone who got out and voted last week.” She went on to say, “We had a good turnout, although I’d love to see more. This will be a focus for Tom and I going forward. We are excited to get started and are hopeful to see the townspeople get more involved with the decision making in our town.”
Echoing Lindsey’s comments, Perkins said, “I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking with so many people and learning their concerns. There was a good turnout and I’m glad they heard our message; now we do our best to be their voice. Our goal, as we said all along, is to keep residents fully informed and we ask them to turn out in force to vote on issues as necessary so we can act with confidence in strong numbers.”
“I congratulate Melissa Lindsey and Tom Perkins on their election as First Selectman and Selectman,” outgoing Selectman Ms. Khris Hall said. Hall went on to say, “I know how difficult their jobs really are and I wish them well as they step up to serve New Fairfielders.”
Though a transition period will begin soon, it had not as of early this week. Lindsey said, “I have spent the last week making sure that when I leave my current position, those taking over will have the best opportunity to be successful.” Next steps include a swearing-in ceremony on Saturday, November 18, at 1:00 p.m. at New Fairfield Senior Center. A reception will follow and all are welcome.
Overall, votes were largely cast on party lines, resulting in all Republican candidates being added to Town Boards, Committees, and Commissions. There were far more Democrats running for open positions, which led to the candidates with the top votes winning seats.