If the recounts in this week’s election results stand then Fairfield is seeing a large changing of the guard on the RTM. But while the focus is on the Democrats losing control of the RTM to Republicans, I think there is something else that needs to be considered. The rookies.
By my count, there are at least 20 newcomers to the RTM. With the Republican Party sweeping seven of the ten voting districts, quite a few democrats were thrown out with the bath water. Some would argue that their experience hasn’t served us well in the past, but Fairfield is about to face another difficult budget year. Is a green RTM going to serve us well? I say that with respect to both parties.
In any organization there are four types of newcomers, the ones who sit on the sidelines until they feel comfortable, those who make bold statements and decisions to quickly brand themselves, the newcomers who take the time to learn the ropes and past decisions, and the people who seem to fit in from day one. Unfortunately that latter group is not as prevalent as the other three. And unfortunately time is not on the side of the other three groups. We need decisions. The right decisions. And swiftly. That’s a tall order for a group that is largely finding it’s way the first few months. But, by voting along party lines, this is what the voters have asked for.
To help this group of newcomers along, I strongly suggest getting to know your RTM representatives. It’s up to you to start the conversation (aside from the election season, when is the last time an RTM member asked you what you thought?).Send them an email, or make a phone call. Whether or not they got your vote, it doesn’t matter. They represent you to the town. Party affiliations at this level are irrelevant. Also, attend the RTM meetings. Listen to the votes, is your representative’s votes aligned with your viewpoint? Speak your mind at the podium, let your voice be heard. You are a taxpayer after all.
The next two years are going to provide the Town with some of the most difficult decisions in recent memory. One thing is for sure, this batch of rookies will be experienced when the next election comes around.
I attend the RTM meetings as a member of the public—yes, I have my “ringside seat” so to speak! Been attending them since Dec. 2006. It will be VERY interesting to see what happens over the next two years….*cough cough*
Great article, Ed! And on top of the absolute newcomers to the RTM, I am pretty sure there will be a few who, like, me are returning for just their second term.
For me, what all this means is two-fold. Firstly, I will be returning as a member of a small minority after getting to spend my first term as part of a rather comfortable majority.
That meant I had plenty of time to get to know the ropes before being expected to hurl myself into the thick of things even as I faithfully represented my constituents and what they overwhelmingly told me they wanted to see happen for two straight years– chiefly protecting the school budget (and hence the high quality of public education provided in Fairfield AND the positive impact that has on making this a highly desirable place in which to live and, yes, own real estate) from drastic, short-sighted cuts. Without so many of my fellow Democrats holding seats on the RTM, that will be a promise much harder to deliver on, but one I will NOT shy away from doing my best to make happen,
Secondly– and this will impact all RTM members no matter their Party– with the decision by so many to not run again in the first place coupled with the election losses of many more fine, experienced members, the new RTM will be seated with a much smaller institutional memory.
And so I do sincerely hope that the new and very powerful majority GOP members and their leaders will remember the RTM functions best for ALL when it is led by those who can lead with respect and responsibility toward all the members of the body and
hence all the residents of our wonderful Town.
I certainly hope Heyfairfield.com will continue to grow its coverage of the political goings-on in Fairfield as the more everyone in Town knows, the better a job all of us elected to serve can do.
David Cullen
Fairfield RTM Member, District 7
and
Member, Fairfield Democratic Town Committee