To The Editor:

For voters who want to see Newtown continue its progress toward a better Fairfield Hills, the choice this election for the Board of Selectmen is clear: Jeff Capeci and Charlie Gardner. Even before becoming First Selectman, Jeff, as Chair of the Legislative Council, advanced a proposal to apply for historic designation that would simultaneously protect the campus and allow the rehabilitation of larger buildings into needed commercial and residential space. Charlie, who was also on the Council, joined Jeff in voting for this proposal, which carried out the will of Newtown voters who had approved a mixed-use vision for Fairfield Hills in 2020.

Since his election as First Selectman, Jeff has continued to move the process forward, carefully negotiating an agreement that will position two of the buildings to be remediated and renovated through private investment. Other improvements to the campus have been ongoing, including the vastly improved pickleball courts, which had their grand opening less than two weeks ago, and a playground that opened last year that has enhanced activities at the Community Center.

Meanwhile, Bruce Walczak’s campaign has been silent on the issue. His website doesn’t mention it (or mention very much at all), which is worrisome. In 2020, however, he called the mixed-use plan “wrong” in an online post ahead of that referendum and was strongly critical of it in an interview with the Bee. There’s nothing that suggests Bruce would have enthusiasm for continuing the work Jeff has done and that the voters have approved. And he hasn’t appeared to propose any alternatives, other than the previous approach of letting the buildings crumble.

A much better Fairfield Hills is finally within sight. Let’s let Jeff and Charlie continue that work.

Scott Reiss

Newtown