Cristin McCarthy Vahey

Dear Neighbor,

I hope that you are managing to stay warm and safe during these frigid winter days. I think we are all looking for a reprieve. Below you will find information focused on economic development, growth, and local business. Don’t forget that there is a special election in Fairfield next Tuesday, with early voting happening Saturday and Sunday 10-6 at the Fairfield University Bookstore (1499 Post Rd., Fairfield).

I want to acknowledge and address two events, the death of Alex Pretti and the planned McKinley School visit by United Sates Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Both have caused passionate and sometimes heated conversation. I’d like to thank First Church and St. Paul’s for leading the vigil to remember and honor Alex Pretti. As a state legislator, I will do everything possible to assure that federal agents abide by the law and that there are consequences for aggressive, violent, and deadly tactics. I am grateful for the many peaceful protestors standing up to oppose the kinds of ICE actions that we have seen elsewhere in the country.

As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, wife of a submariner and native of the land of the Liberty Bell and the Constitution Center, I am always thrilled when we celebrate and more importantly learn from our history. From what I have learned, the planned visit by United State Education Secretary was done with little to no consultation, a lack of understanding of the impact on the McKinley community, and without the kind of collaboration I have come to value and appreciate when working together with so many fellow Fairfielders.

In a moment where tensions are heightened, in large part due to the death of Alex Pretti and fear of ICE in communities near and far, it is critical to consider the implications of a visit by a federal administration official. Many members of the McKinley community spoke up and shared their concerns once the announcement had been made. I am grateful to them and for the administration’s response. We can and should have a variety of perspectives in our community. Where, when, how, and with whom we share those experiences is important, as well as how we include people impacted in decisions in the decision making process.  

Last week, Reps. Keitt, Leeper and I had the privilege of hosting a forum to discuss housing and the new Housing Bill, An Act Concerning Housing Growth. We were joined by our Fairfield Town Plan and Zoning Chair, our Fairfield Planning Director, the Executive Director of MetroCOG, our regional council of Government, and a representative of our state Office of Responsible Growth. We spent time talking about the contents of the new bill and how they would impact and be implemented in Fairfield. It was an informative discussion, and I hope you can take the opportunity to watch it.

The Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Breakfast was an opportunity to hear about the broader economic forecast as well as what economic development is happening here in Fairfield. Fairfield’s Director of Community and Economic Development provided an overview, with specific information about developments happening here in Fairfield. You can access his presentation here.

Traffic and safety are always issues that come up across town. I am thrilled to share that Fairfield has been chosen as one of five Connecticut communities to be part of the Connecticut Main Street Center's (CMSC) 2026 Main Street Accelerator Cohort - which will invest in our downtown Cultural District - and was awarded a federal Safe Streets grant. These efforts, along with the new regularly scheduled planning meetings to be held by our Town Planning and Zoning, will help us to directly address these issues, while supporting both safety and economic vibrancy.

I was thrilled to recognize some of our own local veterans who were inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame last week. Fairfielder Alex Plitsas, Bridgeport Resident Juliet A. Taylor, and Stratford resident Adele Jacobs were three of the veterans who were recognized. You can read more about each of them here.

Fairfield resident Rebecca Ashby has opened a new business in downtown Fairfield, Hope & Joy. The Fairfield Chamber, First Selectperson Vitale and Community and Economic Development Director Barnhart joined in the ribbon cutting celebration. Small businesses are the engine of our economy and it was a pleasure to be there to cheer on Rebecca and her team. Congratulations!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. As always, please feel free to reach out directly with your ideas, questions, or concerns. You can reach me by phone at (860) 240-8585 or (203) 522-3037.

Take care,

Cristin McCarthy Vahey