Fairfield Selectman Laurie McArdle Has Resigned

Fairfield, CT – Fairfield Republican Party Chairman James Millington announced that Fairfield Selectman Laurie McArdle has submitted a letter of resignation from the Board of Selectman to the Town Clerk effective December 1, 2016.  Millington stated that the decision was a result of the McArdle’s acquisition of another small business outside of Connecticut.  Millington stated “Unfortunately, the business climate in Connecticut ranks among the worst in the country for small businesses.  As a result, the opportunities for expansion and acquisitions have lead many, including the McArdles, to pursue ventures outside of our state.”  Millington stated that the McArdle’s new business acquisition would have resulted in McArdle missing several Board of Selectman meetings and she did not feel that was fair to the people of Fairfield.

McArdle stated, "Last November, being elected to serve the citizens of Fairfield was a great honor. I have truly enjoyed meeting so many new people. I've seen firsthand the efforts of our department heads and many town employees. The dedication of the appointees and volunteers is amazing and is the drive that makes things happen. Being on the Board of Selectmen has also allowed me to meet many of our students and citizens who bring honor and pride to Fairfield with their tremendous accomplishments whether in sports, academics or dedication to Fairfield. I appreciate the efforts of those who work tirelessly to preserve our town's history and maintain its unique character. Over the past several months, my personal situation has changed. My husband has purchased a company out of state which means that I will be spending more time traveling. I will not be able to commit to regularly attending meetings and will not be able to dedicate the time required to properly contribute to this board.”

Millington stated that he has begun the process of recommending a replacement to the Board of Selectman.  He stated that there is a long-standing agreement between the republican and democrat parties that the Board of Selectman will honor the recommendations of the RTC and DTC when filling vacancies to elected offices.  The RTC will hold a meeting on Monday, December 5^th, at 7:30pm at the Board of Education headquarters to vote on a replacement.  Any registered republican can seek the party recommendation by emailing the chairman a letter of intent and being nominated from the floor at the meeting.

Millington further announced that Ed Bateson has also resigned from his position as RTC Vice Chairman and submitted a letter of intent to seek the party recommendation to succeed McArdle.  Bateson is a member of the RTM and former Majority Leader.  The resignation of Bateson has created a vacancy for the RTC Vice Chairman position that will also be filled at the December 5^th meeting.  Millington stated that he has received a letter of intent to seek election as RTC Vice Chairman from Michael Herley (RTM-10).  He stated that anyone else seeking that office may also submit a letter of intent to him for consideration.