Christine Vitale appointed as Fairfield’s first selectman; GOP state Sen. Hwang could pursue special election
Vitale had been serving as acting first selectman since June 28, when Gerber was hospitalized. Gerber had designated her to assume the role if he became unable to serve.
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Fairfield’s elected town officers unanimously voted Monday to appoint Christine Vitale as first selectman, following the death of First Selectman Bill Gerber.
Gerber died in July from surgical complications related to a brain tumor. Under the town charter, his successor was required to be a member of the same political party, which is the Democratic Party.
Vitale had been serving as acting first selectman since June 28, when Gerber was hospitalized. Gerber had designated her to assume the role if he became unable to serve.
Vitale was elected to the Board of Selectmen in November 2023 as Gerber’s running mate. Prior to that, she served on the Board of Education from 2017 to 2023.
Republican state Sen. Tony Hwang has said he intends to pursue a special election to fill the remainder of the term.
He has 15 days to collect signatures from 5% of the town’s registered voters to trigger the election.
