Keeping What Works, Fixing What Doesn't

By Dan Fitzmaurice, First Selectman Candidate

Orange is a wonderful place to live. My wife Sarah and I are raising our two kids here, and we’re all looking forward to a fresh school year and our favorite town tradition, the Country Fair.

Starting Oct. 20, voters will choose a f irst selectman for the next two years. I’m running for this position because Orange deserves clear communication, full-time commitment and a real plan to stay strong.

I have led several organizations following the retirement of long-serving, respected executives. I know how important it is to keep what’s working while getting stuck gears moving again. After 20 years under the same leadership, that’s exactly where Orange is today.

I’ve managed budgets as large as $100 million, raised millions more in grants and delivered results during tough times – fixing finances, rebuilding trust and launching new ventures. Today, I work in public policy focused on making life more affordable for Connecticut families. These skills are exactly what Orange needs in Town Hall right now.

Here’s our vision for the next two years: our boards of education will reflect the needs of our students and teachers, not national politics; residents will use “Orange Connect” to report non-emergency issues in one central place; renovations at Fred Wolfe Park will finally be underway; and a new economic development department will bring in major grants and new commercial development. We’ll deliver all of this with professionalism, respect and transparency, and without raising your property taxes.

This fall, the choice is whether we stand still or move forward together. I believe in an Orange that works harder and smarter for all of us. I hope you’ll join us at one of our “Inside Scoop” Town Hall forums this fall. These new, family-friendly events provide you with another opportunity to ask us questions and engage in open conversations about what’s next for Orange. If you can’t make it, we’ll livestream them online, and you’re always welcome to call or text me anytime at 203-710-2966.

Dan Fitzmaurice

Orange First Selectman Candidate

This letter to the editor originally appeared in the Milford-Orange Times, Sept 4 page 6.