Steele, Ference to Preside Over Fairfield RTM

Members of the 2011-2013 Representative Town Meeting re-elected Jeffrey Steele, R-2, as moderator of the town’s legislative body, and elected Francis "Hank" Ference, R-3, as deputy moderator.

Ference replaces former deputy moderator Peter Ambrose, a Republican who still serves as a representative for the second district.

Both Steele and Ference were elected unanimously to their positions.

"He does the best he can; we can be unruly at times," Ed Bateson, R-3, said of Steele. "For the past two years, we have all found his leadership and his rule over this body to be fair."

Hal Schwartz, D-7, seconded Bateson's nomination of Steele. "He held his composure; he held us in check."

Steele said he was "truly honored and appreciative" of the members' decision to re-elect him as moderator.

He said his goal is to continue to moderate the RTM as "evenhandedly as possible."

As for Ference, former Deputy Moderator Peter Ambrose said he's seen Ference in action as the chairman of the public health safety committee, and found that he "shows strong signs of leadership and he is open."

Arthur Hug, R-4, seconded Ference’s nomination. "He'd be an excellent deputy moderator."