Fairfield's Rotary Club hosted a candidate forum, which on Monday, featured the two major candidates for the office.

It is continuing a longstanding tradition whenever there is an election for first selectperson in Fairfield.

As estimated 200 Fairfield residents were in attendance, with some telling News 12 their top issues included development of apartment complexes in town, the recent property revaluation that will be raising taxes for many residents, as well as both candidates' ability to lead.

All were covered by both current First Selectperson Christine Vitale, a Democrat, who has had the job since Bill Gerber passed away in July, and the Republican candidate, State Senator Tony Hwang, who received enough signatures on a petition to force the special election.

"All I'm asking is to compare and contrast my experience, my achievement and my ability to lead us moving forward," Hwang told News 12 shortly before taking the stage.

"I have a unique understanding of what's going on in our local government in a way I think the Senator just doesn't because he's been up in Hartford," countered Vitale.

The format was purposely not a debate - with questions pre-submitted and screened, and neither given a chance for rebuttals, only answers.

The two shared concerns over the cost of living, with Vitale saying "I want this town to be a place where people can come regardless of how much they earn, or where they are in their life."

"Peoples' abilities to live in this town can not wait two years," challenged Hwang.

Vitale said as far as development in the town, she would welcome more of it, if it was done proactively, and on the right terms - not concentrated in one spot, or with high rises.

"It's not necessarily new developments," she said on stage, "our housing stock and commercial stock in parts of town are aging - that provides a huge opportunity."

Hwang meanwhile cautioned against more development, saying "Fairfield has the challenge of either remaining as a town, or turning itself into a city."

Hwang also took issue with how several things have gone in town over the six months that Vitale has been on the job, repeatedly saying that both "our police chief and our fire chief, having been on the job nearly since September still do not have a contract. That as an important risk."

Vitale looked to downplay the issue, saying "the fire chief currently has a contract, police chief, I want everyone in this room - everyone - we are working on those - they are absolutely amazing partners."

The candidates will be meeting again in just two days, with the Fairfield League of Women Voters hosting a debate on Wednesday night.