Fairfield’s elected First Selectman said, “things like Clam Jam are outdated” because of public safety concerns.
In an interview last week, First Selectman Ken Flatto stressed that his concern was not limited to a student population but that any gathering involving thousands of people in an uncontained area presented a number of significant risks. Since he believes that an event like Clam Jam is impossible to control, he said, “I don’t believe it is a good idea.”
He elaborated on his concerns saying that there are no clear boundaries as to where the crowds are going to congregate and that this makes managing the risks of such a gathering problematic. Flatto also expressed concern about the behavior during such a gathering.
He referred to the quantity of alcohol consumed, the number of hospitalizations that have resulted in the past and the number of arrests. Also, he said that he feared the risk of injury involved in the practice of party-goers relaxing on the rooftops of houses. He said that he has “dreaded that there would be a serious accident” with the student population on the beach.
“Very honestly I do think that … alcohol consumption … has been an issue,” he said. Flatto continued saying that town officials “want everyone to have a good time.” But, he said, “Anything we can do to improve safety for everybody is really important.”
Flatto understood the desire for students to engage in social activity such as attending house parties and planned social events such as concerts. He said that at a concert, a contained venue would allow for better risk management. The number attending the event is known. Also, he said that in large gatherings at the beach there is no group to be held responsible in the event of a problem.
Flatto acknowledged, “There were some Clam Jams that were run very well.” However, he said that his concern was the inability to predict which event would be run well and which would not.
He asked if people wanted a social event or if their focus was merely to consume alcohol. He continued, saying “reasonable people” should understand that this focus would not be a good thing.
It is unfair, he said, that a large group of people could have a good time and a dozen people leave a bad mark. He admitted that the situation is not an easy decision. In the past, he felt that a couple of large events on a designated weekend might be acceptable, now his concern for safety has given him pause for concern.
He said that students should feel like Fairfield is their community as well, and “everybody has to accept a certain quality of life … if it’s really late at night, I shouldn’t be screaming … out in the street.”
He added later that the practice of videotaping students without their permission is a concern because “to work together to develop trust, you have to respect each other’s rights.” Continuing, he said that such a practice is “not a good idea because all it does is create distrust.”
Flatto encouraged student leadership and the university to provide events for the students.
Flatto, who was First Selectman from 1997 until 1999, defeated incumbent John Metsopoulos in early November. Flatto acknowledged a perception battle during the campaign that had him perceived as being anti-student. He said that as first selectman he would want to have more interaction with students, perhaps organizing a visit to campus next semester to address student concerns. “I’d like to reach out,” he said.
Flatto encouraged students to make their voices heard through their representatives. Student RTM member Julia Lundy represents the district which contains Fairfield University and FUSA President Joe Piagentini will meet with Flatto throughout the remaining school-year. The two plan to meet Friday, Dec. 7.
Piagentini said that “FUSA is looking forward to working with Ken Flatto.” He said that their meeting on Friday will be “the beginning of a great relationship.”
The Luau in September of 2000 drew concerns from Metsopoulos and a court injunction prevented an official Clam Jam this past May.
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