FAIRFIELD — Incumbent Stephanie Thibodeau and former Councilor Peter Lawrence beat out Lawrence MacDonald for two open seats on the Town Council, according to preliminary results Tuesday from the town clerk.

Stephanie Thibodeau Courtesy photo

Thibodeau received 1,465 votes and Lawrence 1,385 votes, to MacDonald’s 1,224.

Peter Lawrence Courtesy photo

Thibodeau, a retired schoolteacher and third-generation Fairfield resident, has served on and off as a councilor for several years.

Ahead of the election, she said she is passionate about the future of the town and its economic development.

She said she wants to upgrade Mill Island Park and the town’s waterfront to develop more recreational opportunities. As chair of the economic and community development advisory committee, she has worked toward creating a waterfront plan.

A veteran service representative with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Lawrence served three years on the council until he was unseated in last year’s election after finishing 19 votes behind John Picchiotti.

Lawrence said last month he felt he was just getting started during his last term on the council, and wants to continue working on solutions to PFAS contamination and holding municipal leaders and others accountable.

MacDonald, the owner of a used car dealership and repair facility in Fairfield, has not been involved in local government, but said previously that as a business owner, he feels he has a duty to the community.

He said his experience as a business owner would benefit the council and he believes there is a disconnect between residents and their representatives at every level of government, so people feel unheard and frustrated.