RELATED: 'In a world of takers, Ron D'Epifanio was a giver': Fairfield city councilman honored at funeral
GM's Fisher Body stopped its Fairfield auto parts plant operations in 1987 and closed in the first quarter of 1989. The business was the city's largest employer and equated to 28 percent of the city's income tax revenues ($1.7 million).
But City Council and the city administration worked to diversify its tax base and bring in new businesses.
During his tenure, City Council also brought online the city’s Village Green, which brought a new Fairfield Lane Library, Community Arts Center, park and residential area. It’s been since known as Fairfield’s downtown area.
Scharringhausen retried from GE Aviation in July 2019 after 34 years. In addition to his previous City Council experience, served as a past trustee and treasurer for Fairfield Community Foundation, and a member of the Fairfield Forward comprehensive plan steering committee.
He’s also a volunteer for St. Vincent DePaul.
Scharringhausen will be sworn in at City Council tonight and serve the remaining two years on D’Epifanio’s term. It’s anticipated he will run for election in the fall of 2021.
D’Epifanio, a former city mayor and 40-plus-year Fairfield resident, died on Jan. 21 surrounded by his family at Mercy Health-Fairfield Hospital after a brief illness. He was 78.
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