Newsletter Volume 2 • Number 5
An embarrassing report about the state of our town just made the news. Greenwich has a stunning $1.6 billion backlog in infrastructure projects. Republicans have controlled our town government for decades and their “kick the can” planning has left us in this unbelievable position.
The nonpartisan League of Women Voters Greenwich (LWVG) recently published their study findings examining how Greenwich invests in town facilities and infrastructure. The report summary highlights deficiencies in financial planning, strategic vision, prioritization and transparency.
Delaying projects just adds cost
“We’ve talked to the town’s financial advisors and we’ve talked to other people at rating agencies and people who have run municipal finance departments around the country, who have basically said, ‘Gee, Greenwich is not using the tools that are available and it can do that without breaking the bank,’” said Steve Waters, co-chair of the committee that drafted the report, in a presentation on July 25.
This year, short-sighted budgeting from Republicans on the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) resulted in zero funding to replace an aging fire pumper truck, repair faulty elevators at the library, and move forward on desperately needed safety and accessibility upgrades at Old Greenwich School. Delaying projects like these just adds risk and cost escalations. Are you tired of this “kick the can” planning?
A vision-free, shoot from the hip process
Throwing a dog park at Glenville that neighbors oppose or announcing plans to resurrect a water fountain on Greenwich Avenue a few months before municipal elections is what passes for town planning by the current administration. Meanwhile, expensive studies the town conducted on improving fire safety, preventing flooding and repairing our playing fields gather dust.
Republican First Selectman Fred Camillo does not even recognize there’s a problem. Commenting on the report findings, he surmised, “Why would you switch to something else when what you’ve been doing has worked?” Clearly, it has not worked.
It’s no secret Greenwich has a high concentration of residents who are financial experts. As such, residents deserve that it be managed with vision and smart municipal planning to take advantage of financial instruments that keep our taxes low while delivering the services we expect.
What you can do
What’s the solution? It’s up to you to elect new dynamic and effective leadership on November 7th – Election Day. Our Democratic slate is loaded with experienced professionals who will focus on our actual needs instead of their own pet projects. They’ll prioritize our quality of life, improve town budgeting, fund much needed projects and keep our taxes low. We can do better – and we need your support to win the tie-breaking vote on the BET and sweep the First Selectperson’s office. Let’s do this!
A word from Democratic candidate for the BET, Matt DesChamps
“The Democratic slate promises to listen to the needs and concerns of our citizens and deliver the budget in a way that reflects those priorities,” Matt DesChamps, Democratic candidate for Board of Estimate and Taxation. Don’t forget: Vote for all six Democratic candidates to break the tie vote so that residents can get the town they deserve.
Heading out of town this fall?
Don’t forget to request your absentee ballot! And don’t think your vote doesn’t matter. In a recent election, a candidate for the Board of Education won by one vote. It only takes a moment to make your voice heard.
Thinking about running for the RTM?
You can have a positive impact on Greenwich by running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). This November 7, every seat on this 230 member body will be up for election. All it takes to get on the ballot are a few dozen signatures. Learn more about serving here. When you’re ready to go, download the petition here and start gathering signatures.
Legislative update
Tax-free week just in time for back to school shopping!
Enjoy tax-free shopping from August 20 – 26 on purchases of clothes and shoes. Every item costing less than $100 is tax exempt. Kids grow fast and back to school shopping can get pricey. The state legislature adopted tax free shopping week to help families stretch their dollar a little further.
For your calendar
August 24
Learn about what the RTM is and how to run for a seat. Hosted by the RTM Moderator, Alexis Voulgaris, on Thursday, August 24, at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room.
September 10
Join fellow Democrats, our municipal candidates and our local statewide elected officials for our Annual Campaign Kickoff Picnic. Sunday, September 10th, 12-3 pm at the Greenwich Botanical Center, 130 Bible Street in Cos Cob. Click here to register. We look forward to seeing you…rain or shine!
| Volume 2, Number 5 • August 17, 2023 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |