Editorial by Laura Erickson which ran in The Greenwich Sentinal September 22th, 2023
Voters have a choice in the upcoming local election on November 7th. I am the Democratic candidate for First Selectperson and my running mate is Janet Stone McGuigan, the incumbent Selectperson. I’d like to share with Greenwich Sentinel readers a brief bio and why I’m running this race.
I have over twenty years of experience in town government, and am currently in my second term on the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET), serving on the Budget Committee. I’m a former Chair of the Board of Education, and joined the RTM in 1999 and served on the Finance and Health & Human Services Committees for 13 years.
My husband Dave and I have made Greenwich our home for 30 years. Our three kids attended Greenwich public schools K-12, during which I was an active school volunteer and PTA Co-President at GHS and Riverside School. My professional background is in banking after graduating from Middlebury College. I grew up in Nashua, New Hampshire and, fun fact: the 1980 debate where Ronald Reagan famously said “I’m paying for this microphone Mr. Green” took place at my high school when I was a student.
Now, why am I running?
I am a pragmatic, even-keeled, solutions-oriented person. I have a track record of collaborating with others, regardless of political affiliation, to address issues. A good example is the Municipal Improvement (MI) process for the new New Lebanon School. I was the Chair of the BOE when MI came before the Board of Selectmen. There was a debate about the location of the school and not everyone was on the same page. But we problem-solved, worked through it, and the community now has the new school it so desperately needed, thanks to a very dedicated Building Committee.
I’ve seen a lot in my time as a business professional, an elected official, a town resident and in my 17 years as a public school parent. But nothing like this. Extreme political ideologies espoused by some on the Republican Town Committee are infiltrating our town and influencing local government leadership. Misinformation is being spread with impunity. We need a reset.
There is no question it costs a lot to buy a home or rent in Greenwich. Rents are skyrocketing in part due to a shortage of a diverse housing inventory. Demand outstrips supply. Our teachers and first responders increasingly are priced out of the market. Greenwich residents make an investment in this community and expect excellent town services, sound fiscal stewardship and responsible leadership in return. There should be a clear strategic vision and a planning process. Instead, we have serious issues that have not been prioritized. Residents are not being heard.
It’s no secret there is political division on the BET. The number of tie breaking votes cast by the majority party over the last 4 budgets is extraordinary. The minutes of the 2023 Decision Day meeting, as well as the prior 3 years, tell the story of major building projects being delayed or underfunded, vehicle replacement recommendations for public safety not being followed and numerous other examples of poor planning.
A pattern of delays, deferments and denials isn’t smart fiscal leadership. It’s shortsighted, ends up costing taxpayers more and increases risk as capital assets show their age and either require more expensive upkeep or fall into disrepair.
I care deeply about this community. We are all neighbors and volunteers and colleagues and co-workers. Some people have spent their entire lives here and some are new residents. But everyone deserves to be respected, and everyone should be heard. We need leadership that is prudent and responsible. We need leaders who know when to speak and when it’s best to refrain from doing so. We need leaders who know they should be held to a higher standard and who refrain from impulsive commentary and actions.
Greenwich is a great place to live, to raise a family, to work and to retire. This town is graced with natural beauty from the backcountry to the shoreline and benefits from transportation routes to major hubs and destinations. We have a diverse population, strong neighborhoods and a reputation for excellent public schools.
I will meet our challenges head on, with a transparent process to listen, to heed input and to lead us forward.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th. I am honored to run for this office and I appreciate each and every one of you who has opened their door or answered the phone and shared their stories.
Voters have choice in this election and the experience and qualifications of the Democratic slate of candidates on Row A is unparalleled. As a team, we have the vision and the competence to reset, to be responsive, and to proactively get us moving in the right direction.
I appreciate your consideration.
Laura Erickson
Candidate for First Selectperson