Newsletter Volume 2 • Number 44
But elections have consequences: Republicans use tie-breaking vote to force unpopular cuts
Just months ago, a town survey found that traffic, transportation and schools topped residents’ concerns about Greenwich. Improved road safety became the backbone of First Selectman Fred Camillo’s re-election campaign. Yet in the last week, Republicans on the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) used their tie-breaking vote, over and over, to slash key projects that would make our roads safer, and sidewalks better. The cuts eliminated funding for the public works department’s new Traffic Safety Plan, and $400,000 in federal dollars aimed at helping Greenwich develop “Safe Streets for All.”
Often Republicans’ rationales for budget cuts were perplexing. Before voting against ADA-required sidewalk improvements for people with disabilities, Republican Leslie Tarkington expressed her concern for women in high heels.
In all, Republicans have invoked their majority tie-breaking vote fourteen times so far.
School budget assault
The most shocking assault came from the BET’s Republican Chair and Vice Chair, who had promised to “Support Our Schools” last November, but instead proposed a $2.4 million cut to the Board of Education operating budget. That loss roughly equates to 20 teacher salaries and would have plunged our school system into crisis. In the end, Democrat Leslie Moriarty insisted on a recess, giving a few of her Republican colleagues time to reconsider the implications and vote with a unified Democratic caucus to block the cut.
A “chaotic” process
Republican infighting, last-minute proposals, a lack of transparency, and barriers to public input plagued the budget process. Residents were turned away from a public hearing when the room filled up, and weren’t allowed to provide testimony from home, although the Representative Town Meeting, the Board of Education, and the Board of Selectmen allow it. A poorly timed website glitch prevented some from submitting written testimony. BET Democrat David Weisbrod lamented, “this process has been completely chaotic from the beginning.”
Glimmers of hope
Good news is that Democratic BET caucus leader Leslie Moriarity successfully lobbied for funding for the stalled Glenville Corridor Traffic Improvement project (to be reimbursed with federal and state grant dollars). Democrats, steadfast in supporting public safety, also swayed a single Republican to vote with them and approve the fire department’s request for two pumper trucks.
The Board of Estimate and Taxation finalizes and votes on the budget Monday, April 8. From there it goes to the Representative Town Meeting, which can only cut or approve items, but not add any dollars back.
Elections have consequences
There is a direct throughline from last November’s municipal elections to this hatchet job on the town budget. On paper, Democrats outnumber Republicans in Greenwich, but we failed to vote in sufficient numbers last fall, and handed the tie-breaking, decision-making power on the BET to Republicans. Municipal elections occur once again in November 2025, and this November the White House, and potentially democracy itself, are on the line. Can Democrats count on your vote?
March delegate elections recap
Delegate elections for the May conventions went smoothly. In particular, we’d like to congratulate Nick Simmons on his success, and offer our gratitude to Trevor Crow for her vision, hard work and dedication to our town and party. Trevor announced she is withdrawing from the 36th State Senate District race, and will continue to support all our candidates. Now let’s get to work on flipping this seat blue!
Town officials publish letter addressing antisemitism and hate
The Greenwich Time published a letter to the editor, signed by more than 100 town officials from all sides of the political spectrum, supporting the First Selectman’s new Antisemitism and Anti-Hate Task Force. The body is charged with helping victims who may have nowhere else to turn, but was attacked by far-right publications in anonymous articles. The letter noted that its signers respect freedom of speech, and the task force has no power to adjudicate incidents. Addressing detractors who questioned what might constitute antisemitism and hate, the letter replied, “talk to the parents of boys and girls who have been bullied in the school yard because of their race, or on the school bus because they are Jewish.”
Join us at the Greenwich Symphony
Join fellow Greenwich Dems for an afternoon at Greenwich’s very own symphony. Afterward, come have a drink or meal at a nearby restaurant.
Where: Performing Arts Center behind Greenwich High School, 10 Hillside Road, Greenwich, CT
When: Sunday, April 14th The concert starts at 3:00 pm. Look for Erin Flynn in the lobby as early as 2:30 pm so we can sit together as a group.
The program is out of this world and includes “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and Gustav Holst’s “The Planets.” Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance.
Women in government
The Greenwich Girl Scouts and the League of Women Voters of Greenwich are hosting a “Women in Government” event on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Greenwich Town Hall. Open to all members of the community at no cost, the event allows our youngest constituents to gain insights into local government. More information here.
| Volume 2, Number 44 • April 4, 2024 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |