Newsletter Volume 3 • Number 4
Recent votes suggest a lack of care for the rest of us in town
In a baffling vote last week, the right wing majority on the town’s Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) refused to fund federally-required street and sidewalk fixes that would make Greenwich Avenue easy for everyone to navigate. (BET Democrats voted in favor, but are in the minority.)
Republicans suggested there’s a tradeoff between high-end shopping and street accessibility—that complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will make The Ave less “high end,” “special,” and even reduce its “commercial value.” Previously, one member voiced concern about “women that wear high-heeled shoes” if we make these upgrades.
What? Anyone can twist an ankle, or have surgery requiring a boot, a walker or wheelchair. Parents pushing strollers benefit too.
This is the same bunch who delayed fixing one school where kids have to use bathrooms that overflow with sewage, and another where the walls are crumbling. They redlined storm sewer upgrades that would divert rising floodwaters. And they voted against a popular pedestrian and traffic safety study—one member voicing her dislike of sidewalks and suggesting you should be licensed to ride a bike.
We hesitate to say it, but this all seems, you know, a bit cruel.
Former President George H.W. Bush would roll over in his grave. Raised in Greenwich into a tradition of public service, Bush wanted “a kinder, and gentler nation.” It was he who signed into law the ADA, to improve access to public spaces for the millions of Americans with disabilities.
There have been discussions about honoring Bush with a statue on Greenwich Avenue. Before we consider that, let’s honor his vision, by making Greenwich Avenue accessible to all. Email the BET@greenwichct.gov and tell them you feel the same way.
Candidates are on the campaign trail
It’s the dog days of summer, and your Democratic CT General Assembly candidates know it
Rep. Hector Arzeno (151st House District) was greeted by a pack of gentle Westies at one stop. After a conversation with the homeowner, Hector says he walked away with her support, as well as the Westies’.
Over the sweltering weekend, 36th District state Senate candidate Nick Simmons and a bevy of supporters knocked on 500 doors. Nick says people were incredibly welcoming despite the heat, providing engaging conversation, water refills, and even an invitation to cool off in a pool! (It was tempting… but… no.)
Rep. Rachel Khanna (149th House District) has been making over 100 phone calls a day, with volunteers doing the same. One constituent gave a donation, signed up for a lawn sign, and offered to volunteer. Why the zeal? She cited the threat of MAGA taking away compassionate local representation, and people like Rachel, who want to make our lives better.
Don’t be surprised if your door rings with a visit from the Democratic candidates this summer. Say hello, and find out what they are all about.
Democratic Action Calendar
June 27 and July 2. Call.
Rachel Khanna virtual phone banks: Thursday, June 27 and Tuesday July 2: 4-6 p.m. Register here.
June 27 and June 28. Call.
Nick Simmons phone banks: Thursday, June 27th: 5:30-7:30 p.m., 503 Summer St., Stamford. June 28: Virtual phone bank, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join Zoom here.
June 29 and June 30. Canvass.
Join the Nick Simmons campaign canvass this Saturday or Sunday. RSVP here for details.
June 29. Gather.
Join Democrats from every corner of the state for this annual dinner bash featuring House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Write “Greenwich Table” in the Additional Information field to be seated together. RSVP
July 14. Meet.
Get to know the candidates for state office, below, in this informal setting at a private home, and enjoy a cool drink and snack. July 14: 4-6 p.m. Must RSVP.
| Volume 3, Number 4 • June 27, 2024 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |