Newsletter Volume 3 • Number 50
At campaign kickoff, candidates note concerns after 100 years of one party rule
Offering a vision that includes the historically low property taxes that keep many of us here, first selectman candidate Anthony Moor and selectwoman candidate Rachel Khannahave launched a campaign for the Democratic nomination, teaming up with a slate of colleagues committed to “fresh ideas and public service.”
Moor is a former local news reporter, who gained a broad understanding of what makes towns tick during a career reporting on local communities, issues and governing bodies. “We’re incredibly lucky to call this place home,” he said. “The natural beauty, vibrant village centers, excellent schools and shopping, and the area’s unique charm make it all truly special.”
Keeping it that way, he emphasizes, takes “leaders who listen, bring us together, collaborate on solutions and respect your values.” Moor currently chairs the Representative Town Meeting’s (RTM) Transportation Committee, and notes that traffic congestion, poor pedestrian and town infrastructure, and the antiquated, inefficient ways that basic services are provided are signs that we are “settling.”
“These are symptoms of a lack of leadership in Town Hall,” Moor said, “which is causing political infighting that’s tearing us down.”
“First Selectman Fred Camillo is suing the school board instead of supporting them,” Moor says. “And the Republican members of the town finance board enacted irresponsible budget cuts,” despite Camillo’s last minute request that they rethink them. The cuts eliminated current and future flood mitigation projects and threaten our world class public schools.
“It’s the kind of decline that can happen when one party has held almost unbroken power for an entire century,” Moor says. “We will usher in a new era of needs-based budgets that reflect our community values, which include the historically low property taxes that all of us expect.”
Rachel Khanna, a long-time Greenwich resident, former state representative for the 149th district, and mother of four, stresses her commitment to constituent service. As a two-term RTM member, Khanna passed legislation raising awareness about the need for better fire coverage in northwest Greenwich.
While in the Connecticut General Assembly she secured state funding for millions in local projects, notably $20 million for Central Middle School and $6.5 million for the Glenville Corridor traffic safety project. (The latter had been quietly dropped by First Selectman Camillo last year, until Khanna intervened.)
“Greenwich is great, but it can be better –– much better –– for each and every one of us,” Khanna asserted, advocating for safer streets, 21st-century services, modern infrastructure, and continued investment in public schools. Drawing a parallel to her experience as a triathlete, she emphasized the discipline and perseverance required for effective public service.
Finance board, school board, town clerk and tax collector candidates
A team of fellow candidates was also introduced, including Matt DesChamps, Laura Erickson, Stephen Selbst, and Doug Fenton for the Board of Estimate and Taxation, Bob Chaney and Veronica Chiavaroli for the Board of Education, Meghan McCreary for town clerk, and Hale Bayram for tax collector.
The Democratic Town Committee is set to hold its nominating convention on July 16th to formally endorse candidates. The kickoff event signals the start of what promises to be a campaign focused on local governance, community responsiveness, and fiscal responsibility. Donate now, for a better Greenwich.
Connecticut continues to lead on gun violence prevention
Connecticut lawmakers took another important step toward reducing gun violence last week by passing legislation that holds gun manufacturers and dealers accountable if they fail to implement reasonable safeguards to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. Heretofore, victims and their families have faced steep legal obstacles in seeking justice.
This legislation begins to right that wrong. Attorney General William Tong praised the bill’s passage noting it “ensures Connecticut will continue to lead in keeping our communities safe.” It now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature.
Fazio votes ‘no’
We’re proud that our Democratic State Representatives, Hector Arzeno and Steve Meskers, voted in favor of this common sense legislation. Unfortunately, State Senator Ryan Fazio once again opposed gun safety efforts and voted no—consistent with his long-standing record on this issue.
This action comes as Greenwich, along with the rest of the country, observes National Gun Violence Awareness Day. On Monday, residents and local officials gathered at Town Hall, wearing orange to honor the millions of Americans impacted by gun violence. We’re grateful that our Democratic leaders continue to stand up for public safety.
What we’re reading
Remembering our last Democratic First Selectman
We are saddened to note the passing of Richard Bergstresser at age 91. Bergstresser was an Army veteran and former Greenwich first selectman (2001-2003). Democratic Town Committee member Ruth Sherman recounts how she first got to know Dick during his campaign in 2001. “He struck me as both smart and caring,” she recalls, “with a broad range of experience, not only through his service to the town, but also as a pioneer in computer science. We were fortunate to have him in our community, and he will be missed.”
Action Calendar
June 14. Resist.
Join one of the hundreds “No Kings” events planned nationwide on Donald Trump’s birthday to resist his increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption. Join the Stamford rally at 12:00, 123 Hoyt Street, Stamford. RSVP.
June 18. Come Together.
Join our next monthly Democratic meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room at Greenwich Town Hall. 101 Field Point Road. We have special guest speaker, CT Comptroller Sean Scanlon and an opportunity to meet candidates running for town offices.
June 19. Clean Up.
Join the Democratic Town Committee’s day of community service, and remove invasive plants at Pomerance Park. Bring gloves, a hat and water. 10:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. RSVP to sustaingreenwich@gmail.com. Meet in the Orchard St. parking lot, 101 Orchard Street, Cos Cob.
June 19. Celebrate.
Attend the flag raising ceremony and Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration marking the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. Noon, Greenwich Town Hall. 101 Field Point Rd.
| Volume 3, Number 50 • June 5, 2025 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |