Newsletter Volume 4 • Number 6
Now she wants to fix your tax bill
A few years ago, after a car accident totaled her family’s vehicle, Hale Bayram, a longtime executive at Unilever and Mastercard VP, notified the Greenwich Tax Collector’s office that they no longer owned the car. But the bills kept coming. “The system was not user friendly at all,” she said, “and just didn’t work.”
As frustrating as the experience was, it wasn’t unique. Since then, Hale (she pronounces it HA-lay) has heard from other Greenwich residents who say they were caught off guard by tax bills—sometimes with years of accumulated interest—after small oversights or technical glitches.
An expert in finance and product development
So now Hale is running for Greenwich Tax Collector with a simple goal: bring 21st-century tools—and a bit of empathy—to a system she says is overdue for change. “I want to accomplish something transformational, improve technology infrastructure,” she explains. “I don’t think it’s rocket science to bring our town into this century.”
Certainly not for Hale, considering her expertise. The first chapter of her career was in finance at Unilever in Turkey, where she developed risk assessment processes, created a five year-strategic plan for managing cash flow, simplified procedures, and upgraded technology tools.
Coming to the United States and working at Mastercard was her second chapter, where she rose to VP of Global Digital Product Management, a discipline that is defined by making products work better for consumers. Becoming Tax Collector would be a third chapter. “I want to share my knowledge,” Hale said. “It’s a way of giving back to my community and making a positive impact on people’s lives.”
Hale holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s in Finance. She completed postgraduate studies in accounting at UConn and executive education at the Wharton School. She also learned English at Cambridge and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2011.
Hale and her husband are 23-year residents, and raised their two daughters in the Greenwich Public Schools. “I moved to Greenwich for the same reasons many families do—great schools, low taxes, a safe environment,” she said. “But what I’ve found is that there’s very little strategic thinking in town government. I want to change that.” She believes that starts with better technology, clearer communication, and a more responsive approach to residents.
No political agenda, just the best service
Hale now serves on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) with her daughter Selin, and sits on the Finance, Labor Contracts, and the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committees. “I don’t have any political agenda,” Hale notes. And while she’s spent much of her career navigating corporate boardrooms and multinational budgets, Hale insists her mission now is simple. “I simply want to make sure people in this town get the best service.”
Greenwich lawmakers earn high marks for environmental leadership
As Connecticut faces the escalating impacts of climate change—from record-breaking heatwaves and catastrophic flooding to toxic “forever chemicals” in our water—strong leadership on environmental issues has never been more critical.
Thankfully, Greenwich’s Democratic State Representatives Hector Arzeno and Steve Meskers are rising to the occasion. According to the newly released 2025 Environmental Scorecard from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV), both lawmakers earned top grades for their consistent votes to protect Connecticut’s environment and public health.
- Rep. Steve Meskers earned an outstanding 91%
- Rep. Hector Arzeno received an impressive 89% and was named an Environmental Champion for his leadership on climate issues
This year, CTLCV highlighted key legislation aimed at improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, banning toxic chemicals, and lowering energy costs. Arzeno and Meskers supported major climate bills—putting the health and well being of Connecticut families first.
In contrast, Greenwich Republicans received dismal marks.
- Rep. Tina Courpas scored just 57%
- Sen. Ryan Fazio scored 67%
Democrats are working toward a cleaner, safer future. In a time of accelerating climate and environmental crises, we need leaders who will take sensible, science-backed action to safeguard our communities and our children’s future. We’re proud to have champions like Reps. Arzeno and Meskers representing Greenwich.
What we’re reading
Ice rink plans making swift progress under reconstituted committee
Many Greenwich residents are anxiously awaiting a new town ice rink, something that had been on the slow track for years. Now, a newly constituted Hamill Rink Task Force has kicked into high gear, meeting weekly under the helm of town finance board member Matt DesChamps.
In a recent statement, DesChamps announced the Task Force has narrowed location options down to four after they “diligently evaluated numerous potential rink sites and gathered extensive public input through engagement with major rink users and town leadership, open meetings, public hearings and feedback and information sharing on our website.”
The goal is to incorporate optimal features, initial cost estimates, parking considerations, and flood risk assessment into a final report, and deliver recommendations to the First Selectman by the end of the summer. Read the coverage here.
Action Calendar
Tonight. Munch tapas with reps.
Legislators’ wrap-up and tapas, hosted by the League of Women Voters. $25. Burning Tree Country Club, 120 Perkins Road. 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Tickets.
Tonight. Run for office?
Thinking about getting your feet wet in local government? No better way than to run for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Come to this information session to learn how. 7:00 p.m. Town Hall Meeting Room, 101 Field Point Road.
August 7. Sip wine at the beach.
What could be better than a relaxing summer evening of wine and cheese with fellow Democrats and friends at stunningly beautiful Greenwich Point Park? Courtesy of the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee! 5:30 – 8:00 p.m., Tod’s Point. Details and RSVP.
| Volume 4, Number 6 • July 31, 2025 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |