Alarm bells sounded because we’re flying blind into the future
In a rare move, the Representative Town Meeting’s (RTM) Budget Overview Committee (BOC) delivered a unanimous rebuke last week of First Selectman Fred Camillo and Republican finance board Chair Harry Fisher for failing to produce a long-term capital plan for Greenwich.
The statement said members are “alarmed at the lack of action to get the Town capital plan back on track despite repeated efforts by the RTM and significant known and unknown capital projects in the queue.” The committee noted that, despite Camillo’s June pledge to present a transparent roadmap, “it appears nothing has been done to that effect.”
The reprimand follows months of inaction, despite the RTM’s June resolution asking Camillo and Fisher to deliver a detailed 15-year capital plan by September. That deadline came and went — with no plan, no collaboration, and no accountability. Camillo brushed off the RTM’s request, saying only, “We will be done with this [5-year] plan in due time,” and adding about the resolution, “people are getting a little tired of that.” Fisher dismissed the RTM’s oversight entirely, telling members to wait.
Financial mismanagement leads to a ballooning $1.6B backlog
Democrats and the nonpartisan League of Women Voters Greenwich have long warned that our town’s capital planning process is broken. A 2023 League report revealed a staggering $1.6 billion backlog of needed town projects. Yet, under Fisher’s watch, the Republican-controlled Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) has quietly erased major projects from the town’s forward plan — important projects from the ice rink rebuild and flood prevention, to water treatment plant upgrades and the North Street School renovation — leaving Greenwich flying blind on future project costs and prioritization.
When leaders fail to prioritize and plan, residents pay more through emergency repairs, construction cost increases, and missed grant opportunities. Responsible financial leadership means avoiding risk and anticipating problems before they become expensive crises.
Time for competent financial leadership
Early voting has started and your vote decides how we plan for our future. Vote for Row A: Anthony Moor and Rachel Khanna for First Selectman and Selectwoman, and all six Democratic BET candidates. Be sure to put the BET’s tiebreaking vote in competent hands, leaders who believe in transparent, data-driven planning that protects taxpayers from avoidable costs and delivers the responsible government Greenwich deserves.
Building a better Greenwich: It starts with your vote.
Every two years, voters have an opportunity to shape the direction of Greenwich, and that moment is here. The town leaders we choose this election will make decisions that directly impact our schools, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and our quality of life.
Do you want more of what Republicans have provided?
- A last minute $4 million school budget cut forcing staff layoffs, earlier school start times, and pushing bus parking onto school fields
- No plan for upgrades to our wastewater treatment plant at risk for failure from stormwater flooding because the finance board Chair Harry Fisher doesn’t believe NOAA and NASA experts’ sea level rise predictions.
- Falling behind on accessibility upgrades on Greenwich Avenue and around town because finance board member Leslie Tarkington is more concerned about possible adverse impact on women in high heeled shoes
- Repeated denial of the fire chief’s requests for equipment, leaving Greenwich to rely on neighboring towns for backup fire trucks
Now imagine Greenwich under Democratic leadership. Leadership that listens to residents and to experts. Leadership that prioritizes public safety and accessibility. Leadership that supports our public schools. And leadership that plans ahead and saves us money, instead of burdening taxpayers with costly delays or emergencies we could have prevented.
Town races can be won or lost by slim margins and the reality is that too few voters, especially Democrats, participate in our town elections. Let’s change that by getting out to vote for Row A candidates. Encourage your friends and neighbors. Together, we can ensure Greenwich’s best days are ahead.
WHAT WE’RE READING
Moriarty: Why I’m not running again for the BET
As veteran Board of Estimate and Taxation member Leslie Moriarty concludes a decade of service, she offers an insider’s look at how Republican control has eroded collaboration and long-term planning. She recounts how the board has “stopped thinking beyond a single budget year” and warns that the Republican’s playbook of deferring maintenance to “save money” is shortsighted. “Anyone who’s ever owned a home knows that ignoring repairs doesn’t save money — it makes things worse.” Our town deserves better. You can read the full editorial here.
What’s on your ballot.
There’s been some confusion around how many candidates to choose for the Board of Education (BOE). There are only 2 open Democratic BOE seats. Please vote for the 2 endorsed Democratic candidates: Bob Chaney and Veronica Chiavaroli.
Don’t forget that all 230 seats on the town legislature, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), are up for election. Be sure to flip your ballot over to vote for the RTM. To inform your decisions, you can find the League of Women Voters Greenwich candidate profiles and a bipartisan group of residents have shared their recommendations here. Note that RTM candidates run without a party affiliation.
¿Hablas español?
¡En Greenwichdemocrats.org sí! Selecciona el botón “ES” para consultar las biografías de nuestros candidatos y una síntesis del gobierno de Greenwich en español.
Action calendar
October 25. Greet and Treat.
Don’t miss this annual Halloween event hosted by Greenwich Moms on Greenwich Avenue. Bring the kids and dress in costume. Make sure to stop by the Greenwich Dems table for treats. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
November 4. Election Day.
This is your chance to have your voice heard. Get out and vote for our Row A candidates for town offices! Remind your friends and neighbors to do the same. Polls are open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can check your polling location and sample ballot here. Absentee ballots due at Town Clerk’s office by 8:00 p.m.
| Volume 4, Number 19 • October 23, 2025 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |