Now another $500,000 for lawyers instead of classrooms!
The Greenwich Board of Education (BOE) needs to set aside half a million dollars in taxpayer money for its own legal defense in 2027.
Do you know why?
Because First Selectman Fred Camillo insists on continuing a frivolous lawsuit he began against the BOE in 2024. So, instead of an extra $500,000 to educate our kids next year, the BOE must pay its defense attorneys.
Mind you — that’s $500,000 on top of the $700,000 the litigation has already cost you, the Greenwich taxpayers, bringing the potential total to a staggering $1.2 million.
Put in perspective? That price tag represents more than 13 full-year salaries for Greenwich teachers.
What’s this about, Fred?
The moot lawsuit has dragged on for almost two years now, even though the board vacancy at the center of the dispute was filled one year ago in the November 2025 election. It’s difficult to see what Greenwich residents — especially our students — stand to gain.
It’s time for Fred Camillo, the plaintiff, to drop the lawsuit. Greenwich families deserve a town government focused on educating children, supporting our schools and spending taxpayer dollars responsibly — not prolonging an expensive legal fight against its own BOE for no apparent reason.
Our students deserve better, and taxpayers have already paid more than enough.
CT towns reap energy savings. Will Greenwich follow?
Greenwich’s Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) is taking a fresh look at how the town can save taxpayer dollars by reducing energy consumption and investing in renewable energy.
The urgency is clear: Greenwich’s own Energy Management Advisory Committee reports that the town is nowhere near its goal of cutting energy costs by 20-40%.Despite a 5.6% reduction in energy consumption since 2021, annual energy spending has soared 40% to more than $9.2 million.
At its Nov. 16 meeting at 6:30 p.m., the BET will examine how other Connecticut communities are cutting energy costs, potentially laying the groundwork for future budget proposals.
Environmental Affairs Chair Beth Evans will present findings from an Oct. 8 forum, “How Other Towns Are Saving Money on Renewables.”
How other towns are saving $$$
The forum highlighted these promising results:
- New Canaan reported saving $1 million through school solar installations and generating revenue from its water treatment plant.
- Ridgefield reported 40% energy savings for its schools through power purchase agreements requiring no upfront investment.
- Manchester built New England’s first net-zero-energy school, generating as much energy as it consumes.
“It’s past time for us to create an actionable menu of energy cost savings options for our town,” said BET Chair David Weisbrod.
What we’re reading
Despite directing budget surplus funds toward childcare, municipal aid, and human services programs threatened by federal cuts, Connecticut still has one of the nation’s strongest rainy day funds, according to a new analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts. And while many states are seeing their emergency reserves shrink, Connecticut’s continue to grow, even amid a struggling economy.
Action Calendar
November 17. Walk & talk.
Selectwoman Rachel Khanna invites you to join her inaugural “Walk & Talk.” It’ll start with a short walk to view some of the art near the Bruce Museum, followed by coffee in the Bruce Museum Cafe. No registration required. Meet at 1 p.m. at the playground across from the museum, 52 Museum Drive.
November 17. Debrief.
The League of Women Voters presents Susan Herbst, professor and president emeritus of UConn, who will discuss the midterm election results with a focus on the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Registration required. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Town Hall Meeting Room, 101 Field Point Road.
November 18. Meet.
Please join our winning Democratic Town Committee for its November meeting. We’ll celebrate our Election Day victories and start strategizing for future races. 7:30 p.m., Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road.
November 20. Learn.
Learn how to reduce your waste this holiday season at a virtual “lunch and learn” hosted by the Greenwich Conservation Commission and Waste Free Greenwich. 12-1 p.m. Register here.
November 28. Trot.
Lace up your sneakers and get ready for the 16th annual Greenwich Alliance for Education Turkey Trot! This beloved annual event benefits one of the town’s premier non-profits, which, in turn benefits Greenwich Public Schools students and teachers. Events begin at 9 a.m. at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, 100 Arch St. Register here.
| Volume 5, Number 20 • November 12, 2026 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |