2023 Greenwich Election Profile: Laura Erickson For First Selectman

GREENWICH, CT — Election Day on Nov. 7 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Greenwich.

Patch reached out to candidates for local office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Name

Laura Erickson

How old will you be as of Election Day?

59

What city or town do you live in?

Greenwich

What office are you seeking?

First Selectperson

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democratic

Education.

B.A., Middlebury College

What is your occupation?

Former commercial banker in the technology sector

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Married to Dave for 34 years; 3 children (Daniel, Lindsay, Joshua) who all attended Greenwich Public Schools K-12

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I am currently serving in my second term on the Board of Estimate and Taxation, on the Budget Committee and a liaison to The Nathaniel Witherell Board. I'm a former Chair of the Board of Education and was on the BOE for 4 years (Nov 2013-Nov 2017). I joined the RTM in 1999 and served for 13 years representing District 5 on the Finance and Health & Human Services Committees.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I've served for over twenty years in local government and I've never seen anything like what's going on right now. Extremist politicos and enablers are spreading misinformation and rhetoric which is antithetical to our traditional community values and bipartisan governance approach. Priority capital projects for public safety and schools are not being funded adequately. There's a lack of planning to improve traffic, parking, flooding and pedestrian/bicyclist safety. We need a reset. I believe I have the professional and town government experience, as well as the temperament, to get us back on track to plan, prioritize and deliver quality town services and an improved capital planning process.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Proactively addressing known public safety issues for traffic flow on Greenwich Avenue, adequate town-wide fire coverage, and pedestrian/bicyclist safety. We have a bounty of studies and surveys and we have evidence from neighboring communities on what works but we've done very little. It's time to stop sitting on the fence and take action.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My financial background and 20 years plus experience with town and school budgets puts me in a stronger position to deliver budgets that are reflective of community priorities. As a BOE member and parent in the public schools for 17 years, I also have a deep understanding of our educational needs. I am an even-keeled pragmatic individual and I understand that rash actions can be costly. The recent revelation that the incumbent's investigation on the Project Veritas and the "Signgate" incident cost taxpayers $1.8 million dollars is concerning.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The incumbent Fred Camillo is a public servant and I respect his dedication and service to the Town of Greenwich as I would hope he respects mine. Elections are about voters choosing their leaders for the betterment of the community. I am a serious candidate who is motivated and committed based on my first hand experience during these last 4 years. There's been a failure of proactive leadership and a failure to respond to the extremism that's infiltrated our town.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

We need to be forward thinking in our capital plan to prepare for more severe weather and sea level rise. We need to tackle the affordable and workforce housing issue to preserve local control. And we need to adopt green solutions for energy use in our town and school infrastructure.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am well suited to this position. I have the credentials and the relevant experience. I have a history of collaborating with individuals to problem solve and find solutions. I have participated in or been an active listener at countless public hearings for the Town and BOE. Our residents know what they need. It's up to elected officials to deliver.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I've lived in town for 30 years and my husband and I raised our family here. Greenwich is a wonderfully diverse community and everyone should be respected. I grew up in Nashua NH in a single parent household and understand what living on a budget means. I've held a job since I was 11 years old. I understand the importance of getting value for hard earned money and keeping taxes low. I humbly ask for your consideration and your vote on Election Day, November 7th.