First Selectman Tesei Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei will not seek a seventh term in office, he announced Friday in Town Hall before a crowd of about 50 friends, family members, staff and political allies.

"Part of my message 11 and a half years ago when I first ran for this office was 'it's time,'" he said, acknowledging that six successful elections later, he is again saying that it is time for something new.

Tesei said he will serve out his term, but after that he is now sure what he will do next. He turn 50 years old in about a month, and said whatever he decides to do it will involve interacting with the public which he enjoys.

"Perhaps something with a nonprofit, small business or startup company," he said.

His most recent election in 2017 was a narrow victory over now Selectman Sandy Litvack, but Tesei did not say that the tough 2017 campaign played any role in his decision to step away. Instead, he said that he considered the move for months, and is partly doing it in order to spend more time with his family.

Including his nearly dozen years as First Selectman, Tesei also served stints on the Board of Estimate and Taxation and the Representative Town Meeting, which combined is more than 30 years of public service.

During his 25-minute speech, he thanked his family for their love and patience, and thanked a host of friends, staffers and political mentors.

Afterward, Greenwich Republican Town Committee Chair Richard DiPreta said the town has benefited tremendously from Tesei's leadership.

"The Town of Greenwich has been fortunate to have Peter Tesei as it's First Selectman for twelve years, and also for his prior service on the Board of Estimate and Taxation where he also served as that Board’s Chairman," DiPreta wrote in a statement to Patch. "Some may recall Peter developed a love for Town politics at an early age, becoming the youngest member of the Representative Town Meeting at age 18. All total, Peter has served in Greenwich government for a remarkable 31 years. Peter’s devotion and tireless dedication to this Town have in no small part made Greenwich the premiere destination for people of all ages to live and raise a family. His strong principles of sound fiscal stewardship have allowed Greenwich to succeed where so many other towns in our State have not.

"I know Peter’s decision to not seek a seventh term as First Selectman was a difficult one. Today I applaud the man that he is, and all that he has done for Greenwich. Tomorrow, Republicans will move forward together to continue his legacy of leadership in the First Selectman’s Office."

Photo: Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei. Photo credit: Alfred Branch

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