Greenwich Board, Committee Appointments Draw Criticism At RTM Meeting

GREENWICH, CT — The Representative Town Meeting on Monday returned from its summer break and spent a considerable amount of time debating three controversial appointments.

After several hours of debate, the town's governing body approved the appointment of Brad Radulovacki to the Board of the Nathaniel Witherell, the town-owned nursing home facility, while the appointment of Dr. Michael Goldstein to the same board was rejected.

Additionally, the RTM approved the appointment of Jan Rogers Kniffen to the Central Middle School Building Committee.

One of the jobs of the Board of Selectmen is to interview candidates for boards, commissions and committees, and in the cases of Radulovacki, Goldstein and Kniffen, First Selectman Fred Camillo and Selectwoman Lauren Rabin, both Republicans, supported their appointments, and Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan, a Democrat, voted against in recent weeks.

Appointment of Michael Goldstein to Nathaniel Witherell Board

Nathaniel Witherell has been a hot-button issue in town, as the 200-bed facility has seen its five-star rating diminished in recent years, and it has experienced financial issues. A main question surrounding the facility has been whether to privatize it or keep it as a town-owned entity.

Goldstein is an ophthalmologist and an attorney and has served on various medical boards in New York over the years. He failed to earn the Republican nomination to go up against U.S. House Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) in the 4th Congressional District last year.

Those who opposed Goldstein's nomination cited his views on vaccine mandates, social media postings, and his qualifications.

Supporters touted his ideas to improve Nathaniel Witherell, and his experience working with elderly patients.

Amy Badini, who represents the Nathaniel Witherell Family Council, urged the RTM to vote against Goldstein's appointment.

"His opposition to COVID vaccine mandates gives us great concern regarding his opinions on many other medical decisions that may arise in the future," Badini said. "The essence of the governing body of the Nathaniel Witherell is to ensure our loved ones are protected. You must not put someone on the board who has demonstrated that he may not have the temperament to collaborate with families who may have different opinions."

Rabin said Goldstein was interviewed for an opening on the board in 2021, but he withdrew his name from consideration as vaccine mandates were required at the time.

Goldstein spoke during Monday's meeting and said that while he's generally opposed to vaccine mandates, he supports them in a nursing home setting.

He also said he has a medical condition and was temporarily granted a medical exemption from vaccinations from a hospital system he was affiliated with, but it ultimately was never approved.

"It's disturbing to think that people have these horrible opinions of me when they're not even based on fact and they're not even true," Goldstein said. "I entered this with the purpose of helping fix a problem, I entered it with the purpose of making sure people in the nursing home got the best care, and yet I seem to be the target of many attacks."

The majority of speakers spoke against Goldstein's appointment, which was denied by a vote of 85 votes in favor, 105 opposed with three abstentions.

Appointment of Brad Radulovacki to Nathaniel Witherell Board

Radulovacki, an RTM member in District 11, followed up a career as an investment analysis by being an investor and manager in urgent care facilities.

The Nathaniel Witherell Family Council also voiced concern over Radulovacki's appointment, saying he was biased towards privatizing the facility.

"I think if we’re looking to get an honest and balanced opinion to make a decision in the next year to two years, I think we need to bring in people who are open-minded," RTM member and state Rep. Stephen Meskers (D-15o) added. "I’m not sure this is the right candidate. I urge you to vote no."

Rabin reminded the RTM that Radulovacki would be just one of nine people on the board making decisions about Nathaniel Witherell's future.

"Nathaniel Witherell is a great place. My mom is actually a resident. She's very happy there. I would not be putting someone forward who would be putting my mother in jeopardy," Rabin said.

Camillo called Radulovacki "one of the most qualified people we've interviewed for a specific position."

Radulovacki noted that he wasn't recruited for the board, and volunteered on his own because he's interested in helping the facility provide optimal care for its residents and improving the current situation the nursing home finds itself in.

"I can assure you that I have not made up my mind on any potential restructuring options the town may consider," Radulovacki told the RTM. "If we can achieve the goals that improve care for residents, along with more efficient and effective operations and self-management, I am prepared to support that."

Appointment of Jan Rogers Kniffen To Central Middle School Building Committee

Central Middle School has also been a topic of conversation in town. About $67 million has been approved for a new school, but it will likely cost an additional $40 million. There are structural concerns with the current building.

Kniffen is a member of RTM District 11, and is the CEO of a consulting business that specializes in the retail sector.

Previously, he had a career in retail and was involved in the building of hundreds of stores around the country. He's also a former chair of the Bruce Museum and oversaw the planning and completion of the museum's recent expansion. Kniffen is also an Air Force veteran.

RTM member Janet McMahon said while Kniffen's credentials are impressive, she is "deeply concerned" about Kniffen's inability to answer "fundamental questions" that are essential to the CMS project. She said it wasn't prudent to appoint someone who has to learn on the job.

Meskers said Kniffen's appointment would further delay the project which needs to get off the ground as quickly as possible.

Other opponents mentioned that Kniffen donated thousands of dollars to Republican Harry Arora's political campaigns. Arora's wife, Nisha, is a member of the Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation.

"Mr. Arora's wife, Nisha, is a BET member assigned to oversee the CMS budget, and Mrs. Arora is the person who nominated Mr. Kniffen for the committee," said RTM member Cathy Steel.

"There is a connection here that is uncomfortable. When push comes to shove, as it undoubtedly will with CMS, will Mr. Kniffen's relationship with the Arrora's influence his vote? Maybe, maybe not," Steel added. "But questions about impartiality and neutrality will exist and accusations will be leveled. It gives both sides just one more reason to cry foul."

Camillo said Kniffen came "highly recommended."

"This is a very qualified person who is willing to roll up his sleeves and I respectfully urge you all to approve his nomination," Camillo added.

Kniffen touted his work on other building projects throughout his career, and called the Bruce Museum addition "an architectural marvel."

"I am ready, willing and able to do this job if you will give it to me. I'm a strong advocate for public school education. This building desperately needs replacement and we need to find a way to get that job done," he said.

The RTM voted to approve his appointment by a vote of 121 in favor, 78 opposed and four abstentions.