Greenwich First Selectman Reflects On His Legacy In Town Address

GREENWICH, CT — On Friday, First Selectman Peter Tesei delivered his annual "state of the town address" from a conference room at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich. The event marked his final time delivering the address before his sixth consecutive term comes to an end in December.

In light of this, Tesei was especially reflective of the past 12 years and what he said were several accomplishments.

"Change is reflective of a willingness to adjust, advance, revise and transform," Tesei said in his address. "I believe that during my tenure, the town has risen to the challenges that municipalities in Connecticut have faced over the years, and will continue to face both in the near and long-term future."

A Republican, Tesei was elected as Greenwich's First Selectman in November 2007. In his address, he reflected on the challenge of facing an economic recession soon after taking office.

"As the great recession ravaged budgets and economic plans, I had to make difficult reductions in employee head count," Tesei said. "The value of having a vibrant economic engine is vital to the survival of each of our neighborhood hubs ... with that in mind, I created the First Selectman's Economic Advisory Committee, whose membership is comprised of leaders in our business community. The committee members have been responsible for organizing several initiatives to attract attention to and grow our business districts."

Tesei took time to highlight what he considered to be "major accomplishments" regarding town facilities, including completion of a performing arts center at Greenwich High School, the creation of Cos Cob Park, ongoing renovations at the Greenwich Senior Center and putting the finishing touches on a $3.5 million dredging and replanting program at Binney Park.

Tesei noted how the town's infrastructure and core facilities have been modernized and "brought into the 21st century" over the past decade. He also praised a number of town boards and employees for their dedicated and passionate service.

Though mostly positive in nature, the first selectman did bring up a few of his disappointments. During a question and answer segment following the address, Tesei touched upon the much-discussed issues regarding the Greenwich Plaza train station redevelopment project.

When the project was announced in July, town officials said the $45 million project would be launched through a public-private partnership between the town and Greenwich Plaza, which is owned by the Ashforth Company.

The town's original plan for funding the project, which involved giving up the air rights to the developer in exchange for a number of improvements, has caused much debate among local officials and residents over the value of those air rights.

During a a Board of Selectmen meeting on Sept. 26, Tesei put the project on hold in light of a new administration taking the reigns on it soon.

"To educate people on the merits of [the project] and have an honest and civil discussion...it was evident that was not going to happen," Tesei said.

Tesei reflected on his time spent serving as both police and fire commissioner, during which he has had the honor of swearing in 68 police recruits and promoting the current 14 sergeants, three lieutenants, three captains, one deputy chief and the police chief.

He has also sworn in 32 firefighters, with one more scheduled for Nov. 1, and promoted 20 lieutenants, six deputy fire marshals, three fire marshals, two deputy chiefs and a deputy chief of training.

"We all remember how our professional and volunteer public safety services went above and beyond the call of duty during several natural disasters," Tesei said, referencing late spring and early fall snowstorms, Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy.

As a new team prepares to take on this and other challenges next year, Tesei offered advice to whoever wins the Nov. 5 election.

"I believe that, as I conclude 12 years as first selectman, my successor will inherit a town that is financially stable, has clear plans and visions, is vibrant, diverse and ready to face the challenges ahead," Tesei said. "My personal advice is rather simple: look, listen, be civil, be patient, be inclusive and be thankful."

The first selectman concluded his final address by thanking his family, as well as the members of the community he has spent over a decade serving.

"I really couldn't have done this without [my wife and kids], and I know I couldn't have done it without the support of the Greenwich community," Tesei said. "Thank you for your steadfast support of the town and for me, and I wish you all the best in our future as we look to a new team in December."