Greenwich Republicans Endorse Slate Of Candidates For Nov. 2

GREENWICH, CT — On Tuesday night, Greenwich Republicans made endorsements for this fall's municipal election, and overwhelmingly supported the re-election of First Selectman Fred Camillo and Selectwoman Lauren Rabin at the top of the ticket.

In a hybrid meeting at Town Hall and online via Zoom, Camillo addressed Republican Town Committee members, and looked back at what he called a "surreal two years."

"The worst pandemic in 100 years didn't deter us. We can be proud of the fact that we got a lot of things accomplished in the last 20 months. We're set up really well with a vision for the next 24," Camillo told the crowd.

Camillo highlighted his administration's accomplishments, such as instituting a new blight ordinance for blighted properties; enhancing communication with the community through social media and weekly email newsletters; addressing environmental concerns by creating textile and food scrap programs; and creating more pedestrian friendly and aesthetically pleasing areas around town.

Camillo also spoke about securing Public Private Partnerships, which were a big cornerstone of his campaign in 2019. He noted that the town recently received a $5 million donation for the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, and more details will be released soon.

"We are focused and ready to finish what we started," Camillo said. "As we leave the building, we must leave here united as a team. There is a lot at stake."

Icy Frantz, wife of former State Sen. L. Scott Frantz, nominated Camillo before his endorsement became official. She praised Camillo for his leadership through the pandemic.

"What Fred accomplished these past few years during the global pandemic is quite extraordinary. He reminded us to care for one another, that the relationships we develop are important no matter what party we're from. He reminded us that Greenwich is much more than a town, it's more than a community. It's our home," she said.

Michael Mason, the former Board of Estimate and Taxation chair and current leader of the town's labor contract negotiations, seconded the nomination.

"Fred's goals and objectives were met, but when COVID-19 came, it dramatically impacted everyone. It impacted all of us, and who was there to help? Fred," Mason said. "Fred became the right leader at an incredibly unpredictable time."

Rabin was also unanimously endorsed, and will once again run alongside Camillo this fall.

"We’re emerging from the past 16 months more resilient, but we need to stay in office because we have much more to accomplish," she said.

The most interesting vote of the night came for the position of Town Clerk. Carmella Budkins, Greenwich's Town Clerk for the last 30 years, announced several weeks ago that she will not seek re-election.

RTC members chose between Budkins' daughter, Jackie Budkins, BET Chair Karen Fassuliotis, or Registrar of Voters Fred DeCaro.

Ultimately, Budkins was chosen with 33 votes. Fassuliotis had 17 votes, and DeCaro tallied 13.

"I'm really excited. I am ready to make you proud and go out there and work as hard as I can," Budkins said.

It's unclear yet if Fassuliotis or DeCaro will force a primary by collecting signatures. The primary would be held Sept. 14.

Two spots are open for Republicans on the Board of Education with Peter Sherr and Chair Peter Bernstein not running for re-election. However, RTC members chose to put up four candidates: Megan Galletta, Cody Kittle, Claire Muldoon, and Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony.

For the BET, Mason's replacement, Harry Fisher, will not seek re-election. Newly minted Vice Chair Andy Duus will not run, and neither will Debra Hess.

On Tuesday, Republicans endorsed Representative Town Meeting Budget Overview Committee member Dan Ozizmir, RTM Finance Committee Chair Mike Basham, and Nisha Arora for the BET.

RTC members endorsed incumbent Heather Smeriglio for Tax Collector. Incumbents Mark Pruner and Jeff Reardon, along with Kit Mill, will run for the Board of Assessment Appeals. Donna Maloney, Charles Thivierge, and John Thompson will run for constable.

"I encourage everyone to get out on the campaign trail. This is an important election for Republicans," said RTC Chair, Dan Quigley, noting that ablut 30% of the town is registered as Republicans.

Democrats made their endorsements last week. To read more, click here.