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Articles by Fred Camillo
Courpas Works Hard Behind the Scenes to Preserve Local Control
To the Editor: As a former state legislator, I know the hard work that goes into constituent service as well as lawmaking. Those are two critical parts of the job of being a legislator, but there is a third component that is very important that sometimes gets overlooked. That is strong advocacy for one’s district in the face of constant interference in local affairs by the state legislature.
Column | Getting to Yes: Turning Decades of Debate Into Community Progress
By Fred Camillo For more than thirty years, efforts to replace the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center stalled in debate, delay, and missed opportunities. Its recent completion—thanks to a focused public-private partnership—stands as proof that when Greenwich moves decisively, long-discussed projects can become reality. Opening Day for a Community Gem On April 9th, we celebrated the long-awaited opening of the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center.
OP ED: Here's the Truth: We Can Work Together
By Fred Camillo In Greenwich, we are blessed to have so many residents willing to step up and serve on boards, committees, commissions, and task forces. Since taking office in December 2019, Lauren Rabin and I have had the privilege of interviewing and appointing hundreds of dedicated individuals to these positions, ensuring our town has a deep bench of experienced and engaged volunteers.
New Projects, Transformations, and a Bright Future
By Fred Camillo As we approach spring, more daylight, new growth outdoors, and renewed spirit, determination, and commitment come with the “spring energy.” We in Town also see that same enthusiasm with projects and visions. The Hamill Rink Task Force will have its first meeting on March 12.
The recent Representative Town Meeting vote on Dorothy Hamill Rink has been described as a setback in the quest for a new ice rink in Greenwich. While it will cost us a little more time, it is also an opportunity to get right back to work with a new set of eyes in the form of a new task force that can build upon the information researched over the past several years and marry that with any new ideas, thoughts, and additional research.
Fred Camillo (opinon): New task forward can build rink Greenwich deserves
The recent Representative Town Meeting vote on Dorothy Hamill Rink has been described as a setback in the quest for a new ice rink in Greenwich. While it will cost us a little more time, it is also an opportunity to get right back to work with a new set of eyes in the form of a new task force that can build upon the information researched over the past several years and marry that with any new ideas, thoughts, and additional research.
OpEd: Greenwich Rink Plan Gets Fresh Start with New Task Force
By Fred Camillo The recent RTM vote on the Hamill Rink has been described as a setback in the quest for a new ice rink in Town. While it will cost us a little more time, it is also an opportunity to get right back to work with a new set of eyes in the form of a new task force that can build upon the information researched over the past several years and marry that with any new ideas, thoughts, and additional research.
Op Ed: First Selectman Asks for Vocal Support of Rink
By Fred Camillo After several decades of debate, and during a time when the Dorothy Hamill Rink is near the end of its useful life, the plan to replace the 53-year-old ice rink received Municipal Improvement (MI) status from the Planning and Zoning Commission with conditions that have to be met. But now that approval has been appealed to the RT M by four Byram residents, one of whom actually voted for the current plan in place as a member of the rink committee.
Good News
By Fred Camillo With Election Day less than 96 hours away, people are understandably worried and fearful due to the constant barrage of news media and social media posts all predicting ominous happenings should the election go one way or another. History shows us that things tend to work themselves out, even if the outcome is not what we wanted nor expected. Nevertheless, I can report with full confidence that, locally, the state of the Town is bright and looking brighter by the day.
High Stakes
By Fred Camillo Legislative balance is desperately needed in Connecticut. When Greenwich was represented by an allRepublican delegation in 2017, the state Senate was split, 18 Democrats -18 Republicans. The state House was also balanced, with Democrats holding a slim seven seat margin with 79 Democrats – 72 Republicans. The result of that balance was that the Republican budget was passed in a bi-partisan effort. That budget was historically good.
Column: High Stakes For Connecticut
By Fred Camillo Legislative balance is desperately needed in Connecticut. When Greenwich was represented by an all-Republican delegation in 2017, the state Senate was split, 18 Democrats -18 Republicans. The state House was also balanced, with Democrats holding a slim seven seat margin with 79 Democrats – 72 Republicans. The result of that balance was that the Republican budget was passed in a bi-partisan effort. That budget was historically good.
My Kind Of Town
By Fred Camillo With apologies to the Chairman of the Board, and to the Windy City, Greenwich CT is my kind of town. While we may not have a team called the Cubs, or a Wrigley building ( and Field ), we have just about everything else a town could wish for.
COLUMN | A Firm Commitment to Our Schools
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Fred Camillo (opinion): Why I didn’t sign off on registrars grant
My reasoning was as I stated, which is not to short circuit the process when there may be a procedural mechanism in place for a vote to rescind.
Proposed 8-30g Could Reduce from 386 Units to 220 Units If Greenwich Affordable Housing Trust Fund is Tapped
A new pre-application for a development of 220 residential units has been submitted to Greenwich Planning & Zoning on behalf of the owner of two lots in Pemberwick: 200 Pemberwick Rd and 0 Comly Ave. The pre-application would comply with the state affordable housing statute 8-30g as an “assisted housing development” with participation of Greenwich’s Affordable Housing Trust. The owners of the two lots are WH Parcel I LLC and WH Parcel II LLC. Both LLCs are registered to Aldo Pascarella.
Camillo (opinion): Continuing Greenwich's downtown renaissance Original
Public safety is always my primary concern. As someone who walks it every day, I understand first-hand why these changes are needed. Greenwich Avenue is heavily used by pedestrians, and that is a very good thing. Unfortunately, in the last few months, we have had two pedestrians hit by cars on Greenwich Avenue, both at the two intersections approved for pedestrian safety enhancements: Arch Street and Grigg Street.
Camillo (opinion): Greenwich needs honest discussion about Witherell Original
I mention this because a narrative is being put out by some members of the TNW Family Council which ignores all the aforementioned facts and tries to place blame on anyone seeking an honest accounting and discussion of all options. A council member at the recent RTM meeting spoke of all ills associated with the recent downgrade rating as coming from "Town Hall." A recent caller to the weekly radio show I do on WGCH suggested that everything was "fine" until we decided to try and cut costs.
Op-Ed: A Look At Nathaniel Witherell
By Fred Camillo The recent news about Nathaniel Witherell (TNW) has again put the old question about whether the Town should be in the nursing home business back in the spotlight. As a Townie who’s had many relatives there over the years, as a volunteer, and as a longtime supporter (whether as an RTM member, CT House of Representatives member, or as a private citizen), I always supported the present structure of operations.
Leaders of JFS Afghan Placement Assistance Program Honored at Summer Celebration
About 200 people attended the recent Jewish Family Services of Greenwich summer celebration to honor volunteers in the JFS Afghan Placement Assistance Program. In November 2021, JFS of Greenwich became an Afghan refugee resettlement agency under the auspices of Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.
PHOTOS: Joyful and Bipartisan Crowd Celebrates Pride in Greenwich
The skies cleared on Sunday for a joyful Pride event outside Greenwich Town Hall that included a proclamation from First Selectman Fred Camillo declaring June 2022 as Pride month, a flag raising and remarks from elected officials. The event was organized by Allison Kahn, who thanked Camillo for “putting sweat and tears” into the event.
P&Z Watch: “George Seafood & Steakhouse” Outdoor Dining at 2 South Water Street Approved
The restaurant at the corner of Water Street and Mill Street in Byram, which is in the Waterfront Business Zone (WB) and Coastal Overlay Zone (COZ), returned on Tuesday before the Greenwich Planning & Zoning commission for permission for a 1,862 square foot deck raised deck for seasonal outdoor dining. The deck would be behind the restaurant, and have a view of the Byram River. Since the application first came before the commission, the size of the deck had been reduced from 2752 sq ft.
Fred Camillo (opinion): The case for local control in Greenwich
With the end of the most recent legislative session, we saw success in stopping bad legislation aimed at eroding local control of zoning. These proposed bills would not have resolved the lack of affordable housing in Connecticut. There is no question that affordable housing is of vital interest to support the economy in Connecticut. We just seek local solutions to address this issue, not state mandates.
P&Z Balks at CNG Industrial Use in WB Zone on Byram River
Connecticut Natural Gas Company presented a pre-application Tuesday night to the Planning & Zoning commission for a Greenwich base at 112 South Water Street in Byram. The gas utility company’s lease on Old Track Road is expiring and they have to leave in a month. The applicants said they had searched unsuccessfully for a year and a half for a viable location in Greenwich.
Camillo Responds to Comments on The First Selectman's Capital Budget
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Fred Camillo (opinion): Capital projects a win-win for Greenwich
The recent Board of Estimate and Taxation public hearing brought out many residents who shared their support, concern, and questions about the many projects before the finance board. This was a wonderful example of citizen participation in local government. At this time, I would like to respond to a few people who made public (and private ) comments about a few of the capital projects in the first selectman’s capital budget.
First Selectman Camillo announces Covid test kit distribution plan
Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo announced plans on Wednesday for the first phase to distribute the 8,010 Covid-19 test kits for town residents. These kits, which contain two (2) tests each, are part of 500,000 kits the state of Connecticut is distributing to all 169 cities and towns. With a Town population of 63,518 residents, it is imperative that there is prioritization for those most in need of tests – those who are experiencing symptoms and our senior population.
First Selectman and Greenwich Hospital President Respond to Surge of 507 New Covid Cases in Greenwich in Past Week
During First Selectman Fred Camillo’s press conference with Greenwich Hospital on Wednesday, he emphasized that the reinstatement of the mask mandate and social distancing for town buildings including town hall was temporary. “We don’t want to get in a situation where we’re getting our hospital overrun,” he said. “We’re trying to be a little bit cautious.” He added that there was no mandate from the town or state for masking in private buildings.
Jackie Budkins is Sworn in as Town Clerk…By Carm Budkins
On Friday night at Milbrook Club, friends and colleagues of Jackie Budkins gathered to witness her swearing in by her mother Carm Budkins, the town’s outgoing town clerk who decided not to run for a 16th term after 30 years in office. John Budkins, Carm Budkins, Tom Warchuik, First Selectman Fred Camillo and State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-36) at the swearing in of Jackie Budkins.
First Selectman Again Urges Covid Vaccinations; Greenwich is a Red Zone; Town Reports Another Death
In First Selectman Fred Camillo’s “Community Connections” e-blast he said that as of 3:00pm on Friday, Dec 17 the cumulative number of resident Covid-19 cases was 6,471, with 143 active cases being tracked by Health Dept staff. A week earlier, on Friday, December 10, there were 6,289 cases among residents. Health Director Caroline Baisley reported that the 143 cases reflected an additional 97 cases confirmed since Tuesday, December 14.
CT Dept of Revenue Services Reminds Sellers of Meals about Sales Tax Relief
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) reminds those sellers of meals who have not already taken advantage of legislation that allows them to retain the sales tax they collect on sales of meals that they may elect to do so for the week of December 12, 2021to December 18, 2021. As set forth in guidance issued by DRS in July of this year, certain sellers of meals are allowed to retain the sales tax they collect on sales of meals during a specified period of time.
Tabulation Error Acknowledged in RTM Item 8 Appeal of Town Attorney Opinion on “Unmasking Our Children” Ordinance
On Thursday, RTM members responded to Greenwich Free Press having published member votes on Monday night’s Item 8, which concerned whether to refer the legality of a proposed ordinance to the Legislative & Rules committee. The ordinance originated from Carl Higie’s petition with 20+ signatures proposing to override state regulations requiring masking of public and private school students.
Wondering How RTM Item #8, “Unmask Our Children” Vote Broke Down?
Readers asked for a breakdown of Monday night’s RTM vote on the proposed appeal of the unmask ordinance to the RTM Legislative & Rules Committee. More specifically, the vote was not on the proposed masking ordinance submitted by 20+ petitioners asking the RTM and the town not to follow state orders to require face masks for children in public and private schools.
Greenwich Public Schools Substitute Positions Available: Come join Greenwich Schools’ great community!
By: greenwichfreepress | 1 hour ago Greenwich Public Schools are in need of both instructional and non-instructional substitutes.
On One Year Anniversary of Covid-19 Vaccine, Lamont Stresses There Is Still Work To Do
Governor Ned Lamont on Tuesday marked the one-year anniversary of the introduction of the Covid-19 vaccine by thanking the thousands of healthcare workers across Connecticut. Connecticut administered its first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine at Hartford Hospital exactly one year ago on December 14, 2020. Since then, more than 5.8 million doses of the vaccine have been administered.
197 Viewers Zoom in for RTM Vote on Legality of ‘Unmask Our Kids’ Ordinance
At Monday’s RTM meeting Tom Byrne, who has served as moderator of the 230-member body for 26 years, was honored as the longest serving moderator in the history of the Greenwich RTM. Tom Byrne served as the moderator of the Greenwich RTM for 26 years, never missing a meeting. Dec 13, 2021 Byrne joined the RTM in January 1988. In all those years, he never missed a meeting. Moderator pro tempore Alexis Voulgaris said Mr. Byrne had presided over 203 meetings and 2776 items on the call.
Fred Camillo (opinion): 'I have dedicated my entire adult life to giving back to my hometown'
Incumbent Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo. Carol Kaliff / For Hearst Connecticut Media On Dec. 1, 2019, I took an oath to serve the residents of my hometown of Greenwich, and then outlined goals for the new administration. I made a pledge to build upon our wonderful past with a bold vision for our future.
Reckless statements about Greenwich and its zoning
A few of the 18 new affordable housing units built by Greenwich at Armstrong Court. The recent reckless statements by the mayor of New Haven and a Democratic state representative here in Connecticut showed the ugly side of politics. Both public servants brought shame to their offices with baseless, unsubstantiated charges of racism leveled at municipalities they know nothing about, save for what they read on social media and their preconceived notions of those towns.
Opinion: Greenwich first selectman says 'let's set the record straight on housing
The recent reckless statements by the mayor of New Haven and a Democratic state representative here in Connecticut showed the ugly side of politics. Both public servants brought shame to their offices with baseless, unsubstantiated charges of racism leveled at municipalities they know nothing about, save for what they read on social media and their preconceived notions of those towns. Let’s start with the New Haven mayor.
Fred Camillo (opinion): Blight ordinance 'driven by the people of Greenwich'
Fred Camillo March 14, 2021Updated: March 14, 2021 10:30 a.m. Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo In 2019, I pledged that, if elected, I would work to send a meaningful, workable, fair, compassionate, and passable blight ordinance proposal to the Representative Town Meeting. The Office of the First Selectman (OFS) did that in late 2020. While there was considerable support for the proposal, several RTM members raised very good and relevant questions.
Fred Camillo (opinion): A 'prudent and logical' approach to improving fire response times in Greenwich
The Fire Response Time Study recently conducted by the Matrix Consulting Group provided the Town of Greenwich with a list of recommendations to consider that have the potential to improve response times to fires all over town, including the northwest corner of Greenwich.
Opinion: Greewich first selectman deems Washington riots 'disgraceful'
Fred Camillo Jan. 7, 2021Updated: Jan. 7, 2021 12 a.m. First Selectman Fred Camillo outside Town Hall in Greenwich, Conn. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media One of the most honored traditions of our great Republic is the peaceful transition of power. What is transpiring today in our nation’s Capitol is disgraceful and against everything good that this nation has stood for more than 244 years.
Fred Camillo (opinion) Some silver linings in 2020 for Greenwich
Fred Camillo Dec. 31, 2020Updated: Dec. 31, 2020 9:52 a.m. First Selectman Fred Camillo outside Town Hall in Greenwich Dec. 15, 2020. Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media As I finished my first month in office one year ago, neither I, nor anyone, could have imagined what was in front of us. The year 2020 began — we were excited, enthusiastic and energized.
Fred Camillo (letter): Greenwich public servants have ‘answered the call’ during coronavirus
By Fred Camillo Published 7:57 am EDT, Tuesday, March 31, 2020 In an age of social distancing, First Selectman Fred Camillo had an audience of one for the town’s official observation of Greek Independence Day on March 25. Camillo was joined by Board of Estimate and Taxation Chair Karen Fassuliotis, who had put the event together to as a tribute to her own heritage and other Greek Americans in town.
Fred Camillo (opinion): ‘PAYT is the way of the future’
By Fred Camillo Published 8:10 am EST, Friday, February 28, 2020 First Selectman Fred Camillo has praised the deal with the Greenwich Land Trust for them to purchase 72 acres of backcountry land from Aquarion Water Company to preserve as open space. First Selectman Fred Camillo has praised the deal with the Greenwich Land Trust for them to purchase 72 acres of backcountry land from Aquarion Water Company to preserve as open space.
Fred Camillo (opinion): 5 myths about ‘Pay As You Throw’
By Fred Camillo Published 9:33 am EST, Saturday, February 1, 2020 State Rep. Fred Camillo, a Republican candidate for First Selectman, poses at Cos Cob Park in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich, Conn. Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019. State Rep. Fred Camillo, a Republican candidate for First Selectman, poses at Cos Cob Park in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich, Conn. Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019.
Opinion: Camillo backs Arora as replacement
By Fred Camillo Published 8:20 am EST, Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Republican State Representative candidate Harry Arora poses at his office in downtown Greenwich, Conn. Monday, Dec. 30, 2019. Republican businessman Harry Arora will face off against Democratic RTM member Cheryl Moss to fill the seat in the State Rep. 151st District. less Republican State Representative candidate Harry Arora poses at his office in downtown Greenwich, Conn. Monday, Dec. 30, 2019.
Fred Camillo (letter): Setting course for decade ahead
By Fred Camillo Published 7:00 am EST, Wednesday, December 11, 2019 First Selectman Fred Camillo First Selectman Fred Camillo Photo: Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media Photo: Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 First Selectman Fred Camillo First Selectman Fred Camillo Photo: Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media The Greenwich Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) is a road map of where the stakeholders in town, our residents,...
Letter: Camillo challenges Horton column
By Fred Camillo Updated 8:18 am EST, Friday, November 29, 2019 First Selectman candidate Fred Camillo attends the Greenwich Republican Town Committee annual clambake at Greenwich Point Park's Clambake Area in Old Greenwich, Conn. Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019. Local GOP elected officials and candidates gathered to drum up support for the party in preparation for the upcoming election on Nov. 5.
Fred Camillo (opinion): Thank you to the people of Greenwich
By Fred Camillo Published 8:10 am EST, Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Greenwich First Selectman-elect Fred Camillo. Greenwich First Selectman-elect Fred Camillo. Photo: Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media Photo: Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 Greenwich First Selectman-elect Fred Camillo. Greenwich First Selectman-elect Fred Camillo.
Fred Camillo: Stick to the facts on tolls
By Fred Camillo Published 10:22 am EST, Thursday, February 7, 2019 State Rep. Fred Camillo, R-Greenwich State Rep. Fred Camillo, R-Greenwich Photo: Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Photo: Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Image 1 of 3 State Rep. Fred Camillo, R-Greenwich State Rep.
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