Submitted by Icy Frantz
first met Fred on a baseball field where he was an umpire for our son’s game. While we continued to cross paths during the season, I don’t remember how our team faired, but I do remember the impact that Fred had on the players and on our son. He was officiating but he was also educating. He taught the boys about the game but also, he set the tone that encouraged sportsmanship and hard work.
That feels like a lifetime ago. But over the years, we have gotten to know Fred well and my admiration for him continues to grow and he continues to set a positive tone.
While the political atmosphere in our country and in our community is heated and contentious, Fred is always on the high road. He leads from a place of calm, good intention, and hard work, not answering to one party but rather supporting the ideas that he believes will serve the whole community best.
Recently, I read a letter to the editor in one of our papers. The author said something about- being nice is not enough to run our town government. And that may be so, but it is a critical component, especially given the nature of politics these days.
And Fred is that and so much more.
Unequivocally, Fred Loves Greenwich and the people who live here.
And he has worked tirelessly with the people and for the people of our community.
We saw this during the pandemic, and we continue to see his quiet strength boost Greenwich to a place of excellence.
For years, the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center needed work, lots of work and for years, we, as a community, have been unable “to get it done”. It was under Fred’s watch, and because of his hard work, that he was able to follow through on his commitment to public-private partnerships and Greenwich will be the beneficiary. And this is just one example of the way he is bringing our town together to maximize our resources.
Fred’s commitment to public safety is exemplary. In 2023, Greenwich was listed in the top 10 safest cities in America. And although Fred thanked the Greenwich Police Department for this honor, citing their hard work, day in and day out, this does not happen without leadership from the police chief and from the selectman’s office.
Greenwich is the first municipality in Connecticut to be awarded a certification as an Age Friendly Community by the World Health Organization and AARP.
And yes, even our schools are providing a wonderful education and experience for our students. We see this is in the dedication of our teachers and the success that our students are having in the academic realm, the arts, and athletics.
And as political lawn signs are beginning to appear everywhere, I am reminded that Fred is limiting his.
Fred sets a warm and welcoming tone and how refreshing. His leadership is exemplary. I respect “nice” especially when it includes hard work and devotion to the community and its people.
Please join me in voting for Fred Camillo for first selectman on November 7th.
Icy Frantz
Riverside