Submitted by Harry Fisher, Republican Chairman of the BET
When I became Chairman of the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) about a year ago, I pledged to do what I could to reduce the political temperature in town. I thought that would be a rallying cry and garner support from all factions. Unfortunately, the Democrats have proven themselves unable to resist negative attacks on Republicans in the press and via the email blasts from the Democratic Town Committee.
As evidence I submit the piece published by the GFP on Monday this week authored by my esteemed colleague, Scott Kalb, a Democratic member of the BET. (KALB: The Republican BET Grinches that almost stole OG’s Christmas). Instead of celebrating a disciplined approach to funding the renovations of Old Greenwich School (OGS), he chooses to attack the Republicans on the board, labeling us grinches.
The disciplined approach began spring of 2024, when the Republicans on the BET decided to delay any addition to the appropriation to the OGS project until construction drawings were completed and the building committee had concrete estimates. We knew that we might have a request for an interim appropriation later in 2024.
When we received that expected request, and at my instigation, the BET passed a condition attached to the interim to require that the OGS Building Committee come back with firm bids in hand in order to release the added funding in whole or in part. And Mr. Kalb voted in favor of that condition. This means that the BET will have a third look at the budget for the OGS renovation.
I call on all Democrats to stop the negative tone and work positively on the business of the town.
After all, most issues are non-partisan.
Thank you
Harry Fisher
Republican Chairman of the BET