Submitted by Greg Piccininno
I wanted to share an experience I had recently while canvasing for votes at Julian Curtiss on election day. I recently moved to Greenwich from Riverside and through the GFP, I understood that there were openings in my new RTM district and decided it was time to contribute as an insider to help preserve what makes Greenwich great. Unfortunately, I was mistaken about which district I now reside and there were no openings, in D1so I ran as a write in candidate, albeit I knew the odds were against me.
When my family and I moved here, the combination of excellent schools and low taxes was a major attraction. Unfortunately, that balance has shifted in recent years, as a “non-representative” GOP-controlled BET chose to treat our schools as a dispensable expense. Given that many members of the former RTC either sent their children to private schools or did not have children in the public system, this mindset is perhaps understandable — but short-sighted. Strong public schools are directly tied to our property values and community vitality.
As a write-in candidate with limited time to campaign, I knew my chances were slim, but I was encouraged when I was included in a bi-partisan slate endorsed by The Voting Moms. I am very happy I decided to make a go of it. While canvassing on election day, I had an opportunity to meet many of my new neighbors, and nearly every conversation began with the same question: “What is your position on schools and the recent budget cuts?” Everyone expressed the same concern; the current BET was killing the school system.
That confirmed what I already believed that I am far from alone in wanting to protect and strengthen our schools. The past actions of the BET did not reflect the will or values of this community.
The recent election results, with four of the six GOP elected members being more supportive of education, demonstrate that Greenwich residents are ready to move past the anti-school faction the prior GOP Leadership represented.
Now, our town has an opportunity to right those wrongs and develop a long-term capital plan — something every true fiscal conservative should embrace. Ignoring infrastructure needs until buildings fail is not fiscal prudence; it’s short-term neglect. We need sound financial planning, investment in our schools, and reliable public services — from functioning fire trucks to safe, well-maintained facilities.
Yes, catching up will be costly. But that cost is the direct result of past fiscal mismanagement.
With responsible planning, community-driven priorities and an actual analysis of current spending, we can restore both the quality and sustainability that Greenwich deserves.
I am sure the usually “Greg Haters” will post all sorts of incendiary things about me but that is the world we live in now, let them post, it’s their first amendment rights. I believe their actions reflect poorly on them and highlights the lack of substance.