Submitted by Phil Dodson
I’m Philip Dodson, a concerned and involved Cos Cob resident that grew up in District 8 and attended our public schools. I firmly believe in our Republican values and principles and was an RTC D-8 associate member for many years before becoming a delegate. I have attended many RTC caucuses and events, have volunteered during elections at party headquarters and at the D-8 poll on election days. I have always fully supported and voted for our party candidates.
Participation by persons in our party should always be encouraged and supported. At the 2024 RTC D-8 caucus, we again had record number of persons attend despite inclement weather.
Six candidates, including myself, obtained an overwhelming vote of support over four previously undeclared candidates that were nominated and given the opportunity to speak. We learned a few days later that a petition was filed for a D-8 primary election on March 5th. While there is provision and every right in the caucus process to do so, the resulting divisiveness, personal attacks and rancor from among fellow Republicans is unprecedented.
In addition an opposition group named “Committee for a United RTC” has been formed and is soliciting donations for their effort. The committee even encourages unaffiliated persons to register as Republicans in order to influence the outcome of the Republican primary. After supporting and voting for all our Republican candidates in the November election this is the thanks we get on the RTC. This is all being done at the direction and approval of certain town elected officials in the party.
Instead of addressing the issues of town concern, we are taking up time, effort and expense which could be put to better use in the party. I wish people would consider all the harm this infighting is doing.
I urge all my fellow D-8 Republicans to vote in the March 5th primary for the following 6 caucus endorsed candidates: Gail Lauridsen, Blazej Cichy, Joe Solari, Joe Montanaro, Mike Devita and Phil Dodson.
Philip Dodson is a retired Greenwich Police Lt and EMT after serving a 27 year career with the town. He is an RTC D-8 delegate, served as an RTM D-8 member for 6 terms and has many years of volunteer service at St Agnes Church.
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Note: Due to the number of letters to the editor received in advance of the upcoming RTC primaries on March 5, we are unable to publish them all and have stopped accepting letters on behalf of candidates.