Submitted by Miriam Kreuzer, Board of Estimate & Taxation, Member
Fred Camillo has a reputation for being a nice guy. I personally like him and we get along well. However, being nice is simply not enough when managing a Town of 64k constituents. It is definitely not enough in the current environment when our quality of life in Town is threatened by a small faction of loud and organized right-winged hard-liners who are intent on breaking our public institutions. We need leadership that pushes back, doesn’t waiver, asks tough questions, does due diligence, is organized and focused on a long-term plan. Greenwich needs Laura Erickson.
As a fellow Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) member, I have had a front row seat to the heart, soul and brain that is Laura Erickson. Laura cares deeply about this Town. She has volunteered her time for almost 25 years in various PTAs, the RTM for over a decade, Chair of the Board of Education, local non-profit boards and most recently on the BET.
Anyone who has spent time with Laura knows she has a relaxed demeanor, but a fierce focus. She is prepared for every meeting, asks probing questions and embodies the old Reaganism “trust but verify”. As a fellow Democratic member of the BET, I would often present my committee reports to our caucus with the hope that my suggested course of action would get support. Laura always had several probing questions and expected detailed answers before she was on board. I have always admired her diligence. Her background as a banker is evident in her approach and analysis.
Laura and I came into the BET at the same time and we both prided ourselves on reaching “across the aisle”. On an increasingly contentious BET, Laura voted with the Republicans on several votes over the years, when the vote matched her convictions. Laura’s moderate posture and willingness to find the middle ground has garnered some negative feedback from some Democratic constituents in Town. But as a former unaffiliated voter for the majority of my life, I believe moderation should be applauded. Compromise reduces disfunction and Laura should be proud of her principled and thoughtful voting record.
Laura stands up for what she believes in. While she is always willing to take in different view points and evolve, Laura does not cow to pressure, threats or bend for the sake of political convenience. Those who have served with Laura on various Boards know she is direct and fair and will not promise what she cannot deliver. You always know where you stand with Laura. Her honesty is refreshing.
And in case you haven’t met Laura and wondered…. Laura is a “nice guy” too! Quick to laugh, get the joke and break the tension with a witty comment, Laura would pass anyone’s “beer test”.
One of the highlights of the last four years of volunteering on the BET has been getting to know the force that is Laura Erickson. Laura reminds me of the mentors I have had in my career in finance – whip smart, hardworking, no-nonsense, principled AND good-natured. The Town would be so lucky to have her as our Town leader.
I hope you will join me in voting for my friend and colleague Laura Erickson for First Selectperson on November 7.
Miriam Kreuzer, Board of Estimate & Taxation, Member