Letter to the editor submitted by Liz Leamy, Greenwich
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my support for Fred Camillo, as the top candidate for the State Representative representing the 151 st district. Fred, who I have known since grade school and who has been a friend since we both attended the same elementary, middle and high school (Greenwich) while growing up in town during the 70s and early 80s, is, in my opinion, one of the finest, strongest and most genuine people around.
He is also someone who is not only a political advocate for Greenwich residents, but also a beloved friend of many and with good reason.
Over the years, I feel Fred, who has been endorsed by both the GOP and Independent parties in this election and is serving his fifth term in this position, has always gone above and beyond the scope of his duties as a State Representative.
Essentially, this man has dedicated the majority of his time, both in and out ‘of the office’ to help improve, build and boost the social and economic infrastructure and general goodwill of our community.
Working in tandem with his esteemed colleagues, First Selectman Peter Tesei, State Senator Scott Frantz, and his fellow town representatives, Mike Bocchino and Livvy Floren, among others, Fred has been helped write and put into effect bills that have helped ameliorate the lives of many individuals, beings and issues that have addressed critical areas such as animal rights, fire police patrol, consumer credit protection, the environment and other major things.
Recently, Fred was instrumental in writing and expediting a bill designed to help protect the rights and privacy of victims involved in domestic violence cases.
For several years, Fred has worked with the Greenwich YWCA on domestic violence issues and earlier in 2018, helped pass a bill to address dual arrests. With this bill, police officers will now no longer arrest both parties automatically, but will determine who was the dominant aggressor.
This vital effort, once again, reflects Fred’s heart, effectiveness and impact both on individuals in the community and also throughout the entire state, in my opinion.
At the same time, Fred has been instrumental in helping spark an important golden renaissance of sorts here in town that has helped continue to build and strengthen the spirit of the community, a critical task considering the potential effects and impact of the tumultuous 2008 economic period.
Fred, along with his political colleagues, the town and community figureheads and so many others dedicated to this area have proven, over and over again, they are effective in honoring, maintaining and building the spirit, history, role and influence of Greenwich as a shapeshifting and influential hotspot not only in the New York City metropolitan area, but also in the East Coast and whole country as well.
At the same time, Fred is a constant presence at happenings around town and has come to represent an anchor in our community, as he is always there ready to extend a helping hand with an attitude of warmth, goodness and willingness.
Conclusively, Fred is a dedicated and ultra-focused leader who reminds me so much of my late grandfather’s dear friend, the late Rear Admiral John Davidson, who was Superintendent of the U.S Naval Academy from 1960-1962 (during the time of the Kennedy administration). Admiral Davidson, who was involved in a NATO mission
with my grandfather, the late Captain John Madden (U.S. Navy), in Ankara, Turkey during the chilling Cold War years, was someone who was reputed to have handled his position with great poise, humility, intelligence, savvy, humor and heart.
Fred, just like Admiral Davidson, has shown, over and over, that he knows exactly what is going on and has the wisdom, intelligence and foresight to continue to protect, help and move the community of Greenwich in a forward and upward direction, which why I feel he is the ideal man for the job.
Sincerely,
Liz Leamy
Cos Cob, CT