Submitted by Varun Kolluri, Rye Country Day School, class of 2024
I’m a rising senior at Rye Country Day School. My family moved to Greenwich when I was a toddler and I attended the Greenwich Public Schools system, through North Street Elementary and Central Middle School.
I passionately care about the local community for two reasons: I have been fortunate to benefit from the amazing environment here in Greenwich, with great schools, public safety, and wonderful parks and recreation facilities. As a son of immigrants who moved to the U.S. to pursue the American dream, I wish to make these opportunities more accessible to the younger generation. Secondly, I’m growing up at a time where divisive politics is the epicenter of American policy both locally and nationally, and as a young American, I wish to support the next generation of leaders to help unify our local communities and create a greater collective sense of community and pride.
Fred Camillo is not so much a politician as he is a mentor. Oftentimes, when you look at elected officials in the newspapers or on TV, you see a “(R)” or a “(D)” right next to them. Fred doesn’t need any of that. Fred’s own personal journey of a self-made entrepreneur who came from very modest beginnings, and then moving to public service to make a difference in the local community, resonated with my own values. It led me to join his campaign and his mission to make Greenwich even better, more accessible, and successful.
Working with Fred has given me a wonderful opportunity to express my ideas while also deepening my understanding of the community’s issues and how he has been striving to improve them. As a young campaign member, one of the most attractive aspects of how Fred works is that there is no hierarchy. When I see Fred around town, or I meet him at events, there is no “I say, you do.” It is rare to see elected officials be so open-minded to new ideas and views and incorporate them into the running of the town administration. For Fred, listening to the people and working on the best ideas to solve their problems literally starts with his team and office.
Fred Camillo is not just my friend. He is a friend of Greenwich and a friend of Connecticut. Fred has not only made promises of fair zoning, world-class education, and strong public safety but has demonstrated a track record of delivering on them at a very high level.
As a young Greenwich resident, I’m very optimistic about Fred’s vision for a unified, friendly community that offers a wonderful lifestyle and tremendous opportunities for business and growth. I believe that the next generation of young Greenwich residents have a great opportunity to voice their concerns for the betterment of our wonderful town.