Letter submitted by Lisa Seglem, Cos Cob
While most of the town knows Fred Camillo, our State Representative for the 151st District, who is now running for First Selectman, more than a few may not be aware of how Fred’s early years shaped his strong belief in community and giving back. After two tragedies hit his immediate family, he saw firsthand how family, friends, and community can step in and fill a void. His exposure to the best of human kindness stayed with him and is evidenced by his lifelong commitment to community. Organizations such as the Greenwich Boys Club were there for him when he needed support, and today he enjoys returning that support in the form of his many civic endeavors.
Fred, a 4th generation resident of Greenwich, has never forgotten the support that he received as a child which is why he is so dedicated to giving back to the community. He understands the challenges that many families face to provide the basic necessities of food and housing. Many of these families rely on Neighbor to Neighbor, who serve 660 families in our community, 47% of the food feeds children who are at or below the poverty level. Fred has been supporting this effort by serving as an honorary chairman of the annual Scouting for Food project for the past six years.
If you have shopped for sports equipment recently, you know that sports equipment is very expensive. Fred, a former coach and a huge sports fan, knows that these high equipment costs hit low-income families the hardest which is why he has led an annual sports equipment drive benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich for the past five years. Without this equipment, the children might not otherwise be able to participate in sports programs that provide not only physical activity but also teach valuable life skills like teamwork and leadership that benefit a child’s education.
Besides being passionate about helping all families in our community regardless of political affiliation, Fred is an environmentalist. Back in 1991, before most of us had heard of recycling, Fred was a founding partner in the Greenwich Recycling Center. Fred has also been a recycling volunteer for more than three decades and wrote a law to expand the recycling program in our state.
Fred understands that protecting and improving the environment is much more than just recycling which is why he has big plans for our town when he is elected as our next First Selectman. Fred plans to create an enhancement / sustainability committee to focus on establishing a comprehensive energy policy as well as enriching the beauty of our neighborhoods. While we can’t directly change the behavior of people at a global or even a national level, we can do our part by using our resources more efficiently and setting an example for others to follow.
Although these are just a few of Fred’s many accomplishments and plans for our future, I know that he will lead our town to a more united and prosperous future for everyone while preserving the history of our past.
Lisa Seglem
Cos Cob Resident