Submitted by Jonathan Perloe, Cos Cob
Following The New York Times front-page article in Sunday’s Metropolitan section, The Political Punking of Greenwich, it’s hard to miss the newest edition of the “Vote Republican – Vote Team Camillo” signs noting First Selectman Fred Camillo’s admiration for Florida governor Ron DeSantis.
With a notable twist of irony, this year’s signs were funded out of the $1.5 million that Greenwich taxpayers paid as a result of Camillo’s role in firing a town employee for exercising his first amendment rights with the first edition of Team Camillo signs.
Ahead of the DeSantis fundraiser announced by former State Senator Scott Frantz last July, Mr. Camillo remarked that Ron DeSantis has, “done a very good job in Florida.” For the record, Mr. Camillo has not denied saying that, although he wants residents to know that his compliment for the governor should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of his run for president.
Some, including the chair of the Greenwich Republicans, say that national politics are irrelevant to local elections. I believe it’s very relevant to know what values and policies the candidate for the top elected position in Greenwich believes are “very good.”
In an issue that certainly affects our coastal town, does Mr. Camillo agree with Governor DeSantis that we are “safer than ever” from the impact of climate change, a term that isn’t “driven by reality?”
Does he agree with DeSantis’ extreme attacks on women’s reproductive health, including a ban on abortion at six weeks, before most women even know they are pregnant?
Does the First Selectman believe in suppressing the freedom to vote as DeSantis has done through measures declared unconstitutional by a federal judge? Is it acceptable to him to aggressively try to prevent citizens with past convictions from exercising their right to vote?
Does he believe in criminalizing speech about topics Republicans find uncomfortable (slavery and white privilege), as DeSantis did with his “Stop WOKE Act?” Another of his laws that a federal judge blocked as unconstitutional. Or going after a private sector employer for expressing its opposition to the policy (which a group of mostly Republican former elected officials called “severely damaging” to the state)?
Does Mr. Camillo, who calls for “civility, respect and kindness” believe it’s respectful and kind to marginalize and criminalize LGBT people as DeSantis did in his “Don’t Say Gay” bill, or deny trans minors from receiving gender-affirming medical care or use migrants as political pawns, which the Miami Herald editorial board called “heartless”?
As the saying goes, “you are the company you keep.” Mr. Camillo’s embrace of Ron DeSantis is relevant to next week’s election.
Fortunately, we have an alternative for First Selectperson in Democratic candidate Laura Erickson, who has demonstrated leadership, respect and expertise over the many years she has served in local government.
NOTE: The deadline to submit letters to the editor about candidates in the Nov 7, 2023 Greenwich municipal election is Oct 30 at 12:00 noon.