On Friday night at Milbrook Club, friends and colleagues of Jackie Budkins gathered to witness her swearing in by her mother Carm Budkins, the town’s outgoing town clerk who decided not to run for a 16th term after 30 years in office.
The evening was partly a farewell to Carm, who was the first female town clerk in Greenwich’s history, and partly a celebration of Jackie’s swearing in.
Earlier in the week, First Selectman proclaimed Tuesday, Dec 14 “Carm Budkins Day,” noting that Carm was a Greenwich native and graduate of Greenwich High School, who had many community affiliations, including the Chickahominy Neighborhood Association, CCI, Greenwich Board of Health, Greenwich RTC, Hamilton Avenue School PTA, St. Roch’s Church and the Fairfield County Town Clerks Association.
Senator Fazio described Carm as “one of best, most faithful and honest public servants int town.”
“I think we all thought it a daunting task to try to replace her, but I think we could have not done better than find Jackie Budkins to do so,” he said. “Jackie is not necessarily the type of person for the limelight, but she is the type of person who always steps up to help her friends, her family and her community. She is Greenwich through and through – to her bones.”
“I could not have won my state senate seat without her mentorship, her advice, her friendship, and her support from the very beginning,” Fazio added.
“I want to acknowledge the many dignitaries who are here, which is a testament to Jackie and what a great town clerk she will be,” Fazio continued, going on to list former State Senator Bill Nickerson, State Rep Harry Arora, First Selectman Fred Camillo, Selectwoman Lauren Rabin, Police Chief Jim Heavey, Fire Chief Joe McHugh, former First Selectwoman Lolly Prince, former State Rep Mike Bocchino, former State Rep Steve Walko, and Former Selectman John Toner.
“And outgoing town clerk Carm Budkins,” he said to loud applause. “And of course, last but not least, Charlie and Emma,” he said, referring to Jackie’s niece and nephew.
“There was probably nobody this year who had more pressure on her than Jackie. People on the other side knew she was formidable. You handled it formidably,” said First Selectman Fred Camillo “She is going to be like her mom – the best in the state of Connecticut.”
Selectwoman Lauren Rabin described Jackie as humble, unassuming and kind.
“I know you’re going to do wonderful things for the town and you have a awesome role model in your mom,” Rabin said.
Jackie thanked her many supporters, including honorary chairs, former First Selectman Peter Tesei and former State Rep Livvy Floren.
“All kidding aside, Fred is pretty awesome. His coattails were amazing,” Jackie said. “And Lauren Rabin, who is one of my best friends and my partner in crime when it came to campaigning. We were like twins on the campaign trail.”
She also thanked her campaign chair Debra Hess, State Senator Ryan Fazio, campaign treasurer Joe Romano, Paul Cappiali, Icy and Scott Frantz and RTC colleagues Rich DiPreta, Steve Walko and John Redmond. Also, Ed Dadakis, RTC chair Dan Quigley, Irene Dietrich, and Linda Moshier.
“I grew up with Ed, Carm and Peter,” Jackie said. “We had call waiting then. At home, she’d be on the phone for hours, and we’d have to fight for the phone. She wouldn’t answer it. Our friends would ask, where are you? And I’d say, my mom’s on the phone. It’s either Peter or Ed.”
She went on to thank Dick Kriskey, Syl Pecora, Diane Chiappetta, the town clerk’s office staff and Pat Sasser of No Tolls Connecticut.
“I’m so appreciative and am excited to get this new chapter started and to follow in Carm’s footsteps,” Jackie said. “We are so fortunate to live in this community. I’d really like everyone to celebrate Carm’s 30 years, and the amazing job she has done.”
