Senators Blumenthal and Murphy Stop in Old Greenwich to Support Oberlander

By Leslie Yager
On Tuesday morning, US Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) was in New York along with Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) for the the release the National Transportation Safety Board report on the probable causes of five major accidents involving Metro-North Railroad in the last 18 months.

“The MTA has blood on its hands, but the blame belongs to the federal oversight agency as well. The Federal Railway Administration has simply failed to do its job,” Senator Blumenthal said during the press conference.

En route back to Connecticut, the Senators made a stop in Old Greenwich to support Jill Oberlander, the Democrat candidate running for the seat being vacated by Steve Walko.

Mrs. Oberlander is running against former New Lebanon School PTA president and chair of the Byram Neighborhood Association, Mike Bocchino (R).

Baby Hadley Martin and her mom Krystyn of Riverside met Senator Blumenthal at The Upper Crust Bagel Company in Old Greenwich. Credit: Leslie Yager

“I am so proud to support Jill,” Mr. Blumenthal said. “Because she’s an effective advocate for education and fiscal responsibility, as well as the Greenwich community.”

In the shop Back 40 Mercantile, Senator Blumenthal chats with Jill Oberlander and her husband Larry Penn. In background, Back 40 owner Lesley King chats with Senator Murphy. Credit: Leslie Yager

Senator Blumenthal said that as a resident of Greenwich, he is particularly passionate about Oberlander’s candidacy and looks forward to her bringing her particular insights to Hartford, where, he said she would provide a breath of fresh air.

As the two Senators from Connecticut accompanied Mrs. Oberlander along Sound Beach Ave, stops were made to greet constituents and visit independent retailers who comprise the village’s mix.

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At Back 40 Mercantile, owner Lesley King talked about her love of organic and sustainable farming and items in the shop, which features paintings by Eric Sloane. Lesley and her husband Bill run Organic Planet on Greenwich Ave, which she said will soon have a change of name and be joined by a second restaurant in Byram.

Robert Guerrieri, owner of The Upper Crust Bagel Company with Jill Oberlander and Senator Richard Blumenthal.

A lunch and coffee stop was made at Upper Crust Bagel, where there was time to chat with owner Robert Guerrieri.

Next door at the Rummage Room volunteers welcomed the Senators and explained that the shop is celebrating its 50th year.

Robert Zalkin of Old Greenwich Fine Wines meets Senators Murphy and Blumenthal on Tuesday. Credit: Leslie Yager

Jill Oberlander and both Senator Murphy and Blumenthal stopped in the Rummage Room, which raises money for charities that benefit women and children for 50 years. Credit: Leslie Yager

In Old Greenwich Fine Wines, Rob Petz and Robert Zalkin greeted Mrs. Oberlander and the two state senators in the independent wine shop they purchased in July.

“And my wife pointed out that she’s very smart,” Mr. Blumenthal said of Jill Oberlander. “And she’s usually right.”