11/05/09 How Did It Happen? Tesei sends Lavery packing for good

Here Is A Look Back At This Years Campgain .......

October 30, 2009 - Controversial Lavery mailer incites verbal smackdownTo suggest that Jonathan Asch was a "pal" of Tesei's, is a complete falsehood, representatives of the First Selectman's Coastal Resources Advisory Committee said during a news conference at Town Hall called for purpose of rebuking Lavery, who is currently a selectman.

October 30, 2009 - For this first selectman -- integrity matters"Recently, my opponent in the race for first selectman distributed townwide mailers which make blatantly false claims regarding actions of my administration. Candidates for public office should take responsibility for the accuracy of the information delivered to the public."

October 29, 2009 - Claims in controversial Lavery campaign mailer cast in doubt"Certainly, it's not reflective of the truth," Tesei said. "To make such statements so irresponsibly, I think, calls into question one's judgment."

October 24, 2009 - Tesei touts record of accomplishment in re-election bid for town's highest office"I can verify and quantify what I do. I don't just use platitudes," said Tesei, 40, a fifth-generation town resident who is married with two small children.

October 23, 2009 - Greenwich woman celebrates 105th birthdayFirst Selectman Peter Tesei read a proclamation, and as he bent over to kiss Hartell on the cheek after handing her a bouquet of yellow roses...

October 14, 2009 - Election '09: Tesei, Lavery show dueling visionsFirst Selectman Peter Tesei said that the big challenge for a first selectman is providing for services that residents have come to expect while keeping property tax rates moderate and predictable.

October 13, 2009 - Greenwich selectmen candidates go back to school"I do believe that having a low student-to-teacher ratio is imperative to fostering education," Tesei said. "You only have one shot at an education."

October 7, 2009 - Paying tribute: YWCA remembers victims of violenceFirst Selectman Peter Tesei proclaimed October Domestic Violence Month and honored the YWCA and the Greenwich Police Department.

October 3, 2009 - Lavery, Tesei tout themselves as strong allies of public school students, parentsTesei, appearing at a Greenwich PTAC Council debate at Town Hall, said he has used his position as first selectman as a bully pulpit to fix problems such as the Hamilton Avenue School reconstruction debacle.

October 2, 2009 - All 4 selectmen candidates oppose Byram housing expansion"There's no doubt that people do not want it there," First Selectman Peter Tesei said of a Greenwich Housing Authority plan to create new senior housing units at McKinney Terrace. "I don't think it's the right area of town for our seniors."

Radio station to air candidate debateWGCH 1490 AM will air a live candidates debate between First Selectman Peter Tesei and his opponent Monday, Oct. 5, from 9 to 10 a.m.

September 17, 2009 - Tesei Says he is happy to participate in any well-structured and impartial forum"I have no qualms about debating anybody in that context."

The 78th Annual Cos Cob Republican Clambake will be held this Sunday, September 20th, at Greenwich Point from 1:00PM to 4:00PM

August 27, 2009 - Ribbon cutting for police headquarters draws crowd

August 10, 2009 - Two new officers join Greenwich police

August 06, 2009 - Tax deferral on horizon?

August 01, 2009 - First Selectman Peter Tesei shows the original BET members during the celebration of the BET's 100th aniversary

July 24, 2009 - Republicans choose slate, tap vice chairman for selectman

June 25, 2009 - Tesei kicks off re-election bid

June 4, 2009 - Planning for fall, candidate choices begin to take shape

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11/01/09 Governor Jodi Rell Backs Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei

The Greenwich Time Has Refused To Back Peter Tesei, But No One Reads The Out Of Touch Local Rag ......

"I am very pleased that Peter Tesei is seeking a second term as Greenwich's First Selectman. He is someone the people of Greenwich trust, respect and can count on to effectively address some of the toughest challenges facing the town, especially in these difficult times. I have enjoyed working with him over the past two years and I encourage Greenwich voters to support Peter's re-election this November."
– Governor M. Jodi Rell

Others Who Are Enorsing Peter Tesei

"In what has arguably been the most challenging time to govern since the 1930s, Peter Tesei has risen to the task. Simply put, he is the right man, in the right spot, at the right time."
- State Representative Fred Camillo

"As Chairman of the Board of Education, I've worked closely with Peter during the past two years. As an effective, moderate, and decisive leader, Peter has done everything in his power to support our schools, always putting the interests of our students first. He knows that providing a high-quality school system is one of the core community values in Greenwich."
- Nancy Weissler, Chairman Greenwich board of Education

"Peter Tesei has extraordinary leadership skills which he has recently best demonstrated in successfully navigating our town through the worst financial circumstances since the Great Depression. In conjunction with the BET, he has delivered a balanced budget with only a minor increase in property taxes and negligible reductions in service to the residents of Greenwich. He has positioned the town to weather the financial storm and emerge even stronger in the future. It is an honor to serve with someone who has such an impeccable record and terrific personality and who has selflessly devoted 22 years of his life to the town and community that we all cherish."
- State Senator Scott Frantz

"Peter Tesei has a long and effective record showing outstanding leadership in serving the Town of Greenwich. With his experience as a member of the RTM, as Chairman of the Board of Estimate and most recently as First Selectman for the last two years, he has demonstrated his ability to tackle and solve the challenges Greenwich faces. Peter has a rare talent which combines understanding and managing the details of the Town’s budget while also having an intimate knowledge of the people and communities that make Greenwich the unique and wonderful place that it is. The best way to move Greenwich forward is to keep Peter at the helm and reelect him as our First Selectman."
- Former State Senator Bill Nickerson


"Peter Tesei has a proven 20 year plus record of leadership, service and commitment. From his career in banking to his service in the RTM, the Board of Taxation and Estimate, the Budget Committee and now as Greenwich’s First Selectman, Peter Tesei has demonstrated that he is the leader our community continues to require in these economically challenging times. Peter Tesei knows how to make the hard decisions. He listens, deliberates and acts with clarity and determination. Greenwich is fortunate to have a leader who has demonstrated he is able to be an effective First Selectman. Based on his impressive first term as First Selectman Peter Tesei deserves our support and our vote. Join all of his supporters in voting for Peter Tesei on November 2, 2009."
- Lolly Prince, Former First Selectman, Town of Greenwich

"It is a joy to endorse Peter Tesei for re-election. Peter has a proven, quantifiable, track record of success - in business, as a community volunteer, in the RTM, as chair of the BET, and as First Selectman."
- State Representative Livvy Floren

I am writing in support of Peter Tesei. My reasons have nothing to do with politics and everything to do with my personal experience working with him in town government.

From the vantage point of my positions as a member of both the RTM and BET for a total of 27 years, I have observed his competence as he has worked with difficult issues and with people of many different persuasions. He knows very well how this town functions and he has ably led his district, the Board of Estimate, and, now, for two years, the Town of Greenwich as a whole in a constructive direction.

I believe he has the experience and proven leadership to best serve the town for the next terms as First Selectman.
- Val Storms, Former Member of the Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation, and Chair of the BET Budget committee

As a former chairman of the Board of Education, I worked closely with Peter Tesei, the then Chairman of the Board of Estimate and Taxation.

I found him to be a consultative leader who listens as well as he speaks. At the time, he was respectful of the Board of Education's hard work to raise standards, improve facilities (including the rebuilding of Hamilton Avenue School, Glenville School, and the improvement of athletic facilities with artificial turf), and to institutionalize greater accountability. Best of all he was accessible and helpful. Peter Tesei is a Republican who supports the public schools.

More recently, I was impressed by Peter's response as First Selectman to reduce the size of town government when the economy stalled.

However, necessary, laying off one's neighbors is not easy to do. It requires not only courage, but also the ability to set priorities and to act compassionately. Peter recognized that, during a recession, we all have less to spend on everything. Moreover, his actions demonstrated his effective working relationship with the Board of Estimate and Taxation.

So, on Nov 3, I plan to support Peter Tesei for First Selectman and Dave Theis for Selectman. Their priorities are mine: connect with the community, maintain essential local services, demand excellence, and keep town spending under control.
- Sandy Waters, Former Chair of the Greenwich Board of Education

Privilege is a word often used by those who live outside of Greenwich to describe the type of life that they believe that those of us who live in Greenwich lead. I believe that while the use of the word is most appropriate to describe those of us fortunate enough to live here, the meaning those using it are ascribing to the word is incorrect.

As a lifelong resident (well nearly except for college, graduate school and a short time before I was able to move the miracle mile back to Greenwich), I am indeed privileged to live in a community as vibrant and supportive as Greenwich.

I live in a place where dedicated and caring people give of themselves to make their community a better place. I live in a place where volunteerism thrives. I live in a place which has a wonderful school system, beautiful parks and a charm that few other communities are able to sustain.

I live in a place where we are so fortunate to have intelligent, responsive and responsible people wanting to be a part of government.

It is simply not possible for everyone to agree on every action that a political figure undertakes or suggests. So, in deciding whom to vote for, it is most important to look at the candidate's integrity, the body of their work, whether they have good intentions and whether the course they want the town to travel corresponds with the voter's own view of what is desirable and a viable course.

I knowPeter Tesei personally and believe that his moral character is unwaveringly strong and set on the right course. I know how hard he has worked for the good of the town and know that he has made difficult decisions in a difficult time. I know that he recognizes that there are many difficult decisions yet to be made and is prepared to make them. I also know Lin Lavery and know that Lin has strong beliefs and believe that she too has the town's well being at heart in the decisions that she has and will make. I hope that Lin will continue to be a leader in the town.

On Election Day, however, no one can vote for two first selectmen. You can only vote for one.

With the considerations I have set forth above, I will be casting my vote on Election Day for Peter Tesei. As a resident of Greenwich, it is my privilege to do so.
- Jeremy E. Kaye, Greenwich, CT

"Peter Tesei has a track record of proven performance. He has accomplished government by consensus."
- Frank Trotta


"Bright, measured, principled, and respectful of all Greenwich residents, Peter is the embodiment of what we all want in a public official."
- Joe Romano

UPDATE:

The Heast Corporation Changes It's Tune

"The people of Greenwich have spoken – loudly – and given First Selectman Peter Tesei a ringing endorsement of his first term in office and the privilege of beginning a second"
– The Ass Kissing Greenwich Time, November 4, 2009

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1/29/09 Greenwich Post: Raising a glass: Democrats toast to victory, change

Photo: Charlene Abdal, assistant to the first selectman, gives Ned Lamont a hug during the Democrats’ celebration Saturday

by Ken Borsuk, Greenwich Post

L’escale restaurant was wall-to-wall Democrats Saturday night and the party faithful was in the mood to celebrate.

At what Selectwoman Lin Lavery pledged would be the first annual “Greenwich Celebrates Change” event, more than 280 people arrived to mark what they hoped was a new era in Washington after a successful fall for local Democrats. Not only did President Barack Obama become the first Democrat presidential candidate to win the town’s vote since Lyndon Johnson did in his 1964 landslide victory, but former Democratic Town Committee Chairman Jim Himes defeated 21-year incumbent Republican Christopher Shays to become the congressional representative from the 4th District.

But those in attendance stressed the night was not just about last fall’s victories and that people from all political persuasions were in the crowd.

“People are out here tonight to celebrate change and to raise a glass to the President of the United States and to Jim Himes,” Ms. Lavery told the Post. “We couldn’t be more thrilled. People worked very hard to make it happen. It’s a wonderful moment in history.”

Democratic Town Committee Chairman Dave Roberson called the crowd “amazing” and praised the work of Cathy Farricker and Laura Grad for making the event happen. Upon his arrival, Mr. Himes joked to Mr. Roberson that Greenwich Democats had “gone upscale” since he left town..

..Ned Lamont, who challenged and defeated Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Ct.) in 2006 in the primary, spoke at the event as well, as did state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal who said the Greenwich victory for President Obama is “the beginning of a trend.”

Mr. Lamont, a former selectman, joked that being a Greenwich Democrat used to be like rooting for the Chicago Cubs but Saturday the party was turning people away at the door because there wasn’t room for them….

Read the entire article

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07/11/08 Greenwich Time News Links For Friday

Terri Bernstein, a jewelry maker who specializes in Love Knots, shows a necklace to prospective customer, Dora Faugno. Bernstein was selling her pieces from Catherine Jewelers on Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich.
(Bob Luckey Jr./Greenwich Time photo)

Old Greenwich merchants put their wares on display

Kim-Marie Evans appraised a collection of decorative wreathes, scented candles, and other discounted household decorations at Quelques Choses for possible purchase yesterday afternoon...

Himes returns from trip to Israel

Looking to bolster his credentials on Middle East policy, Democratic congressional hopeful Jim Himes spent three days in Israel this week meeting with government leaders, visiting the Yad Vashem national Holocaust memorial and touring a town on the Gaza border....

Summer sounds annoy residents

When Selectman Lin Lavery's 30-year-old son comes home to visit, he inevitably wakes up to a cacophony of sounds that has him begging for peace and quiet.

"He says, 'Mom, we're under siege,' " Lavery said. "It's like a war zone."

Whether it be leaf blowers, lawn mowers or after-hours construction work, the town is growing ever more noisy....

Woman's trip may block testimony at Golder hearing

A Round Hill Road woman allegedly tied up by Alan Golder, the man charged as the culprit in the "Dinnertime Bandit" burglaries 11 years ago, doesn't want to testify against the cat burglar, according to court papers.

In a motion filed in state Superior Court in Stamford yesterday, an attorney for the Round Hill Road resident is seeking to block a subpoena compelling her to testify at hearings in July and August. The paper she shouldn't be forced to be at the hearing because she had previously scheduled a trip to Italy....

She supplies the party; you provide the guests

Who doesn't enjoy throwing a good party, but dislikes the hassle that comes with putting one together?

Balancing economy, environment

Recent news reports - from national to local - suggest that financial pressures from high fuel prices and a troubled economy are affecting attitudes regarding environmental issues.

Nonresidents crowded island on Fourth of July

To the editor:

On the Fourth of July, our worst fears about opening the islands to nonresidents were realized.

I would estimate that there were at least five nonresidents to every resident on little Island Beach. I arrived on the 11:30 a.m. boat (the third boat of the day) and found that not one picnic table was available. The picnic grove itself was hard to maneuver through because people were not only at the tables, but on the ground.

I was told that people were lined up an hour before the first boat at 10 a.m. And this on a day that was not very sunny.

This problem never happened at Greenwich Point for several reasons. In order to use Greenwich Point, nonresidents must first obtain a day pass by going to Town Hall or to the Greenwich Civic Center. This is not so for Island Beach, where nonresident may purchase the day pass right at the ticket window. Everyone should have to go to the Town Hall or other facility to buy these passes. Why are the islands being treated differently?

In order to use Greenwich Point, nonresidents must pay $20 to park. At the island, they pay nothing! Of course, there is a public parking lot for those going to the islands, so a $20 parking fee could not imposed. However, since the town has estimated that it costs $20 a person to use the boats, charge $20 to nonresidents for the boat ride, since they do not pay our property taxes.

The location of the Island Beach boat dock makes it so easy for nonresidents, even those without a car, to get to the dock. They just have to take a train from any Westchester station, get off at Greenwich, and walk five minutes to the dock.

I ask our selectmen, each one of them, to come to the island on a sunny weekend day, stay an hour or two, and see what has happened. Mr. Lash did us a real disservice in this final administrative order.

Helene J. Griffin

Greenwich

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04/12/09 - The Byram RTM Chairman Has Major Problems With Lin Lavery's Pool Donation Proposal (Updated)

Quote:

"The RTM ussually doesn't accept money that isn't there,"said Robert McKnight,"You are asking us to accept donations that have only been pledged."

Headline:

Robert McKnight Says "Where's The Beef" Lin

Story:

Last night the Byram Neighbourhood Association members started approaching the the District RTM meetings about the the Board of Selectmen authorizing the town yesterday to accept up to $100,000 in private donations for the design and engineering of a new community pool in Byram.

Monday the full RTM will vote on the proposal supported by Selectman Lin Lavery.

RTM District 4 (Byram) Chairman Robert McKnight asked the Byram Neighbourhood Association President,"Where's the money?"

The Byram RTM Chairman and other Byram RTM members went on to explain that the town has been put in awkward positions before. One of the examples mentioned was the sundial that was suposed to be a gift, but ended up being a taxpayer expense. The Byram RTM Chairman said did not think that the full RTM would accept pool committee's "gift of pledged money". McKnight said,"You have to have the cash if you want to get this thing passed."

"We don't even know who these people are!" remarked Mr. McKnight, referring to the six families who town officials said wish to remain anonymous.

Byram RTM Chairman McKnight strongly stated that group should "write a check and put it in an escrow account otherwise I predict that you will have serious trouble at Monday's night's meeting."

The project could cost between $5 million and $7 million, with private donors funding the pool and the town maintaining ownership and control.

Selectman Lin Lavery and the project's supporters want to replace a cramped residential-size pool at Byram Park with a larger 25-meter pool and better restroom facilities through a public-private partnership.

Some Byram RTM member's complained that the Greenwich High School swimming pool was originally to be a school / community pool when it came to the RTM for funding years ago, but the school district did not live up to the funding deal.

Byram RTM members said that when residents went for the Friday night community swim at the High School they were repeatedly not allowed to swim, because pool maintenance or competitions were scheduled during the community swim time.

Eventually, the community swim time was cancelled all together.

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04/03/07 - Lin Lavery, said children who have to use the restroom have to get back in line after they’ve used the bathroom, and that was unacceptable

A group of Greenwich residents is looking to give the Greenwich pool at Byram Shore Park a makeover in the near future. — David Ames photo

QUOTE:

“It’s critical for the community to have an outdoor place for residents to gather, for people to be able to go swimming,”

STORY:

Plans for Byram pool going swimmingly


The summer may be getting a little cooler, but not because of climate change. Greenwich residents may be getting a revamped community swimming pool as the town is expected to accept a gift of $100,000 to begin survey work on the Greenwich pool at Byram Shore Park.

On Monday, April 14, the Board of Selectmen is expected to accept a gift from the Parks and Recreation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

The current pool in Byram is a residential pool that holds 40 people at a time, and often people have to wait in line 20 minutes to be able to use it....

.... Mr. Pecora was born and raised in Byram and moved to Chickahominy after he got married.

He said he spent much of his summer growing up at Byram Beach and never had a swimming pool he could use during low tide when the swimming at the beach wasn’t good. The idea of four of his grandchildren who live in Greenwich being able to have a pool they can use is very exciting, he said.

The park is 29.6 acres of waterfront property with a lighted baseball field, tennis courts and a marina.

While the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA both have new pools, what this group is looking for has a different focus — being outdoors and in the fresh air, Ms. Lavery said.

Mr. Pecora said the project is something people have talked about but never really had the opportunity to discuss in detail until Ms. Lavery began to push for it while she was campaigning for selectman.

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02/27/08 - Years Ago Malcolm Pray Warned Greenwich That Pickwick Plaza Would Cause Gridlock. No One Listened. Now Another Traffic Disaster Is Comming.

Greenwich lawyer and real estate developer Joseph Tranfo poses with a rendering of a hotel proposed for Benedict Place and Lewis Street.
(Bob Luckey Jr./Staff photo)

Developer's plan hinges on leasing town lot

Joseph A. Tranfo knows he is risking a good part of his family fortune on a $100 million downtown Greenwich redevelopment project that depends on getting access to a piece of town land. But the real estate lawyer-turned-developer said the risk is worth it because of what the project promises to achieve.

"There's an opportunity to create a community here," Tranfo said.

The project is to build a multistory complex of offices, a hotel, restaurant, underground parking and dozens of residences on 2 acres of prime real estate between Greenwich Avenue and Lewis and West Elm streets.

The catch, however, is that Tranfo must first acquire the right to lease from the town a 1.3-acre municipal parking lot on Benedict Place to get enough room for his plans.

Tranfo, who has already spent more than $7 million acquiring many of the other pieces he needs for the project, recently presented his ideas to the Board of Selectmen.....

... In addition to the town's financial commitment to the project, Selectman Lin Lavery said she is concerned about the four-story height of the proposed structures.

"It looks very big," she said. "I need to look at it more."

Lavery said she wonders about the proposed density and whether the new development would attract transient residents who only live there part-time.

"It might be like the Plaza Hotel in New York or the Greenwich Gables where people purchase high-end condos and don't necessarily become community members," she said....

...

02/19/08 - Coverup? - Why Isn't This Felony Being Investigated By The Police Department?

Note: To Parks Department Head Joseph Siciliano It Is Easy To Report A Felony.

The Police Department Phone Number Is
622 - 8000.

The Nation wants to know why this felony is not being investigated by the Greenwich Police Department.

Greenwich investigates fake copies of coveted beach passes ...

Boston Globe

GREENWICH, Conn.—Greenwich officials are investigating whether someone has been counterfeiting and distributing copies of the town's highly coveted beach access passes, parking stickers and marina permits.

The Connecticut Post Online - Greenwich probes fake beach passes

CT Post

...In Greenwich, where questions of beach access have gone as high as the state Supreme Court, having a beach card can save hundreds of dollars yearly....

Greenwich investigates fake copies of coveted beach passes ...

Newsday

...Joseph Siciliano, the town's parks director, said someone sent a binder to his office two weeks ago with copies of the supposed knockoffs and information about the alleged counterfeiter....

stamford times - Greenwich investigates fake copies of beach passes

Stamford Times

...He (Joseph Siciliano) would not say who sent the information and who was named as the possible copycat...

Greenwich Investigates Fake Copies Of Coveted Beach Passes - Topix

Topix

...However, he ( Joseph Sicilian) said that if the allegations are true, that person -- whose most recent address on file was in Old Greenwich -- could face municipal and legal repercussions...

Norwalk, Connecticut, Local News, Jobs, Real Estate | The Advocate ...

Norwalk Advocate

...In 2001, the state Supreme Court struck down the town's residents-only beach policy.

Six years earlier, a Stamford man who received a trespassing ticket for jogging onto a Greenwich beach won his case alleging the town's restrictive policy violated the free speech rights of non-residents....

1010 WINS - On-Air, Online, On Demand - Greenwich Investigates ...

1010 WINS

...``Obviously, we could suspend (recreation) privileges of this individual. This also may be a police matter at a later date if we can validate some of this information,'' Siciliano said...

NewsTimes.com - Greenwich investigates fake copies of coveted ...

New York Times

...(Two Days Ago) A police spokesman said the department was not aware of the matter, but was ready to help....

WSHU PUBLIC RADIO

WSHU

...“If parks and recreation feels this might be a matter for the police to look into, our assistance would be available to them,” Lt. Daniel Allen said....

NHRegister.com

New Hampshire Register

...Beach access in Greenwich has been a thorny issue, landing the town in court. It also has been forced to add holograms, bar codes and other anti-counterfeiting security measures to its highly coveted passes....

Greenwich, Connecticut, Local News, Jobs, Real Estate | Greenwich ...

Greenwich Time

....Selectman Lin Lavery said she was not surprised to hear about the investigation into the new allegations of counterfeiting, saying it's "not the first time."

"We just have to be vigilant," Lavery said. "I hope the parks department is aggressive in finding out who is responsible and handles it." ....

ALSO:

Full Story: NBC 30 Hartford

...The Greenwich Time reports in its Saturday editions that it received a binder similar to the one sent to the parks office. It contained photocopies of beach cards from the 2005 and 2006 seasons with the names of several individuals and their supposed addresses, all in Old Greenwich.

However, the newspaper reported that none of the individuals named were listed in telephone directories at the addresses printed on the cards, and one was listed as a Stamford resident...

Please Take A Look At This Previous Post:

02/18/08 - The Parks Department Has Another Beach Pass Scandal. Will The Police Be Called? Will the person reponsible be punished?