Local Republican politicians and town members gathered at Greenwich Point Sunday for the 82nd Annual Clambake and Campaign Kickoff, celebrating what has been done by the party and speaking on what the upcoming election season means for them.
Running for his fifth term, First Selectman Peter Tesei spoke to the crowd at Tod’s Point about his time in local office and the teamwork it takes to serve the town of Greenwich.
“I’ve been honored to serve as the town’s First Selectman since December 2007,” Tesei said. “We’ve encountered many challenges during this period of time, but we’ve always managed to be able to put the citizens of Greenwich first because we come together and we look at things that are in the best interest of the community.”
“This is the kickoff of the fall campaign and this year we really worked to unify our team efforts as Team Tesei and Toner along with Team Tod and the rest of the Republican slate.”
Included on the menu was lobster, clams, clam chowder, lobster, steak, swordfish, chicken or a vegetarian option.
GOP members joined together to pay tribute to the late Dave Theis who enjoyed the event year after year.
“This year takes a special meaning,” Linda Moshier, District 8 Representative, said. “As we all know this event was our friend Dave Theis’ favorite political event of the year, mixing politics and patriotism was who Dave Theis really was.”
Helping organize the Clambake was Kerrin Coyle, Theis’ long-time partner. Coyle reminisced on the influence Theis had on the annual event.
“He did this for years and he loved doing it,” Coyle said. “He was the glue that brought it all together. He was very involved.”
Candidates for the upcoming November election were also recognized before food was served.
The GOP’s three candidates for the Board of Assessment Appeals are incumbents Jeff Reardon, Richard Kriskey and Jack Kriskey. There are six total candidates — three Republicans and three Democrats — for five positions on the board.
“We will be supporting our three Republican candidates,” Greenwich RTC Chairman and MC of the event Jim Campbell said. “But it is a contested race this year.”
Greenwich Republicans are endorsing incumbent Barbara O’Neill, incumbent Peter von Braun and Lauren Rabin for the Board of Education. Two Republicans and two Democrats will elected to the board from the election.
Running unopposed this year is Town Clerk Carmella Budkins.
“She’s our perennial leading vote getter after a challenge four years ago,” Campbell said.
Running for a fourth term after achieving the highest tax collection rate in the state, Tax Collector Tod Laudonia talked about the team effort it takes during election season.
“Today is a great example of teamwork,” Laudonia said. “Our campaign is about a team. Town Hall is about a team. And just because you’re on a team doesn’t mean you agree with everything that goes on among the team members. We have a lot of disagreements, but we have a lot of respect for each other. That’s what carries us through and that’s the difference between our Republican team and the other side — we work together.”
First Selectman John Toner described the annual event as a family reunion with its usual characters.
“This is also one of my favorite events of the year,” Toner told the crowd. “It’s kind of like a family reunion. We all get together, there’s crotchety old Bill, there’s fussy Aunt Mary and there’s cousin Will who you never had much use for. But they’re family.”
“We’re talking about what we did last year and what’s coming up soon. And what’s coming up soon is the election on November 3. This isn’t an election against Democrats, this is an election for Greenwich.”
