It’s Tesei in a Landslide

peter-tesei-wins

By Bill Slocum
Contributing Editor

Peter Tesei celebrates with his son on election night. Photo by John Ferris Robben
Peter Tesei celebrates with his son on election night. Photo by John Ferris Robben

First Selectman Wins a Record-Tying Fifth Term; Toner and Marzullo Return, Too

When First Selectman Peter Tesei is asked what contributed to his thundering reelection victory Tuesday, the Republican recalls the advice of an old friend.

“I remember I once asked Malcolm Pray what advice he had for me, he told me: ‘Just be you.’ To that point, I am who I am, and I’ll rise and fall on that for the rest of his life.”

Being himself proved the right approach in 2015: His 74 percent share of the electorate is the highest of any of his successful bids for the job of Greenwich’s chief executive. Tesei defeated Democratic challenger Frank Farricker by a total vote of 7,369 to 2,428, giving Tesei three out of every four votes cast. Independent candidate James Reilly took 119 votes.

Tesei’s election was unanimous across town, with all 12 districts of fering wide margins for his reelection.

Tesei credits “style and temperament ” as being key differentiators for supporters, along with his management of largescale capital improvement projects, including the Byram pool, Greenwich High School, and Hamilton Avenue Elementary School. While critics questioned his handling of capital projects, Tesei says the record shows the projects have been managed efficiently during his time in office, and that voters agree.

“I take the vote as an affirmation that the leadership style, the vision, and the principles I represent are very much to their liking,” Tesei notes.

Standing before a crowd of supporters at the Milbrook Club Tuesday night with his wife, Jill, and his young children, Caroline and James, Tesei basked in long and happy cheering. His re-election ties him with fellow Republican John Margenot for the most consecutive victories for first selectman since the position became a paid one in the late 1970s, at five.

“We will continue to put the people of Greenwich first,” Tesei told the audience, his voice at times halting from evident emotion. “That’s what this is all about…This election is not about me, it’s about we.”

The election also saw the return of the two other incumbent members of the Board of Selectmen, Republican John Toner (who took 5,254 votes in his first election, following his  appointment to replace the late David Theis), and Democrat Drew Marzullo (who won 4,384 votes).

Other contested contests decided on Tuesday include  that for tax collector, where Democrat Howard Richman challenged incumbent Republican Tod Laudonia on a plank centered on the notion of making the position appointed rather than elected. Laudonia won a fourth term in office, with 5,971 votes to 3,312 for Richman.

“ It was reported by my opponent that it was a referendum,” Laudonia said in celebratory remarks at the Milbrook Club. “Guess what? The referendum happened, it’s over, it’s done. People want to be represented by people in the town of Greenwich. They don’t want appointments. They don’t want bureaucrats. They want representative government.”

According to the Registrar of Voters office, 10,208 voters came out to the polls, or 33.67 percent of the total electorate. Turnout was reportedly slower than usual in some districts. Before final returns were announced, Republican Town Committee chairman Jim Campbel l expressed confidence about Tesei ’s chances.

“If 35 percent turn out, Peter Tesei will be victorious, and if 100 percent turn out, Peter Tesei will be victorious,” he said.

Acting Democratic Chairperson Rebecca Steinfeld agreed before the returns were announced that a higher turnout could offer better opportunity for a Farricker upset, but added that she has been encouraged by growing pockets of Democratic voters around town.

Tesei says one item on his to-do list since concluding his campaign is to advocate for space for the Book Swap Shed at the Holly Hill Recycling Center. Under current redevelopment plans, the shed faces closure. Tesei says the town should find ways to keep it operating.

“ I’ve heard from a number of seniors who have grandchildren, and often don’t have money to buy them books or a DVD,” Tesei says. “The Book Swap gives them the opportunity to pick up materials they can share with their grandchildren. People I’ve met campaigning have told me they would like to retain it, so I’d like to make sure plans are laid aside for the Book Swap.”

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