By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
Before the Board of Selectmen could tend to its usual business during last week’s meeting, Drew Marzullo said his goodbyes.
The outgoing Selectman finished up his fourth term on the board with an emotional send-off at Town Hall last Thursday. Democratic newcomer Sandy Litvack, along with incumbent Republicans John Toner and First Selectman Peter Tesei, began their new two-year term on Dec. 1.
Marzullo reflected on his eight years in office and fondly remembered some of his accomplishments.
He noted with pride that, on June 14, 2016, he organized a Town Hall gathering that was attended by hundreds of people to raise, for the first time ever, the rainbow flag to show solidarity for the victims of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting.
“That event became a domino effect throughout Connecticut for many towns and town halls to do the same,” Marzullo said, noting that it was extra special for him since his then five-year-old son was standing by his side that day.
Marzullo went on to mention some of the capital projects he had helped advance since 2009, such as the Musical Instruction Space and Auditorium (MISA) project; the new New Lebanon School project; affordable housing units for residents in Greenwich; the Nathaniel Witherell expansion; and the renovation of the Old Barn on Greenwich Point.
“This office has allowed me the opportunity to advocate and, at times, call out some injustices. It gives me a voice that most of the time was used in a responsible way,” he said.
Marzullo became emotional and had to wipe away tears when he spoke of his husband Reynold, and son, Richard. He emotionally thanked the community for its support following his arrest for shoplifting at an outlet mall back in August.
“I hope you would agree that even when I failed you on occasion both personally and politically, it was never meant to embarrass or [show] mean intent,” Marzullo said. “The kindness and encouragement, especially over the last couple of months, brought my way is something I will never forget. To the 5,000 people who did come out and vote for me, I am forever grateful.”
Marzullo finished his remarks the same way he began them when he became a Selectman in 2009, namely, by answering Oprah Winfrey’s question: “What do you know for sure?”
“What I know for sure is that I will exit this stage with only positive memories. No matter how low, whatever your circumstances, no matter how low you may think your life is, things do get better,” he said.
State Representatives Mike Bocchino and Fred Camillo were on hand to present Marzullo with a citation from the state of Connecticut General Assembly.
“[Drew] is one of the most caring individuals we’ve ever met. He is also always there when we need him. If we’re in Hartford, he’s just a phone call away,” Bocchino said.
First Selectman, Peter Tesei, called Marzullo a friend, and admitted that in the world of politics with so many acquaintances, true friends are hard to come by. He presented Marzullo with a proclamation from the town.
“I urge all citizens to join me in recognizing all of Drew’s accomplishments during his tenure as Selectman, as well as his caring thoughtfulness to all citizens and always with a humorous side and smile,” Tesei said.
Selectmen Indefinitely Postpone Charter Change
The Board of Selectmen then delved into its regular meeting. On the agenda was the controversial issue of Charter change and the structure of the Board of Education.
The Board voted unanimously to postpone the item indefinitely, with Marzullo filing the motion.
“A motion to postpone indefinitely essentially kills the item,” Tesei said. “If this motion is approved, it essentially puts an end to the charter revision process.”
Charter change has been a heavily-debated topic over the past few elections. Changing Sections 66 and 67 in the Town Charter would have allowed top vote getters, regardless of party, to be elected to the BOE.
As it stands right now, the eight-person BOE is split evenly between Democrats and Republicans. Those in support of Charter change argued that the revision would allow for true voter-choice, and would let Independents run on the ballot.
Currently, before every election, each party can nominate a maximum of two seats to the BOE, which are guaranteed. However, if a party nominates more than two, that creates competition between same-party candidates.
Opponents of Charter change argued that revisions would politicize the BOE and cause a power-grab.
After the motion was approved, Toner urged the crowd, many of whom were opponents of Charter change, to run for spots on the BOE in the next election.
“I think that this was a very productive exercise. It got people involved in thinking about the BOE which people sometimes push to one side,” Toner said.
“I challenge the rest of you to come and think about in 2019 of running for the Board of Education.”
