On January 24, 2024 I participated in a well attended meeting at Town Hall to hear from Ryan Fazio, our local Representative to the State Senate. It was an informative and upbeat discussion. I learned about some things currently happening in Hartford as well as others that will likely be happening during the coming year including what needs to be done at the state level to moderate the 8-30g ordinance.
As the meeting was ending, people started filing in with pizza, snacks and beverages. When I asked what was happening I was told the RTC was holding their first meeting of the new year.
Being a registered Republican who had recently voted in the January District 9 RTC caucus, I decided to stay and attend the meeting.
Having been a business professional for over 30 years, I was quite surprised and disappointed to see how poorly the meeting was run. There was an evident tension in the room but it was unclear to me at the time as to the reasons.
I expected a positive, even light hearted atmosphere after the overwhelmingly positive November election results, the reality was anything but.
There was no welcome to first time attendees, no background provided regarding several discussion topics. It was shocking and extremely off-putting to hear the leaders on the dais refer to fellow Republicans (Dan Quigley was one of the two names, I don’t recall the other) being called “traitors” at a public meeting. Also, the meeting was adjourned by the Chair before all business had been concluded, which was pointed out by several in attendance, so that the meeting could continue.
I found it very uninviting that an attendance list was circulated and when I declined to sign it the first time, then felt pressured to do so. An unusual feeling to say the least. The items I can recall the attendance sheet required were name, if you were an associate or guest, district number and email address.
Additionally, someone in the audience asked as the meeting began if there were any non-Republicans or members of the press in attendance to please identify themselves. Admittedly, I’d never been to an RTC meeting before but I found this both odd and unwelcoming as well.
The final straw for me was when the newly elected Chair of the BET was questioned by one of the officers from the dais, actually it seemed more of an interrogation. Included looking for a commitment that he was going to “toe the line” and not break ties in favor of the Democrats, regardless of the issue or merits.
This regime which has been in power for two years called for Republican primaries in several districts after the January caucuses because their preferred candidates did not win! This is not the Republican Party that I grew up in nor one I wish to be part of.
The current RTC leaders believe that they have the right to dictate to all Republican elected officials how they should vote and conduct business. That is not, nor ever has been the role of the RTC. Once local Republican candidates are elected, they represent the entire community, not this small body.
It is no accident that Fred Camillo (and) Lauren Rabin have been elected to their third consecutive term. Once elected they act and vote on behalf of the good of the entire Greenwich community who elected them, not the RTC.
I had no intention of sharing my observations of that RTC meeting beyond my network of family and friends, however it is evident that there are two Republican parties in this town.
I wish to be part of a civil, civically minded party with the good of the entire town represented rather than the agenda a few trying to drive decisions and attempting to control our elected officials.
On March 5th I will be supporting the original slate of candidates who won the primary in District 9 – Barbara Darula, Patti DeFelice, Lauren Rabin, Pam Pagnani, Steve Warzoha and Carol Zarrilli. These are positive, hardworking community minded professionals with years of service on both the RTM and the RTC. They will fulfill their key mandate as RTC members which is finding quality candidates to send to Hartford to work to modify 8-30g, restoring local home rule to our Planning and Zoning among other important issues.
For those in other districts that are having caucuses on March 5th, please vote to ensure that the candidates who believe elected officials should be accountable to voters, not to the RTC, actually win.
Adele Rota
