Let us set the record straight—right now.
As the Republican Town Committee (RTC) evaluated candidates for the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET), it recognized the need for both fresh perspectives and party unity. To achieve this, the RTC endorsed a balanced slate of six candidates: two newcomers and four incumbents, each bringing diverse viewpoints. Despite this effort to foster unity, the outcome fell short of the goal.
Dissatisfied with the balanced slate nominated by the RTC, three incumbents decided they wanted to control more seats. The following day they encouraged one of their supporters to start the process of petitioning to force a party-wide primary costing the taxpayers $85,000. This action very quickly led to what is now a full slate of six candidates supported by former RTC leadership—the very leadership that presided over the worst Republican election outcome in the party’s history and was ousted 16 months ago– against the candidates with proven leadership and townwide electability supported by the leaders of the party Fred Camillo and Lauren Rabin.
We are a slate that believes in a better BET. Our slate now consists of four new candidates— Sally Bednar, Josh Brown, Joe Kelly and Joe Pellegrino—and two incumbents’—Harry Fisher and Leslie Tarkington. Our slate gives Greenwich Republicans a real choice in how the BET should be led in the years ahead. Do we want a BET controlled by inflexible leaders who reject the consensus view of our citizens and deliberately antagonize our public school system? Or do we want the BET led by sensible, consensus-building members of our community who welcome the views of all citizens?
Our candidates ALL have substantial financial experience and public service. Our candidates are not just committed to working together, we already share the values of respecting and supporting one another and solving problems collaboratively. Our candidates have built successful financial businesses and have worked for major global financial firms and corporations. Our candidates have served the citizens of Greenwich for decades: as the Chair and Vice Chair of the BET, as the Chair of the Board of Education, as the Chair of the RTM Education and Finance Committees, as the Chair of the Retirement System, as the Charis of the BET Budget Committee, and as Nathaniel Witherell Secretary.
Come November, our slate is the slate that will have townwide support and gives Republicans the best opportunity to maintain control of the BET. Why? Because collectively we represent a thoughtful approach to balancing the needs of the community with the importance of keeping Greenwich attractive to everyone.
Starting September 2nd, we ask that you come to Town Hall and vote for a better BET slate: Sally Bednar, Josh Brown, Harry Fisher, Joe Kelly, Joe Pellegrino and Leslie Tarkington, or at your district’s polling location on September 9th.
Submitted by:
Sally Bednar
Joshu Brown
Harry Fisher
Joe Kelly
Joe Pellegrino
Leslie Tarkington
