League of Women Voters of Greenwich Educational Fund

Greenwich Time

P. O. Box 604 • Greenwich, CT 06836-0604

VOTER’S2017 NEW! RTM Voter’s Guide More information on RTM candidates! Online only at GUIDE www.lwvg.org

INSIDE: ✔✔Election Day Information VOTE TUESDAY, ✔✔Greenwich Polling Places by District ✔✔Candidates for Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, NOVEMBER 7 Board of Estimate and Taxation, Board of Education, Representative Town Meeting, Tax Collector, POLLS OPEN Board of Assessment Appeals, Constables 6 A.M. TO 8 P.M. For additional information on voting, visit www.LWVG.org

YOU MAY TAKE THIS GUIDE INTO THE PRIVACY BOOTH Election Day Information

Late Voter Registration Checking for Mistakes After October 31, 2017, only those who have become Should you make a mistake in marking your ballot, the new residents, new citizens or turn age 18 may Optical Scanner will reject it immediately and return register in person at the Registrars’ Office. However, it to you. Errors include selecting too many candidates if you are unable to register to vote by the normal or circling an oval rather than filling it in; or there deadlines, a new election law passed in Connecticut may simply be stray marks on the ballot. The Machine in 2012 provides for Election Day Registration Tender will assist you by reading the error message in (EDR) in general elections as your last chance. If the optical scan display window. You will be directed you choose to register on Election Day, you must to the Ballot Clerk who will provide you with another appear in person at Town Hall and provide proof ballot. The Ballot Clerk will mark the previous of your identity and residence. A current and valid ballot “spoiled” and will place the spoiled ballot in a Connecticut driver’s license with your Greenwich receptacle for this purpose. You then can start over. address will satisfy both requirements. Other options Writing in a Vote for proof of identity include a birth certificate, social You may write in the name of a candidate that does security card or current student photo ID from an not appear on the ballot. If you write in a name, it institute of higher education. Proof of residence counts as part of the total tally of votes permitted for must include your current address. You will be that office. If only one vote is permitted, you will not asked to fill out a voter registration application and be able to vote for another candidate for that office. affirm—in writing—that you have not already voted Depending on the position, in order to be valid, a in this election. If you have been registered to vote write-in candidate must be registered with the Town in another Connecticut town, the election officials Clerk or Secretary of the State prior to Election must contact your former town to verify your voting Day. If you write in a name, you must also fill in the status. When this is completed, you will be able appropriate bubble so that the Optical Scanner knows to cast your ballot right there. As there is only one there is a write-in vote and can sort your ballot for location, the lines might be long. manual counting at the end of the night. Finding Your Polling Place Asking for Assistance The chart on this page shows the voting districts If you are in the privacy booth and unsure about how in Greenwich, including the exact address of to mark your ballot, two election officials of different the polling locations for each district. You can political parties will be able to assist you from outside look up your registration information by visiting the privacy booth. If you are visually impaired or www.greenwichct.org/vote and click on the link that otherwise handicapped, you may choose another voter says “Check to see if I am registered/Find my polling to be with you, with the permission of the Moderator, place”. You may also call Town Hall (203-622-7889 but this person cannot be your employer or a member or 203-622-7890). of your union leadership. Or you may ask the Checking In – Bring an ID Moderator to allow you to vote on the IVS handicap Greenwich Polling Places by District A sample ballot will be posted at each polling place, equipment provided at each polling location. and the Moderator will be available to answer Voting at Curbside DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 7 questions you may have. Prior to voting you will be For voters who are temporarily disabled due to recent Julian Curtiss School Gymnasium Greenwich High School Auditorium required to show identification to the Identification accident or illness, poll workers can bring a ballot 180 East Elm Street 10 Hillside Road Clerk. This can be any preprinted form showing your and a privacy sleeve to the car. The voter should Greenwich Greenwich name plus one of these three: address, signature or bring someone with them to the polling place to alert photograph. If you do not have suitable identification the poll workers of their presence. DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 8 with you, you will be asked to print your name and Town Hall, first-floor Central Middle School Cafeteria address on a preprinted statement and sign the form. Voting by Absentee Ballot Meeting Room 9 Indian Rock Lane at You then will begin the check-in process providing If you are a registered voter, you may vote by 101 Field Point Road Stanwich Road your street name and your legal name to the Official absentee ballot if you are: Greenwich Greenwich Checker. First-time voters who registered by mail • Ill or physically disabled; are required to provide identification; they are not • Going to be out of town during voting hours; DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 9 permitted to sign an affidavit. • In the armed forces and out of town during the voting hours; Western Middle School Gymnasium Bendheim Western Greenwich Getting Your Ballot • A member of a religious group not permitted to 1 Western Junior Highway Civic Center After check-in, the Ballot Clerk will provide you vote on Election Day; Greenwich 449 Pemberwick Road with a paper ballot and privacy sleeve and answer • An election official. Greenwich any questions you may have. You may use any You may obtain an application for an absentee DISTRICT 4 available privacy booth to complete your ballot. All ballot by calling, writing, or going into the office New Lebanon School Gymnasium DISTRICT 10 booths are equipped with pen and magnifying sheet. of the Town Clerk at Town Hall, 101 Field Point 25 Mead Avenue Glenville School Gymnasium Use the pen to completely fill in the oval next to the Road, Greenwich, CT (203-622-7897). When your Byram 33 Riversville Road candidate of your choice. application is returned to the Town Clerk’s office, Greenwich Using the Optical Scanner you will be issued an absentee ballot and two DISTRICT 5 Place your ballot in the privacy sleeve and proceed enclosure envelopes. The sealed marked ballot and Riverside School Gymnasium DISTRICT 11 to the tabulator (optical scanner). Remove the ballot signed outer envelope must reach the Town Clerk’s 90 Hendrie Avenue North Street School Gymnasium from the privacy sleeve, cover the ballot with the office before the close of the polls on Election Day, Riverside 381 North Street sleeve, and insert the ballot into the scanner either November 7. If you have gone to the Clerk’s office Greenwich right side up or down. The machine immediately for your application, you may receive and complete DISTRICT 6 scans the ballot, counts your vote and stores the your ballot at the same time. Old Greenwich School Gymnasium DISTRICT 12 ballot in a locked compartment. 285 Sound Beach Avenue North Mianus School Gymnasium For Your Information Old Greenwich 309 Palmer Hill Road No one is permitted to electioneer or solicit votes Riverside for a political party or candidate within 75 feet of a 2 | VOTER’S GUIDE 2017 polling place or inside a polling place. BOARD OF SELECTMEN

First Selectman 2-YEAR TERM (SALARIED)

The winner of the First Selectman race holds the office of First Selectman; the next two highest vote getters from that race and the race for Selectman will serve on the Board of Selectman. Candidates for First Selectman responded to two questions in no more than 100 words per question. Candidates for Selectman responded to one question in no more than 100 words per question. Replies are printed as received.

Sandy Litvack Peter J. Tesei Democratic Republican 41 Baldwin Farms South 4 Indian Pass Greenwich, CT 06830 Greenwich, CT 06830 Biography: I have lived in Greenwich with my wife and three boys Biography: First Selectman: (2007-Present). BET (1998-2007), since 2005. I have served as: Assistant Attorney General – heading the Chairman (2002-2007). RTM District 9, Chairman (1988-1997). Boy Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, and I have spent a decade at Scouts, Greenwich Symphony, Breast Cancer Alliance. American Red Disney where I was Senior Executive Vice President, Chief of Corporate Operations and Cross, Greenwich Alliance for Education, United Way, Greenwich Point Conservancy. ultimately, Vice Chairman. B.A. Political Science, University of Connecticut. BNY/Mellon Wealth Management Q: What are your three major priorities for the town and how will you address them? (1989-2007), VP. Fifth generation resident. Married; daughter and son. A: 1. Promoting economic growth: we must develop and execute a meaningful growth Q: What are your three major priorities for the town and how will you address them? plan, as we did at Disney, through strategic targeting and recruiting of businesses that A: My first priority is ensuring Greenwich maintains its standing as a premier residential make sense for Greenwich. community with its strong financial position which is validated by the leading credit 2. Addressing quality of life and mismanagement issues: there is a lack of leadership that rating agencies. My second priority is keeping the safety, security and well-being has allowed thefts in the Parking Services Division and has failed to address traffic and of all our residents. This is a hallmark of my tenure and confirmed by SAFEWISE environmental issues. rating Greenwich as the 1st safest city to raise a child in America. My third priority is 3. Board of Education: The current 4-4 split allows for bipartisan solutions that put our continuing our successful infrastructure improvement program. During my tenure we children first. I am committed to opposing efforts that would allow a takeover of the have invested well over $500 million of taxpayers’ money to improve schools, parks, Board by either political party. waterfront, roads and many towns buildings. Q: Can the Town continue the financing of its infrastructure maintenance and new Q: Can the Town continue the financing of its infrastructure maintenance and new projects? How should we finance them? projects? How should we finance them? A: Yes, we must. We cannot ignore our needs simply to lower our mill rate, in the A: The Town must maintain our commitment to our 15-year capital improvement mistaken belief that it will enhance property values. Our low mill rate is only one factor program: investing in schools, life safety and quality of life and priority infrastructure. in attracting people to Greenwich. Our education system, parks and the overall quality Our sound management and control of the operating budget allows supporting these of life are critical in making Greenwich the special place it is. To simply cut expenses capital expenditures while retaining our strong AAA credit rating. We must balance or forgo capital needs would be to materially impact the quality of life, which makes expenditures to ensure we retain the value inherent in our Greenwich residency. Greenwich unique. We must grow our economic base and not cut into bone. We can do Financing for these capital projects will be a blend of debt issuance through the modified that but it takes foresight, leadership and management. pay as you go structure in the capital markets, support from citizen public-private partnerships, and Federal, State and private grant funding.

Selectman 2-YEAR TERM (SALARIED) Drew Marzullo John F. Toner Democratic Republican 55 Orchard Street 351 Pemberwick Road #106 Cos Cob, CT 06807 Greenwich, CT 06831 Biography: Drew Marzullo has served as Selectman for the Town of Biography: A Greenwich native, John served in the Peace Corps Greenwich since 2009. As Selectman, Drew has used his platform to following college. He then joined Chase Manhattan Bank for a 27 year advocate for residents, families, businesses and employees and to ensure career. He served on RTM for 17 years before becoming Selectman the rights of all members of the community. Drew currently resides in Cos Cob with his in 2015. For years he has volunteered at Greenwich Hospital and with Call-A-Ride of family. Greenwich. Q: What criteria do you use when evaluating applicants for Town Boards and Q: What criteria do you use when evaluating applicants for Town Boards and Commissions? Commissions? A: When evaluating applicants for Town Boards and Commissions, I look for qualified A: After evaluating candidates’ education and experience , I look to the proposed candidates of any political party who display enthusiasm, subject matter expertise, and Board’s present membership to see if there is a need for the talents and experience of the those who are service- and mission- oriented. In my experience, almost all of the people applicant. I also consider any recommendations offered by citizens orTown department who express interest in a position are dedicated, well-qualified, well-intentioned citizens heads and discussions at Selectmen’s Nominations Advisory Committee meetings. who want to volunteer their time. If anything, we often have to make a difficult choice when Finally, I consider the role to be played, regular memberships versus alternative. Through multiple qualified people apply for one position. Finally, I strive to encourage diversity on all of this, I keep in mind that these are people volunteering their time. the town boards, as we are a diverse town of people who have much to contribute.

Town Clerk 2-YEAR TERM (SALARIED) Vote for 1 Carmella C. Budkins Republican 56 Alexander Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 VOTER’S GUIDE 2017 | 3 Vote for any 6; 12 candidates 2-YEAR TERM (UNSALARIED) will be elected, but not more Board of Estimate and Taxation than 6 from one party

The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Estimate and Taxation will be elected by the BET members and must be of the party receiving the highest number of votes in this race. Candidates responded to two questions in no more than 100 words per question. Replies are printed as received.

Leslie Moriarty David A. Weisbrod Elizabeth Krumeich Democratic Democratic Democratic 150 Parsonage Road 97 Husted Lane 16 Perryridge Road Greenwich, CT 06830 Greenwich, CT 06830 Greenwich, CT 06830 Biography: Community Involvement: BET Biography: David’s success as Vice Chairman Biography: JD, Catholic University (Law (2015-present); RTM (2013-2015); Board of of JP Morgan and leadership as Chairman of Review); BA, Kirkland College, formally Education (2005-2013, served as Chairman, Vice the Greenwich Planning and Zoning Board of coordinated with Hamilton (Trustee). BET, Chairman, Secretary); PTA Council (2002-2005, Appeals are indicative of the financial expertise 1 term. Former president, League of Women served as President, Vice President). Work Experience: was Group and commitment that he will bring to the BET. With three Voters of Greenwich and co-president, NSS PTA. Corporate VP of financial and strategic planning for Fortune 100 company. generations of Weisbrods in Greenwich, David has strong ties to counsel for companies including financial services firm servicing Education: BA, Wesleyan University; MBA, Harvard Business the community. private investment groups. 33-year resident, married with 2 School. 25-year Greenwich resident. Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? daughters who graduated from GHS. Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? A: Long term infrastructure projects are appropriately financed by Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? A: I support the implementation of sound financial management a combination of tax levies and bond financing as well as through A: Each project’s financing should be determined based on the practices which includes a more flexible approach to debt the Town’s Capital and Non-Recurring Fund. Capital projects scope of the project, the length of time the structure will be in maturities than is currently used. Longer bond maturities, including should be prioritized to determine timing of expenditures with all service to the community and the funding needed for the project. 20-year debt, should be used for certain infrastructure projects capital spending included in the Town’s 15 year Capital Plan. The Town should use long-term financing (up to 20 years with based on the life of the asset, the interest rates and yield curve at Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are low interest rate) to fund certain projects similar to the purchase of time of issuance and the projected capital model. Taxpayers would changes needed? the Pomerance property. The BET needs to have flexibility when benefit from lower interest rates on a portion of our debt, which A: The Town’s present budget process works reasonably well. financing costly infrastructure projects that will protect residents most AAA-rated municipalities do. Differing from Republican Departments are required to submit detailed plans to the First in the event of floods, wind storms and other extreme weather candidates, I believe our governance systems can maintain the Selectman and subsequently to the BET for review and approval patterns. We should not defer infrastructure projects. appropriate fiscal discipline while still allowing taxpayers to with capital requests submitted separately from operating expenses. Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are benefit from the capital markets. Public hearings in March/April provide voters an opportunity to changes needed? Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are participate actively in the process. A: The current budget process is effective. The First Selectman, the changes needed? Board of Estimate and Taxation, the Board of Education and the A: The BET’s primary function is to oversee sound fiscal Representative Town Meeting all carry out separate functions but policy that supports Greenwich’s long term goals. The process work in tandem to ensure that there is communication within the entails balancing fiscal discipline (low taxes, low debt) with the Town government. BET members have numerous opportunities to services needed by our residents. The current BET, controlled speak with Department heads and Board and Commission heads to by Republicans, focuses primarily on the tax rate and not on the understand the nuances in both the capital and operating budgets. budget’s impact on services and long term planning. To maintain Once we approve the budgets, the BET members attend RTM our real estate values, the process needs to be better balanced -- meetings to discuss the critical items and respond to questions. determining appropriate services to support residents’ needs while Increased communications among the various governmental also keeping taxes low. This change in the process will improve groups leads to greater consensus. planning to keep Greenwich vibrant and vital for our future.

Debra Hess Michael Mason Leslie L. Tarkington Republican Republican Republican 4 Kensington Court 40 Ridge Street 76 Hillside Drive Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Cos Cob, CT 06807 Greenwich, CT 06830 Biography: As a Greenwich resident for almost Biography: I am a Greenwich native. GHS Biography: Board of Estimate and Taxation 14 years, I am raising my daughter here and Class of 1981. Wife, Michele, daughter Julia. (2006-Present): Budget, Law (Chairman), appreciate how special our community is. I have Owner Westchester Aeronautical Corp., Past Human Resources (former Chairman), Audit Committees; former Clerk; Assessor’s Office; 30 years of diverse finance experience, 14 years as a CFO (mostly Master Acacia Lodge #85. Former Amergerone Volunteer Fire MISA. Nathaniel Witherell Board (2004-2006): Secretary, public companies). I have led complex financial organizations. I Co. member. Current BET Chairman, Previous service, RTM 12 Building Committee (Chairman). Northeast Greenwich Association am active in the Greenwich community. years. District 8 Chairman. Chairman RTM Parks & Recreation Board. Financial management: Citigroup; Ford Motor Company. Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? Committee, District 8 RTC Chairman. MBA, Darden, University of Virginia; BA, Connecticut College. A: I believe the modified pay as you go financing has served Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? Married. Resident, 45 years. Greenwich well and continues to be the best path forward. A: I will continue to support our Modified Pay as You Go Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? Borrowing over a longer-term, even with today’s low interest system. The current system reduces total cost for projects versus A: I support the Greenwich modified pay-as-you-go debt policy to rates, adds substantial costs to a project that will need to be paid conventional 20-year notes. Example, a 50-million-dollar finance projects with two year notes and five year, equally amortizing either with future taxes or reduced spending. We clearly see the borrowing will cost 13 million dollars more, financed over 20 bonds. This policy minimizes debt costs for taxpayers, and allows danger of the borrowing approach in our state, which is in major years than our current system. The BET should continue to finance the Town to proceed with major capital and infrastructure projects. fiscal crisis, contributed by its debt. This is not something we want projects on a cash flow basis. This system allows us to throttle Longer term debt has higher interest costs over a longer period. in Greenwich. I also support the current process of short-term commitments as economic times require and does not burden the Sewer Plant Improvements and Witherell Project Renew are funded borrowing because it facilitates a stable and predictable mill rate. next generation to pay for our vision of today. with twenty year debt. These projects generate revenue streams to Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are service their debt and should be self-funded. Greenwich residents changes needed? changes needed? benefit from lower property taxes as a result of previous BET financing decisions to limit debt maturities and debt service burden. A: While I believe the current process works, we always need to A: The Bet has increased our public participation in the past two Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are challenge the way we do things and implement improvements. terms. Chanel 79 exposure, attending additional RTM committee changes needed? When determining the current year’s budget, our process should and district meetings, expanded member participation is Vidal. A: The budget process is an open, transparent, nine month cycle of consider a multi-year exercise involving the long term as well as Continuing to keep the budget communications between the financial communication, dialogue, and cooperation between the the near term, especially as it relates to capital assets. Identifying various boards monthly should continue. BET, First Selectman, Department heads, and RTM. Meetings are key drivers, while performing sensitivity analysis, will assist in telecast and there are public hearing opportunities for advocacy and delivering a low and predictable mill rate over time with services taxpayer input prior to decision meetings. The Town’s employees our residents want. To ensure we are being as cost effective and report to fourteen Appointing Authorities: the First Selectman, efficient as possible, our process needs to be a thorough bottoms- elected Department heads, and Boards and Commissions. up analysis identifying potential areas to improve. To preserve the Town’s quality of life, manage operating and capital costs, and retain the highest debt rating, all participants must understand the breadth of issues. Given the organizational complexity, the budget process is orderly and consensus is achieved. 4 | VOTER’S GUIDE 2017 Vote for any 6; 12 candidates 2-YEAR TERM (UNSALARIED) will be elected, but not more Board of Estimate and Taxation than 6 from one party

Tony Turner Jeffrey S. Ramer Jill Oberlander Democratic Democratic Democratic 13 Dialstone Lane 2 Wesskum Wood Road 19 Bush Avenue Riverside, CT 06878 Riverside, CT 06878 Greenwich, CT 06830 Biography: Town resident for 24 years, married, Biography: BET, five term incumbent; RTM, Biography: Jill is a loving mother and wife, two children in GPS, CEO of regulatory District Five; Board of Ethics, former Chair; caring friend, and dedicated community software company, Univ. of S.C. RTM (2014- PTA, president twice; Riverside Association, volunteer. Jill is completing her first term on the 16): HHS committee, member New Lebanon former President; Greenwich United Way Board; BET, having previously served 6 years on the School Building Committee; appointed to BET in Jan. 2017, Greenwich Library trustee; Democratic Town Committee, Chair; RTM. She is a member of the United Way Community Planning Cub Scout leader, past ruling elder at First Presby, co-chair of First Congregational Church Outreach Committee; Hot Line Council and former board member of the Greenwich LWV. stewardship and nominating committee chair. Board; GEMS first responder; Cos Cob Power Plant Committees, Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? two, chaired one. A: Investment in infrastructure should be structured to A: The five year bonding program unnecessarily increases taxes Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? appropriately allocate the cost of facilities among those benefiting because it requires debt service payments over a short period of A: It depends: (a) Longer term bonding on capital projects having from their use. The ability to spread the investment cost over time. Five year financing also limits funding for more capital long service lives, spreads the cost across future users, rather than an asset’s useful life adds flexibility, empowering the BET to projects such as deteriorating public buildings and school facilities disproportionately imposing upon just current residents. (b) Longer determine the best mix of financing to meet Town needs. This and, due to the delays, ultimately increases repair/replacement term bonding can advance projects needed now, which otherwise flexibility could save taxpayers money and allow for the timely costs. However the town should not move to long term financing might be delayed in the funding cue. (c) Mix of maturities is a completion of necessary projects. Some are concerned that longer- on every capital project but should consider the useful life of the hedge against risk being forced to market in momentarily adverse term financing will result in an increased debt load over time for asset, its purpose and then decide on the financing term, all on a future credit markets. (d) Higher interest rates on longer maturities unnecessary projects. As a result, flexible financing must be case-by-case basis. Flexibility should be our watchword on this are partially offset by repayment in dollars depreciated by inflation. paired with disciplined budgeting and strict scrutiny of projects topic. (e) Quirks in the yield curve may actually favor longer maturities, and expenses. Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are or at least capture now momentary low rates. Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are changes needed? Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are changes needed? A: The budget process should move in the direction of working changes needed? A: The present budget process works reasonably well. Most with town managers to find more operating efficiencies through A: Exceptionally well, as reflected in the consistent AAA credit significantly, it can be lauded for its extensive public input process. technology and streamlining procedures and processes, all with a ratings from the three major credit reporting agencies, and in The final budget represents months of study to set targets, identify view to making our town more future ready. This analysis should the low and predictable mill rate increases, while maintaining a desired service levels and capital needs, and evaluate contract and be given ample time for review in the budget process. high level of Town services and Public Educational program. The other cost increases. Throughout, interested residents have the current system would benefit from the resumption of the priority opportunity to ask questions, identify priorities, and raise concerns. ranking by the Capital Improvement Program of the capital The budget process works best when based on a data-driven projects that it presents to the BET through the First Selectman understanding of resident service needs. We would benefit from an each year. expanded dialogue about whether Town services keep pace with changing demands. Some services may require enhancements; others may no longer be needed.

Karen Fassuliolis Andy Duus Bill Drake Republican Republican Republican 26 Skylark Road 26 Cherry Tree Lane 50 Breezemont Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 Riverside, CT 06878 Riverside, CT 06878 Biography: 50 year Greenwich resident; Biography: Greenwich resident for 37 years. Biography: An investment executive and Greenwich High School graduate; New York Married for 41 years, with two daughters. MBA. lifelong resident of Greenwich, Bill is honored University (BA, Biology); St. John’s University Retired from a career in finance. Active in local to be nominated to continue to serve on the BET, (MS/PhD, Toxicology/Pharmacology); Pace non-profits. Have written about the State’s where he is presently Clerk, Chairman of the Law School (JD). Practicing Attorney; Past Executive Director, financial crisis. Currently serves on the RTM’s Budget Overview Investment Advisory Committee, and Vice Chairman of the New Regulatory Affairs. RTM four terms (past Chair, Health/ Committee. Lebanon School Building Committee. Human Services Committee; current Vice-Chair, Transportation Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? Committee). Two time recipient, Greenwich Probate Court Pro A: Debt can be attractive politically, but taxes ultimately fund all A: Our sewer infrastructure has a very long useful life and is Bono Award. long-term municipal investment, and debt merely postpones when. financed over 20 years. Most of the rest of our infrastructure is Q: How should long-term infrastructure projects be financed? For this reason, no matter how low its rate, debt always adds costs financed over seven years. This approach has worked extremely A: After our Town experienced near bankruptcy a prudent policy for taxpayers. Fairness may be a better potential rationale for debt- well for the residents of Greenwich. Our public infrastructure of was created for capital projects to “pay as you go”, which was later funding capital investment, because debt may allow the matching 15 high-quality public schools, extraordinary parks, new Police amended to a “modified pay as you go” policy. I am comfortable of the future benefits of the investment with the payment for the and Fire Department facilities, extensive well-maintained roads with the current policy. I disagree with those who want long investment. But potential fairness may decline to the extent (a) the and other Town facilities is the fruit of this long-established, term bonding – a policy that too often encourages more spending amount of capital investment varies little from year to year, and conservative approach to debt. Using debt sparingly has meant than available resources and guarantees that future BETs will be (b) substantial other long-term liabilities, such as under-funded low taxes, a policy that benefits every resident. The current proven restricted in the budgetary options available to them due to a larger pension and other post-employment benefits, already exist. approach will continue to have my strong support. annual debt service. The BET’s modified pay as you go makes Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are fiscal sense for our taxpayers and for our future generations of changes needed? changes needed? taxpayers. A: Over the past decade, the Town’s budget and local property A: Our budgetary practices are excellent. The independent bond Q: How well does the present budget process work? Are taxes have increased almost by half, its long-term liabilities have rating agency Standard & Poors evaluated our budget process changes needed? increased by far more than its fund balances, and its Grand List has when they awarded Greenwich their highest rating, triple-A, in A: As a current RTM member I understand the number of hours declined. Also over the same period, local taxpayers have suffered January 2017. S & P wrote: “…very strong management, with devoted by Town volunteers in preparing, reviewing, debating, the State’s two largest tax increases ever and should expect another strong financial policies and practices……strong budgetary and ultimately approving the Town budget. As a future BET major increase in State tax rates soon. Clearly, something has performance….very strong budgetary flexibility….very member I would like to see changes to the financial forecasting not been right. When one has fewer resources, you would expect strong liquidity….very strong debt and contingent liability of proposed capital improvement projects and a better system for to tighten one’s budget belt. We need to deliver services more position…..low overall net debt….rapid amortization…..very prioritizing what projects are done when. I would also like to see efficiently and need to distinguish which services are need-to-have strong institutional framework…..The Town has achieved nine the BET review its “low but predictable” tax increase policy and and which are nice-to-have. consecutive years of operating surpluses… The fiscal 2016 positive look to zero-based budgeting, do a top-to-bottom review of Town performance is largely attributed to conservative budgeting……” services and institute a formal procedure to measure and review the These are the successful results of long term Republican leadership productivity and efficiency of these services. of the Board of Estimate and Taxation.

VOTER’S GUIDE 2017 | 5 Vote for any 4; the 2 candidates with the highest Board of Education 4-YEAR TERM (UNSALARIED) number of votes in each party will be elected.

Candidates responded to two questions in no more than 100 words per question. Replies are printed as received.

Kathleen Jordan Stowe Meghan E. Olsson Democratic Democratic 52 Crown Lane 25 Ferncliff Road Greenwich, CT 06831 Cos Cob, CT 06807 Biography: I am the mother of three Biography: Meghan grew up in Greenwich, children, a dedicated volunteer and a financial attending the public schools. She has over fifteen professional. I have been a class parent multiple years of teaching experience and currently times, coached town teams and serve on my teaches French at Mamaroneck High. When not community board. My career has been in investment banking and teaching, Meghan spends time with her husband and three children. private equity, which should be helpful as we navigate financial Meghan’s focus is to enhance engagement with our schools, challenges. particularly with working parent families. Q: What performance measures should be used to evaluate the Q: What performance measures should be used to evaluate the district’s performance? district’s performance? A: We should look at both proficiency and growth for all our A: We should measure performance through engagement. Engaged students. I believe personalized learning will be helpful in students will be more proactive in their school environment, achieving this goal and is an essential part of the strategic plan. leading to improved outcomes in test scores and graduation rates. Additionally, I would look to measure student well-being and Students who have positive emotions associated with learning and engagement. Finally, I would like to continually assess stakeholder are engaged are significantly more likely to retain the information satisfaction and budget performance. they have learned. Families who are engaged are more likely Q: Do you support the proposed Charter change? Why? to participate in their children’s education. Taken together, A: I do not support the proposed Charter change. A balanced increased engagement leads to better quality of education and board is the only way we can keep party politics out of the schools positive academic outcomes. Engagement is a holistic approach, and not allow the political agenda of a single party to influence focused on the students, their families, and their community. educational policy. In fact, the longstanding policy of Greenwich When all constituencies are fully engaged, the result is increased that there is no dominant party on the Board of Education forces performance. members to work together. In going back through past Board of Q: Do you support the proposed Charter change? Why? Education votes, there has rarely been a deadlocked vote along A: I am opposed to Charter change and don’t believe it healthy for party lines when it comes to educational policy. I look forward to our school community to inject partisan politics into the Board of focusing on continually improving the Greenwich schools. Education. Both our town and state have a longstanding tradition of keeping the Board of Education fair and balanced between the political parties in order to put education first. Charter change is a purely political issue that undermines the history and success of bipartisanship on the Board. Our work on the Board of Education should be about improving the quality of education in Greenwich and outcomes for our students through cooperation and consensus – not divisive partisan politics.

Jason Auerbach Peter D. Bernstein Peter Sherr Republican Republican Republican 18 Field Road 100 Havemeyer Place 55 Long Meadow Road Riverside, CT 06878 Greenwich, CT 06830 Riverside, CT 06878 Biography: Jason has lived in Greenwich for Biography: I am the proud parent of two GPS Biography: Peter currently serves as Chairman almost 6 years with his wife Catherine and 3 students and bring a record of integrity and of the Board of Education. Peter and his wife, sons who attend Greenwich Public Schools. collaboration along with four years of experience Karen, have resided in Greenwich since 1993. Jason is a member of the Representative Town on the BOE, service as a PTA president and my They live in Riverside with their three children. Meeting formally of District 8 and now District 5. Jason serves on legal and compliance expertise. My goal is to ensure success for Their younger children attend Greenwich Public Schools. Peter is the Education and Budget Overview Committees. our new Superintendent and all students. CEO of Kelvinbridge, a start-up education software app company. Q: What performance measures should be used to evaluate the Q: What performance measures should be used to evaluate the Q: What performance measures should be used to evaluate the district’s performance? district’s performance? district’s performance? A: The job of the Greenwich Public Schools is to educate our A: Administrators and teachers are using a wealth of data to better A: The mission of Greenwich Schools is to educate children to children. As a member of the Board of Education, I will focus serve students of all abilities and levels. Academics are viewed at their potential. This means consider each child individually and on the whole child, and not just test scores. We need Educational various levels: student, class, grade, building and district. We also educate them to their full potential creating intelligent, thoughtful, Equity. The same standards should be applied across District look beyond test scores at participation in activities, graduation vibrant and well-balanced individuals. elementary and middle schools for everything from ALP, to rates, postgraduate life and much more. Success should be measured by the academic achievement, health and special needs access, to class sizes. I will end the practice of Assessment of student achievement and growth, accompanied by civic engagement of students. Key measurements include achievement unaccountable and subjective methods with hard data, and the teacher and program evaluations allow us to ensure the District’s in English, Mathematics, Science and History, participation in athletics steady erosion of both programs and standards. Greenwich needs performance is maximized for the best outcomes. and extracurricular activities, and volunteer service. to reverse our Education decline because OUR KIDS DESERVE Q: Do you support the proposed Charter change? Why? GPS must adopt an evidence-based management system focused BETTER. A: I do not support the proposed Charter change. Changing on outcomes for children versus inputs by teachers or staff. Q: Do you support the proposed Charter change? Why? the structure to allow single party control of the BOE is neither Performance must be compared locally, nationally and globally as A: I support Charter Change, because the BoE should be elected necessary nor will it result in any increase in achievement of we prepare kids to succeed in the world. by Greenwich citizens, not selected by the political parties. students. It would detrimentally impact the governance of the Q: Do you support the proposed Charter change? Why? It would also allow unaffiliated voters a much greater say in BOE by removing incentive for discussion and collaboration by its A: Boards of Education must be directly accountable to parents and education policy in town. Currently, the BOE has 8 seats which members. taxpayers through the one-person one-vote democratic process. I support are allotted by quota – 4 each to the Democrats and Republicans. Our current system already allows for accountability to voters, any proposal that guarantees direct democracy to select the BoE. Independents, who are 39% of Greenwich voters, cannot run, and not the local political committees who often run only the requisite Education should be non-partisan. By Connecticut law, Board most-often the town parties pre-select candidates, rendering the number of candidates. My ability to successfully petition onto the composition is determined by party affiliation. This allows party election a rubber stamp. The basic tenants of democracy require ballot demonstrates that voters truly have the power to make real organizations to have undue control over school boards. All that voters choose their leaders. Charter change will make sure we choices about who represents them best. Connecticut towns except Greenwich overcome this flaw by have that in Greenwich. That’s why I support it. setting a school board election method to reduce the power of party organizations. We are the only Connecticut municipality that elects a Board with guaranteed seats for parties. This system disenfranchises unaffiliated voters and prevents competitive elections.

6 | VOTER’S GUIDE 2017 Representative Town Meeting 2-YEAR TERM (UNSALARIED)

Candidates with no designation following their name are current RTM members who attended more than two-thirds of both the general and district meetings since the last election or since becoming an RTM member. Candidates with Petition following their name are current RTM members but have attended fewer than two-thirds of both general and district meetings since the last election or since becoming an RTM member. Candidates with P-NEW following their name are not current RTM members. Voting and attendance records of all RTM members are available for review at the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall, daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and on the Town website: Greenwichct.org/government/RTM.

DISTRICT 1 – South Center DISTRICT 4 – Byram Leander Krueger – P-NEW Jennifer L. Freitag – Petition Bertram M. Metter – Petition Vote for 19 or Less Vote for 17 or Less John D. Lobrano Steven A. Gordon Anuj M. Patel – Petition Arline Lomazzo Klaus H. Jander Norma S. Roelke – P-NEW Andrea E. Anthony Gregory D. Brown – P-NEW Brian J. Maher Laura I. Kostin – P-NEW Roger S. Shedlin – Katharine Ashworth – P-NEW Ronald F. Carosella Petition Al D. McCready Thomas F. McGarrity Alan A. Small – Judy G. Badia Thomas John Greco Petition Stephen R. Meskers Janet Lee McMahon – P-NEW Louisa H. Stone Carl G. R. Carlson, Jr. Susan L. McCabe Katharine W. “Kerry” Meyers – P-NEW Richard J. Margenot – Petition Joanna Swomley – Edward D. Dadakis – Petition Robert J. McKnight, Jr. P-NEW JoAnn D. O’Hara – P-NEW Carol S. Marino-Zelenz – P-NEW Dora P. Williams – Jessica B. DelGuercio – P-NEW Alex J. Popp, Jr. Petition Jennie A. Pastor – P-NEW Linda A. Moshier – P-NEW Dean C. Goss Maria Madeleine Popp Monica Prihoda – P-NEW Cheryl A. Moss – P-NEW Dean L. Goss Romulo E. Samaniego DISTRICT 11 – Northeast Victoria B. Quake Rommel Nobay Judith G. Goss Josiane M. Schaffner-Parnell Vote for 24 or Less David H. Rudolph Barbara B. Oxer – P-NEW Alanna M. Hynes – P-NEW Samarpana Tamm Victoria C. Bostock – P-NEW George A. Sorenson – Petition Michael J. Petrone – P-NEW Kieran E. Ingold J. Robert Tuthill William R. Collins Horst Tebbe Robert J. Peyton – P-NEW Frederick Lee, Jr Donald R. Vitti Thomas M. Devaney Alexis Voulgaris Caryn S. Rosenbaum – P-NEW Anthony G. Lopez – P-NEW Lucy H. Von Brachel – P-NEW Susan D. Fahey George Michael “Mike” Weiksner Mary M. “Molly” Saleeby – P-NEW Jaysen Lee Medhurst – P-NEW Bonnie Zeh Joseph Fahys Victoria Martin Young – P-NEW Lisa A. Seglem – P-NEW Russel G. “Grant” Perkins, Jr. Despina K. Fassuliotis Stephen R. Shealy – P-NEW Daniel E. P. Quigley DISTRICT 5 – Riverside Tracy H. Freedman – P-NEW DISTRICT 7 – North Center John A. Shulman – Petition Robert Robins Vote for 18 or Less Karen B. Giannuzzi – P-NEW Elizabeth “Sanders” Mills – Petition Vote for 20 or Less Alison F. Soler – P-NEW Jason Auerbach – Petition Margaret G. Heppelmann – P-NEW Melinda K. “Mindy” Smith – P-NEW Gerrit Argento – Petition Carol A. Swift – Petition Jennifer L. Baird – P-NEW Todd Kennedy Helma H. Varga Kimberly Morgan Blank – Petition Christopher R. von Keyserling Jeffrey S. Bardos Susan C. Khanna – P-NEW James D. Vaughn Ellen M. Brennan-Galvin – Petition Michael E. Basham – P-NEW Ajit K. Laroia Marla M. Weston Mary G. “Nanette” Burrows DISTRICT 9 – Pemberwick/Glenville Joseph H. Benoit, Jr. Adam L. Leader Thomas Cahill – P-NEW Vote for 20 or Less Robert K. Brady – P-NEW Dana G. Neuman DISTRICT 2 – Harbor Jill S. Cobbs Phyllis R. Alexander – Edward T. Broadhurst, III – Petition P-NEW Richard J. Neuman John H. Dolan Vote for 14 or Less Ella D. Cohen Jane W. Arnone David E. Oliver Alice B. Duff Barbara T. Darula Frank J. Baratta Nancy E. Cooper – P-NEW Gregg O’Neill Pauletti – P-NEW Kimberly S. Fiorello – P-NEW Betsey S. Frumin Duncan G. Burke – Petition Stephanie L. D’Alton Barrett – P-NEW Ralph E. Penny Margaret B.G. Freiberg Monserrat M. Galizi – P-NEW Nancy B. Burke – Petition Christina S. Downey – P-NEW Jonathan Pierce Redmond William W. Galvin, III Donna F. Gaudioso-Zeale P. Jude Collins Delbert G. Eberhardt Stuart E. Reider Dean C. Gamanos Stefan Greenberg Donald R. Conway Edwin D. Hardman, Jr. – P-NEW Kimberly D. Salib – P-NEW Hilary A. Gunn Deborah R. Krautheim – John C. Cracraft Susan M. Jaffe – P-NEW Petition Michael L. Spilo Donald E. Hamilton Abbe F. Large Franklin I. David Lucy B. Krasnor Cathryn F. “Cathy” Steel – P-NEW Lucia D. Jansen Lauren B. O’Keefe Fridolf A. Hanson Martin Robert Krasnor Rebecca Z. Steinfeld Miriam L. Kreuzer – P-NEW Christine M. Quackenbush Michele F. Klosson – P-NEW Shawn J. McDonnell Elisabeth G. “Lisa” Stuart – P-NEW Elizabeth “Wynn” McDaniel Brian R. Raney – P-NEW Katherine N. LoBalbo – Petition Anna M. Monteiro – P-NEW Richard C. Wellington, Jr. Henry A. Orphys – P-NEW Jonathan R. Shankman Kristine S. Lowe Paul A. Olmsted Gregory J. Zorthian Elizabeth A. Perry – P-NEW Richard Shapiro Mary Ellen D. Markowitz – P-NEW Andrew A. Oram – P-NEW Luis G. Reyna – P-NEW Lillian S. “Sharon” Shisler Michael J. Metzger Danyal Ozizmir DISTRICT 12 – Havemeyer John P. Ryan Ralph Vizzari – Cecilia H. Morgan Karen S. Oztemel Petition Vote for 21 or Less Catherine G. Sidor Carol A. Zarrilli Wilma Nacinovich Brian P. Peldunas Berrin Snyder Jared L. Zuckerman Daniel A. Abaroa Lorelei Brooke O’Hagan – P-NEW Thomas G. Petersen, Jr. Luke T. Szymczak – Petition Thomas Agresta Eileen J. Toretta Patricia H. Roberts M. Michael Warner Francia Alvarez Douglas J. Wells Jeffrey B. Sahrbeck – Petition DISTRICT 10 – Northwest Vote for 20 or Less Craig W. Amundson Ashley M.B. Smith – P-NEW Thomas E. Bancroft – DISTRICT 8 – Cos Cob Petition DISTRICT 3 – Chickahominy Joan B. Thakor – P-NEW Gerald L. Anderson Glen A. Canner Vote for 26 or Less Vote for 11 or Less Peter B. Van Duyne – P-NEW David W. Blob – P-NEW David L. de Milhau Kathryn L. Walker – P-NEW Jonathan H. Bates Robert M. Byrnes Robert J. Allen Barbara Galton Hindman Peter E. Berg Thomas F. Daly Louise T. Bavis Mary A. Keller – P-NEW DISTRICT 6 – Old Greenwich Deborah D. Berner David W. Detjen Thomas Philip Conelias Aaron J. Leonard Vote for 20 or Less Joshua H. Brown Alberto Ferrer Dawn M. Fortunato Edward M. Manganiello Francis J. Burgweger, Jr. Gina Marie Furano – Petition Ed J. Lopez – P-NEW Thomas J. Byrne Robert T. May Jill M. Capalbo – P-NEW Michael A. Galatioto – P-NEW Rosalind Nicastro Marilyn Ross Cahn Miriam Mennin Randy Caravella Nancy E. Gray – Petition Sylvester J. Pecora, Sr. Michael C. Carter Ellen Murdock Andrew M. Chapin Robert C. Grayson Adam A. Rothman Robert A. Cenci Carl R. “Rob” Perelli-Minetti Christopher Cleary – P-NEW Mareta C. Hamre – P-NEW Steven P. Rubin Paige A. B. Davis – P-NEW Samuel T. Telerico Anne O. Connerty – P-NEW William B. Harris – P-NEW Allison M. Walsh Carol C. Ducret – Petition Donald T. Whyko Candace V. Garthwaite M. Irene Dietrich Katherine V. Hynes Andrew S. Winston – P-NEW Michele M. Graham – P-NEW Philip A. Dodson Rachel Khanna – P-NEW John M. Wissmann Jacqueline K. Hammock John R. Eddy Lawrence S. Malkin – P-NEW Holly E.D. Young Coline Jenkins Christine L. Edwards Nancy H. Marshall – Petition Gunnar E. Klintberg C. Nick Edwards, III John Mastracchio – Petition

For more RTM candidate information, see our RTM VOTER’S GUIDE online at www.lwvg.org

VOTER’S GUIDE 2017 | 7 Tax Collector 2-YEAR TERM (SALARIED) Vote for 1

Candidates responded to one question in no more than 100 words. Replies are printed as received.

Howard Richman Tod Laudonia Democratic Republican 387 Round Hill Road 49 Harold Street, Unit #2 Greenwich, CT 06831 Cos Cob, CT 06807 Biography: Democratic candidate for Town of Greenwich Tax Biography: Born in Greenwich, Tod graduated from Emerson College Collector 2015; Democratic candidate for State House 149th District with a Bachelor of Science degree. He is serving his fourth term as 2010; Democratic candidate for State Senate 36th District 1994; Greenwich’s elected Tax Collector. Tod has achieved the designation Representative Town Meeting 1994-95, District 5; Representative Town Meeting of Certified Connecticut Municipal Collector and currently serves asVice-President of 2006-07, District 9; Treasurer of Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. Moved to Fairfield County Tax Collectors’ Association. Greenwich in 1992. Children educated … Q: Are there any improvements that can be made in the running of the office? Q: Are there any improvements that can be made in the running of the office? A: Improving office operations through both technology and professional development A: Better management of the office and staff salaries. Work within the BET assigned has been a priority throughout my tenure as Tax Collector. I implemented and have budget. Deposit taxpayer checks and process tax refunds in a timely manner. Process overseen a change in software vendors to increase efficiency; I added a vendor who now Court Orders and credit card chargebacks in a timely manner. Improve public relations provides taxpayers with the option of electronic payments, email and text notifications with the taxpayer and eliminate inefficiency of government. Allow for maximization of and a choice to opt in for complete electronic billing. I encourage office employees tax revenue to the Town. to enhance their professional development through certification courses, seminars Q: Do you believe the Tax Collector office should be appointed? and continuing education. I personally participate in several professional associations A: My platform in the 2015 election was that the Tax Collector should be appointed. I do learning from other tax collectors and sharing experiences, suggestions and knowledge. not feel as strongly about this now. If elected, it is one of a number of issues I will bring Outstanding customer service is our benchmark. to the Board of Estimate and Taxation for discussion. Q: Do you believe the Tax Collector office should be appointed? The priority now is fixing what is broken in the office so that it operates as efficiently as A: No, it is important to have representatives of the people in daily Town Hall possible both for the taxpayer and the Town. operations. Electing the Tax Collector guarantees a member of the community in that role. Someone with accountability directly to the voters instead of risking a politically appointed bureaucrat holding the position. Elected Tax Collectors create an atmosphere of confidentiality plus compassion, open communication and assistance in deeply personal matters. Additionally, Town departments run by Elected Officials have consistently smaller spending increases compared to those run by appointed officials. Elected Officials are also paid dramatically less than appointed ones. It is simply better governance in every way.

Board of Assessment Appeals 2-YEAR TERM Vote for 3; 5 will be elected Mary B. McNamee Laurence B. Simon Mark Pruner Jeff Reardon Jack Kriskey Democratic Democratic Republican Republican Republican 1 Putnam Hill #3C 48 Edgewood Drive 44 Burying Hill Road 11 Connecticut Avenue 19 The Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 Greenwich, CT 06831 Greenwich, CT 06831 Greenwich, CT 06830 Greenwich, CT 06831

Constables 2-YEAR TERM Vote for 4; 7 will be elected James Fahy Don Romeo Phillip Michael Pittocco Tony Stelluti Siegrun G. Pottgen John J. Thompson Donna Maloney Democratic Democratic Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican 15 Pond Place 14 Bonan Drive 229 Hamilton Avenue 4 Putnam Hill 4E 9 Glenville Street 66 Ivy Street 19 Tamarack Place Cos Cob, CT 06807 Riverside, CT 06878 Greenwich, CT 06830 Greenwich, CT 06830 Greenwich, CT 06831 Greenwich, CT 06830 Greenwich, CT 06831

This Voter’s Guide was prepared by the League of Women Voters of Greenwich Educational Fund, Inc. The League is a This Voter’s Guide will nonpartisan, volunteer political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The Educational Fund is the arm of the League of Women be available through the Voters that conducts citizen information activities. Greenwich Time website, www.greenwichtime.com The Voter’s Guide is made possible by donations. If you appreciate this information, please support the Guide with a tax- deductible contribution to the League of Women Voters of Greenwich Educational Fund, PO Box 604, Greenwich, CT 06836. and through the League of Women Voters of Jara Burnett, Claudia Carthaus and Liz van Caloen – Steering Committee Greenwich website, 2017 Jara Burnett and Joanne Stavrou – Co-Vice Presidents, Voter Services Kathy Burgweger – Editor, Voter’s Guide www.lwvg.org. Voter’s Marla Laney – Graphic Design Guide For additional election information, you may call the Registrars at 203-622-7889 or 203-622-7890 or the Town Clerk at 203-622-7897.

8 | VOTER’S GUIDE 2017