Please Follow us on Gab, Minds, Telegram, Rumble, Gettr, Truth Social, Twitter
You just can't make this stuff up.
The Centinal published an article about the Greenwich Swamp five days ago.
The next thing you know, Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo accepts a paid position on the advisory board for a local engineering firm that “works closely with the Town of Greenwich” and has had a "major role in the design, engineering development and physical shaping" of the Town and "the majority of significant subdivisions" in the Town.
Camillo accepted the $10,000 per year role at Greenwich-based S.E. Minor after consulting the town's Ethics Board, which is composed of five members who are nominated by the Board of Selectmen and then appointed by the RTM, the town's legislative body.
The Board of Ethics has never previously rendered a decision or provided an advisory opinion with respect to such an arrangement.
But that's all changed with Camillo's new role.
The Board issued a 13-page decision, Advisory Opinion No. 24-03 (pp. 119-133), on the matter.
The decision details the very fine line that Camillo must walk in order to avoid any potential conflicts of interest in his paid advisory role.
Camillo tried to downplay any potential conflicts, and said that the role is “just to advise them where they’re trying to grow their market share, not only in other towns but other states." Perhaps like Florida, a favorite destination of Camillo's.
"I can't and I will not advocate for them [S.E. Minor] in any town business nor appear before any boards or commissions on their behalf,” Camillo promised.
Critics, however, are concerned about what they say should have been obvious conflicts of interest, especially given the fact that the First Selectman nominates people to join boards and commissions, such as Planning and Zoning Commission, Flood and Erosion Control Board, and the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency.
Furthermore, S.E. Minor advertises that its agents “frequently” appear before Town land use agencies and that by close coordination of permit and approval process the Company can provide for “a more predictable and efficient construction experience.” How convenient.
Joe Angland, Chairman of the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee, said, "Given how much work this company does with the town, the path for him to avoid a conflict of interest is exceedingly narrow," in a statement released to the Greenwich Time. "Think of how often he may need to recuse himself from doing the business of Greenwich, and is that fair to the people who elected him?"
This sentiment was echoed in the latest Greenwich Democrats newsletter.
"It certainly doesn’t add comfort to residents wondering if the town’s got our back about all those building projects in the works. You sure this is a good idea, Fred?" wondered the Democrats.
Not just the Democrats, because a majority of Republicans have the same questions for Camillo, too.
How will he be able to avoid the very real conflicts of interest in this role? Is it even possible? Does he even care? Or is this just another sign that the Greenwich swamp is alive and well?
too bad for freddie that he couldn't get his media buddies to bury this story until the primaries
DRAIN THE GREENWICH SWAMP
1st selectman should disclose his full arrangement.I wonder if he will get reimbursed for expenses like for a trip to Florida to fulfill his responsibility to "develop and enhance market share" Did he say its only the $10,000? or is there sales incentive commissions or stock options?