"MASTER OF THE HOUSE" STATE REP. FRED CAMILLO

“MASTER OF THE HOUSE” – STATE REP. FRED CAMILLO

A familiar refrain from the world famous play, Le Miserable, “Master of the House”.

We here in Greenwich have our own "Master of the House": State Representative Alfred Camillo (R-151)!

His accomplishments in the General Assembly session ending this past Wednesday June 5, 2013, are truly remarkable!

In Fred's quiet, unassuming…yet persistent way,  three very important bills he championed were passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate; and are on their way to Governor Dannell P. Malloy for signature into law.

The first bill increases the penalties for distracted driving; a situation I have been guilty of and will now reform my ways.

Distracted driving is proving to be more dangerous than DWI and is seriously injuringand even killing people on our highways. The laws on the books (a relatively small fine)simply didn't do the job in deterring this conduct.

“Master of the House” Camillo took action.  

His bill now increases fines for this dangerous conduct; and more importantly mandatesreporting distracted driving vonduct to insurance companies to affect one's car insurance premium!  Now that has got my attention!

Sometimes you need a good kick in the butt to stop conduct that makes no sense.

Indeed, many people never like to be told what to do.

In this case however, THANK YOU “Master of the House” Camillo for taking action to save lives!

Next, after two years of addressing legitimate concerns regarding euthanizing animals; Fred listened to the concerns and crafted a bill dealing with this very complicated subject.

The bill is known by many as "The Buddy Bill"; and is named after the GermanSheppard Buddy blasted away by a new owner who took the dog home as a new pet ; and then shockingly executed Buddy by shooting him when the owner no longer wanted the dog.

People don't often think of what seems like a simple practice to outlaw, faced objections and legitimate needs of farmers and, for example, law enforcement officials needing to act quickly in certain situations to euthanize animals to protect the public.

Where other such bills have failed over the years, Master of the House Camillo's

bill prevailed this session!

Fred worked with his fellow legislators and even the Governor’s office, to understand everyone’s legitimate concerns.  Fred then crafted a bill solving “Buddy type” situations;yet allowing farmers and law enforcement officials freedom to act in appropriate circumstances.

Apparently the entire Generally Assembly agreed with “Master of the House” Camillo by overwhelming approving this bill, introduced by Fred on behalf of animals who have no voice of their own.  That is until now with Fred speaking on their behalf.

Finally, Fred who is an Associate Fire Policeman here in Greenwich, was shocked when a Fire Police Officer from Cos Cob was dragged by a motorist’s car after the motorist

failed to follow a traffic direction at a wires down scene last year.

The motorist imperiled himself, others and injured the Fire Police Officer, catching the officers turn out coat on his car mirror....dragging the officer as he attempted to speed away.

“Master of the House” Camillo took unilateral action to make it an infraction in Connecticut to disobey the lawful order of a Fire Police Officer.  Such a rule was not previously "on the books".  Once again, the bill overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate; with plans next year to introduce legislation to make such conduct a misdemeanor.

I have called the Governor's office personally urging all three if these landmark bills be signed into law. I urge all readers to do the same.

Notwithstanding Bob Horton’s comments sometime ago in the Greenwich Time deriding Fred’s efforts in the House as the machinations of a powerless legislator operating in the midst of a Democratic majority; and holding them out as an example for then newly elected Representative Steve Walko to follow as a member of the “powerless” House minority; Fred’s actions prove once again just how powerful a thoughtful person can be; whether a Republican or Democrat.

CONGRATULATIONS Representative Camillo on your success!

THANK YOU again for all your hard work on behalf of the people you represent in Greenwich; and for your hard work on behalf of all the people in Connecticut.

You are indeed "MASTER OF THE HOUSE".

Citizen K