Tesei Takes Oath For Third Term

Reveling in the glory of his in the municipal election held Nov. 8, Republican First Selectman Peter Tesei took his third oath of office for the town's top post during a swearing-in ceremony held at Town Hall Wednesday.

“Serving the residents of Greenwich for the past four years as first selectmen has been truly an honor and privilege,” Tesei, 42, told the large crowd of state and local officials, family members and friends that had jammed the Town Hall meeting room, overflowing into the halls. “I take seriously the trust that has been placed in me by the voters and will continue to work with my colleagues on the board to .”

Republican Selectman David Theis and Democratic Selectman Drew Marzullo — who also won by wide margins in the top-vote-getter race — were sworn in for second terms on the three-member board, which will have the same makeup for another two years.

In attendance were seven former first selectmen, representing 26 years of collective town leadership, including Rebecca S. Breed — who administered the oath for the third time for Tesei since he first took office in 2007 — Dolly McPherson, John B. Margenot Jr., Tom Ragland, Lolly H. Prince, Richard Bergstresser and James A. Lash.

Tesei said he appreciated the fact that these past first selectmen continue to serve the town in a consultative capacity and are always willing to offer advice, “whether it is solicited or unsolicited.”

Also present were former selectmen Peter J. Crumbine, Frank E. Mazza and Penny Monahan, among many other elected and appointed officials, both past and present.

“On Nov. 8 the voters sent a clear and decisive message that they overwhelmingly support our approach to governing — and by electing this board gave not only a political mandate but an endorsement of the genuine collegiality and civility that has been the hallmark of this board for the past two years,” Tesei said.

As reported on Greenwich Patch, Tesei 9,101 votes to 3,293, a nearly 3 to 1 margin. Theis and Marzullo were the other top vote getters, receiving 7,284 and 4,818 votes, respectively.

Prior to being elected first selectman in 2007, Tesei, a fifth generation Greenwich resident and graduate of University of Connecticut, served on the Board of Estimate and Taxation from 1998 to 2007, serving as chairman for six of those years. He also served on the Representative Town Meeting from 1988 to 1997. Prior to being elected first selectman he was vice president of the Wealth Management Group of BNY/Mellon Wealth Management.

Republican Selectman David Theis, after taking his oath for a second term, agreed with Tesei that the current board has a “unique chemistry.”

“It’s a lifetime of relationships and experiences that we draw on, since we’re multi-generational residents,” Theis said. “I don’t say that to be snobby or elitist but it does help us get to the best decisions in a fair and efficient manner.”

Theis is a third generation Greenwich resident who attended the Greenwich Public Schools, graduated from Greenwich high school and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of New Haven. He’s former faculty member of Greenwich Country Day School and currently works as Wells Fargo at first vice president in the Private Client Group.

“Thanks to the voters of Greenwich for their support and for entrusting this board to lead our town for another two years,” Theis said.

Drew Marzullo, the lone Democrat on the board, was raised in Chickahominy and graduated Greenwich High School in 1989. He received his state paramedics license in 1996 and has been employed at Greenwich Emergency Medical Services for the last 17 years, rising to become field supervisor in 2007. He also served two terms on the RTM starting in 2005.

“When I made the decision to seek reelection, I did so because I thought I could continue contributing, lending my perspective, trying to do some good,” Marzullo said. “I’ve said this many times but the best part of this job is having a voice and using it positively, and I will continue to do that.”

“Greenwich is faced with very challenging times — we have many very expensive capital projects to fund, we have quality of life issues that need to be dealt with, we have a utility company that needs to be held responsible for service that has fallen short time and time again,” Marzullo said. “The Board of Selectmen will soon be appointing a deputy police chief who will be instrumental in shaping the police department’s long term vision — and in the next couple months the board will vote to nominate men and women to serve on many boards in town.”

Marzullo also thanked the BET for its support of the selectmen’s plan to renovate and improve the town-owned Nathaniel-Witherell nursing facility, called “Project Renew,” and urged RTM to support it.

Former First Selectman Tom Ragland MC'd the event. State officials present included Rep. Livvy Floren (R-149th), Rep. Fred Camillo (R-151st), and Rep. Teri Wood (R-141st).

Also present were Probate Judge David Hopper; Town Clerk Carmella Budkins; Tax Collector Anthony 'Tod' Laudonia; BET members Leslie Tarkington, Steve Walko and Mary Lee Kiernan; and Board of Education Chairman Steve Anderson.

Numerous top appointed officials including Interim Superintendent of Schools Roger Lulow were also in attendance.

“I want to thank you all for your contributions and service to the town of Greenwich it is well appreciated by all,” Ragland said.