Letter: Tax Collector Candidate Novakowski 'Hard-working, Dedicated'

To the editor:

Not being able to be in Greenwich, as I’m in my third year of college in Washington, D.C., while my dad, Rick Novakowski is running his campaign for Tax Collector back home is frustrating.  I want to be there to help him, but that’s not possible.  So when we talk, and I ask what can I do from here and that I can make some time for him, my dad says everything is going fine, and that I should just concentrate on my studies. With the values my parents have instilled in me, it’s hard to just say okay and agree with him.

As I grew up, my dad spent many weekends, nights, and holidays at work, managing Manero’s Restaurant on Steamboat Road.  It was a sacrifice for all of us not having him home a lot, but the lesson I learned from him about responsibility, work ethic, and family was clearly being taught.  When my mom would bring my brothers, sister, and me to see him for dinner on a Sunday night, my father would always have me say hello to one of the regulars.  And so many times, when he walked away, that person would inevitably tell me that they came there regularly because of my dad, and they’d always add how highly my dad spoke about my siblings and I.

Even with all the hard work my father does, somehow he never fails to show up for my sister and brother’s school events or sporting events.  He somehow has always been able to put his heart and soul into everything at the same time, never leaving anything or anyone shortchanged.  That’s why I know the people of Greenwich need to elect my dad; so that he can do the same for the town my family loves so much.

I know it may come as a shock to him that I am writing a letter to editor, as it is genuinely out of my character. However, knowing how hard he is working towards this election and how much he will dedicate his efforts to Greenwich in the office of tax collector makes it all worth it. I urge everyone to take the time and vote for him in a few weeks, as our town will be even stronger with my father in office.

Dillon Novakowski

Cos Cob and Washington, DC

*Editor's note: More letters to the editor regarding Greenwich elections may be found in our elections and government categories.