Beth Krumeich is Democrats' Nominee to Challenge Tesei for First Selectmen

After two weeks without a candidate the First Selectman's office, Democratic Town Committee Chair Frank Farricker announced the party's nomination of local attorney Beth Krumeich to challenge incumbent Republican Peter Tesei, who is seeking a fourth term. 

Krumeich's candidacy was announced at the DTC 's campaign kick-off event at the Garden Education Center Sunday afternoon. 

Krumeich described herself to the crowd of about 200 Democrats as an attorney with many years of experience in the private sector, a former president of the League of Women Voters, member of the Junior League, member of the Democratic State Committee and former co-President of the North Street PTA. 

Krumeich said she has lived in Greenwich for almost 30 years and raised two daughters who attended Greenwich Public Schools.

"I think Peter Tesei is a fine man with a wonderful family," Krumeich said. "But Peter has been a member of the status quo for many years and is not likely to raise the issues or make the changes we need to improve our town."

Citing projects like the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center and the need to improve fire coverage in northwest Greenwich, Krumeich said good ideas have languished.

"A good example of this is the need to change the unwillingness to embrace long-term financing for certain capital projects. There are projects that should be financed over a 20-year period and commence during a period when low interest rates are available."

Krumeich is married to Greenwich native and local attorney Ed Krumeich, himself a Democrat who served seven terms on the Greenwich BET, and a member of the Representative Town Meeting, and served as former chairman of the Board of Social Services.

Stephanie Paulmeno, who withdrew from the contest on Aug. 26th citing "smear tactics," addressed the crowd to say she is a strong supporter of Krumeich's candidacy and that she has known Krumeich for many years.

A full report on the Democratic Town Committee's campaign kick-off will appear Monday on Greenwich Patch, including remarks from Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Jim Himes.