Politics & Government

Sam Romeo Appointed to Housing Authority

Selectmen's choice marks shift in agency's direction.

Acknowledging a need to shift a focus on tenants' needs, the Board of Selectmen unanimously appointed community activist San Romeo to a five-year term on the Housing Authority board.

Romeo, who hosts the WGCH weekly radio program "Greenwich Matters," has been a government watchdog for years. He was a proponent for the installation of sewers in the North Mianus area and has lead a lawsuit by neighborhood residents challenging the town's assessment of fees charged for the sewer installation. A Republican, Romeo has been involved in local politics for years. In the 1990s, he served as campaign manager for then state Sen. Emil 'Bennie' Benevenuto.

In making the nomination at Thursday's Board of Selectmen meeting, Republican David Theis said Romeo would be a "needed voice" for residents "who didn't have anyone to advocate for their needs. Sam is interested (in their needs). He (fills) a missing compenent that these people need and it makes me feel comfortable that Mr. Romeo would be a good fit."

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Theis said Romeo's connection to residents of the Housing Authority's facilities came to his attention while campaigning for the 2009 local election. "During a visit to Quarry Knolls, many residents felt comfortable in approaching him. They needed a voice."

The appointment, which does not need approval by the Representative Town Meeting, was supported by First Selectman Peter Tesei who described the Housing Authority as a "property management coompany under the jurisdiction of the Department of Housing and Urban Develoopment and in charge of the maintenance and care of more than 1,000 housing units."

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Tesei said the public perception of the agency "is not great. Sam was an ombudsman for Parsonage Cottage (a town-run assisted living facility) and is willing and able to work with the commission." He also said Romeo would be helpful as the town looks to expands its public housing stock.

Democratic Selectman Drew Marzullo said Romeo's public relations skills would be helpful.

Romeo replaces Jonathan DuBois, a member of the authority for eight years.

In other appointments, the board unanimously appointed Karen Sadik-Khan as an alternate member of the Conservation Commission; Frank Catalmo to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and John Slusarz to the Alarm Appeals Board. 


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