Greenwich GOP Opens Election HQs [VIDEO]

Promises to hold the line on taxes while maintaining the town's infrastructure and educational system, were the campaign themes voiced by the Republican incumbent selectmen as the party opened its election headquarters Tuesday evening on Greenwich Avenue.

First Selectman Peter Tesei, who is seeking a third term as the town's chief elected official, told the crowd of about 100 supporters, "this is not a government of me but a government of we. We are not depending upon someone else to get the job done." Both he and his running mate, one-term incumbent Dave Theis, said they plan to keep the town "on track" with continued investments in the town infrastructure, public safety and support of the Greenwich educational system. (Please see video.)

Tesei called his Democractic challenger, RTM member John Blankley,  a "novice who reads the newspaper in the morning to see what issue" he can criticize. "They don't have any real issues ... they're already on record as supporting what we are doing," Tesei said to applause.

Also speaking to the crowd were Town Clerk Carmella Budkins who is seeking her 11th-term and faces a challenge by Democrat Steven Ng, and Tax Collector Tod Laudonia who is facing a rematch against Bill Grad, the Democrat he defeated in 2009.

A handful of other Republican candidates for the Board of Estimate and Taxation and constable attended but all are guaranteed election as they are unchallenged.

Republican Town Committee Chairman Jim Campbell recognized he four Board of Education candidates vying for the two available seats, but none spoke. For the first time in at least a decade, the GOP has a slate of candidates that will offer voters a choice. Incumbent Marianna Ponns Cohen survived following continued dissention on the Board of Education and within the GOP ranks. The top two vote-getters in the GOP race will serve four-year terms. Also running are Peter von Braun, Anna Saras Povinelli and Barbara O'Neill.

Earlier in the evening, Campbell dismissed any talk of rancor within the party ranks because the board of education candidates are not using the headquarters at 86 Greenwich Ave., for their campaigns. "We are focused on winning the big four offices. They can have their election materials here and will be highlighted in the Town Committee brochure," Campbell. He added that none of BET candidates are using the hadquarters. But he conceded they are guaranteed victory.

The town charter provides equal party representation for all elected boards and it is rare there is intra-party challenge to nominees. "The system should be changed (to majority rule) because voters want a choice," Campbell added. "What it guarantees is the Greenwich voter doesn't have a choice."

Editor's note: This story was updated to include the specific street address of the headquarters.