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First Selectman Peter Tesei, a Greenwich native, has witnessed the towns changes over the years. But he sees many parallels from his childhood to today. I think things were confronting today are cyclical, said Tesei, pointing out headlines in old issues of the now-defunct Greenwich-focused magazine, The Nutmegger, on parking issues on Greenwich Avenue and projects at Greenwich High School.
It seemed Tesei was destined for government from an early age. His father worked as a personal property appraiser for the town, and Tesei said it made him more aware of town goings-on. We were a one-car family so I remember when we would pick my father up at the Havemeyer building and see government workers and listen at the dinner table, he said. In high school, Tesei even portrayed First Selectman Rebecca Breed in a mock debate.
As first selectman now, Tesei is always on the job, even when attending ceremonial functions and events, and just lending an ear to residents while walking at Greenwich Point. Theres always people who have inquiries, and I think its highly important to always be listening and reach out on a personal level.
Tesei said he knows Greenwich has a brand to maintain in terms of quality schools, safe living, aesthetic beauty, relative privacy and community diversity. Having grown up in a middle-income family, I was acutely more aware of the diversity of people here, said Tesei. As first selectman, Ive had the opportunities to meet titans of business and people striving to achieve the American dream.
Selectman Drew Marzullo came to the door as Tesei sat on a couch in his office and jokingly said, Tesei 2011! All of the selectmens terms are up this year, but Tesei has not yet announced plans for re-election.
I like the job that I do and I take pride in it and continue to enjoy it, but right now my focus has been on the budget, he said. Theres a saying that goes, if you do a good job, the politics takes care of it In May, Tesei said a decision will be reached, but for right now managing Greenwich, not campaigning, is the priority.
Do you think First Selectman Peter Tesei plans to run for office again?
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