Democrats Refuse to Even Review Settlement Offer, Keeping Costly BOE Litigation Alive

Taxpayers were offered a glimpse of an easy path toward ending the Board of Education litigation—and Democratic board members shut it down without even agreeing to review it.

In a 4–4 party-line vote, Republicans supported considering a settlement proposal from First Selectman Fred Camillo while Democrats refused to take the first step.

At the June 22 Board of Education meeting, Democratic members once again chose litigation over resolution, rejecting a motion that would have allowed the Board to review a settlement proposal offered by First Selectman Fred Camillo. The motion was simple: “Motion to accept the settlement offer from the First Selectman in Camillo v. Hirsh, subject to further pending review.”

Republican members voted unanimously in favor. Democratic members voted unanimously against. The result was a 4–4 deadlock, and the motion failed.

The litigation stems from actions surrounding a Board of Education meeting that the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission later determined was illegal. As legal fees continue to accumulate, taxpayers are left footing the bill. Greenwich residents deserve elected officials willing to put taxpayers ahead of politics and leaders who are interested in solving problems rather than prolonging them.