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Fred Camillo, 50, a lifelong Greenwich resident and native, is running for his third term as a state representative. The Republican candidate has held elected positions such as the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting delegate, District 12, Greenwich Junior Babe Ruth, Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association, Boy Scouts of America, Greenwich Council, Havemeyer Park Homeowners Association, Fairfield County Wildlife Center Advisory Board and others.
Camillo’s hobbies include sports, working out, kayaking, hiking, reading, writing, doing historical research, helping out with animal rescue operations and volunteering for other causes and organizations.
Camillo is running against Democratic challenger David Rafferty.
1) What are the biggest issues facing your district?
I am actively engaged with the residents in my district on a daily basis and the concerns I most frequently hear are excessively high state taxes, traffic congestion and burdens placed by the state on our small businesses.
2) As an incumbent, what were your biggest achievements?
I introduced the Volunteer Protection and Indemnification Act, which was signed into law and now gives Connecticut one of the strongest emergency volunteer protection laws in the country.
I also introduced on the floor of the House a bill that came to be known as the “Pet Lemon Law.” It addresses the problems caused by out-of-state puppy mills and helps people secure funds to care for their pets with congenital defects, while allowing them to keep their beloved companions.
As Ranking House member on the Commerce Committee, I worked with Chairman Berger to get the stalled "Learn Here, Live Here" bill revived and inserted into the 2011 Jobs Bill.
I also responded when the people of North Mianus and Cos Cob enlisted my support when their neighborhoods were targeted for cell tower applications. I testified before the Connecticut Siting Council, wrote testimony, and helped write a bill that was signed into law that now enables municipal input when reviewing these applications.
3) Is Connecticut going in the right or wrong direction?
Connecticut has been going in the wrong direction for years. We are losing key businesses and jobs and long-term residents are moving out of state due to poorly conceived legislation, taxation policies and budgetary mismanagement. In order for that to change, the one-party rule that has been in effect in the Connecticut General Assembly has to end and balance must be restored.
We need to ensure that we are getting an appropriate return on investment with the public monies that have been spent, while supporting businesses that are willing to dedicate time and resources in our state, bring in new jobs, and increase revenue.
4) What would you do to involve your constituents in your decision-making process?
As a two-term State Representative, I engage my constituents on a daily basis. I visit them at their homes and they visit me at mine. My home number is not only posted for them to see, I encourage all to use it. I have also held several public forums over the past four years in which I help keep the residents informed of what’s happening at Hartford and give them an opportunity to raise their questions and concerns.
5) Why should people vote for you?
When deciding on who to vote for, voters should always consider four things regarding the record of the incumbent:
1)Has he or she been responsive to the needs of the district? 2)Has he or she been a proactive public servant? 3)Can he or she get things done in Hartford? 4) Is he or she available when you need them?
I believe I have been a very hard and effective worker for my district on all four counts,and I have the record and the testimonials to support that belief.
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