Community Over Politics – Why the BET Needs an Independent Voice Now More Than Ever

As I walk my dogs on the now leafy streets of my hometown, Greenwich, I can't help but feel a deep sense of pride mixed with frustration. This is a place where neighbors once gathered without labels—Democrat, Republican, or unaffiliated/Independent—to build schools, parks, and a future for our kids. But lately, those simple conversations have been drowned out by the noise of partisan bickering. It's why I'm running for re-election to the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) as an Independent, endorsed by the Independent Party of Connecticut. And it's why I need your vote on November 4th: to put community over politics, and to steer our town back toward what truly matters.

Let me be clear—I'm not new to this fight. For years, I've served Greenwich with a commitment to fiscal responsibility and common-sense solutions. As a practicing attorney for over 25 years, I've honed the skills to dissect budgets, spot inefficiencies, and advocate fiercely for what's right. On the BET, I've been that steady hand, voting to allocate nearly a million dollars to our Board of Education for expert advice on revamping special education programs. Why? Because skyrocketing legal settlements and lawsuits against our schools aren't just numbers on a page—they're failures that hurt our children and drain our taxpayers. I've pushed for disciplined spending that keeps taxes affordable for middle-class families and our seniors, all while ensuring essential services like infrastructure don't crumble.

But it's my role in serving on the advisory committee of the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center that I'm most proud of. That project wasn't born from party platforms or press releases; it came from listening to residents, collaborating across divides, and delivering a state-of-the-art facility on time and on budget. It's proof that when we focus on community needs, we can achieve greatness. As your BET member, I've brought that same approach to every vote: scrutinizing education costs amid declining enrollment, demanding tangible goals over vague promises, and fighting for efficiencies that stretch every tax dollar further. I'm not beholden to any party's agenda—I'm beholden to you.

So why vote for me? Because in an election cycle poisoned by division, you deserve a candidate who sees Greenwich as a community first, not a battleground. The major parties have lost their way, turning the BET into what feels like radioactive territory. Just look at the toxicity: a Republican Town Committee chair dismissing women with snide remarks, Democrats pulling out of a key BET committee and leaving critical work—like human resources—paralyzed in dysfunction. These aren't abstract spats; they're real roadblocks. Our schools face mounting legal challenges for special education, our infrastructure demands investment without waste, and families are squeezed by rising costs. Partisan shouting matches don't fix that—they exacerbate it.

That's where "community over politics" isn't just a slogan; it's a lifeline. In today's hyper-polarized world, from national headlines to our own backyard, we've seen how ideology trumps pragmatism. Greenwich used to be different—a beacon of bipartisanship where officials rolled up their sleeves for the greater good. But now, with budgets ballooning and lawsuits piling up, we can't afford the luxury of gridlock. My independence means I can bridge those divides, fostering open, honest discussions instead of echo chambers. Imagine a BET where we tackle education reforms without fear of reprisal, where we approve budgets that protect our vulnerable without alienating our working families. That's the Greenwich I know we can reclaim—and it's why this theme has never been more urgent.

You have a choice this November: double down on the drama, or demand better. Vote for me, Karen Fassuliotis, whether you vote early, starting on October 20th, or on November 4th, and let's choose better. Together, we can restore sanity to our local government, prioritize our shared values, and build a town that works for everyone. Your voice—and your vote—can make it happen.

Karen Fassuliotis is running as the Independent Party endorsed candidate for the Board of Estimate and Taxation and is asking for your vote on November 4th. Visit her website at karen-4-bet.com