To the Editor:
Democrat Board of Education Chairman Karen Hirsch has been exposed by Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) for violating the law, according to a preliminary ruling.
The FOIC determined that Hirsch called an improper “emergency” meeting to fill a Republican vacancy on the Board, a clear attempt by Democrats to gain an ruling majority. This action undermines Greenwich’s tradition of fair, bipartisan governance and raises questions about the integrity of Democrat leadership.
Making this Democrat scandal even worse than Hirsch’s illegal action is her refusal to apologize for it. This is especially egregious since her folly has cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The controversy began with the resignation of Republican Karen Kowalski, creating a vacancy which the Board of Education had 30 days to fill. Failure to do so shifts the responsibility to the Board of Selectmen. Hirsch and her Democrat colleagues allowed 96 days to pass without action. So First Selectman Fred Camillo scheduled a lawful meeting to appoint a replacement, adhering to all legal notice requirements.
In response, Hirsch declared an unjustified “emergency” and called a Board meeting with just nine minutes’ notice to appoint Jen Behette, a registered Republican who was totally opposed by BOE Republicans.
The FOIC’s preliminary ruling confirmed there was no emergency, rendering Hirsch’s intentional and deceptive actions illegal and the meeting “null and void.” This voids Behette’s appointment, paving the way for Paul Cappiali, lawfully appointed by the Board of Selectmen, to serve.
Camillo took legal action to challenge Hirsch’s power grab, upholding the rule of law and ensuring Greenwich’s government remains accountable. Democrats have criticized his leadership and actions, but Camillo stands as a defender of the fairness and integrity that define our town. To quote so many Democrats: “No one is above the law” including Hirsch.
This incident echoes past Democrat misconduct. In 2017, the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) Democrats faced the largest cumulative fine ever imposed by the State Election Enforcement Commission on a local campaign for their corrupt power grab to control the BET. Some of those involved Democrats remain in office, and with Democrats now pushing for a BET majority, Hirsch’s actions serve as a warning of what may come if voters grant them control.
The FOIC ruling raises concerns about the legality of Board decisions involving Behette’s vote, including the rushed extension of the superintendent’s contract by two years. The FOIC addressed that concern in their preliminary ruling writing that Hirsch’s illegal behavior “may call into question the legality of any actions….in which Ms. Behette’s vote constituted the deciding vote.” A year of BOE votes are now in limbo.
Greenwich’s government has long been a model of bipartisanship, with the Board of Education and BET structured to maintain equal representation of Democrats and Republicans. Historically, boards respected the resigning member’s party caucus when filling vacancies, fostering collaboration and trust. Hirsch’s decision to bypass this tradition with a rushed, illegal meeting reflects a troubling prioritization of power over principle, eroding the civility that has served Greenwich so well.
Edward Dadakis
Greenwich, CT