Patch Candidate Profile: Douglas Fenton For Greenwich Board Of Estimate And Taxation

GREENWICH, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Candidate's Name:
Douglas Fenton

What office are you seeking?
BET

What town do you live in?
Riverside

Campaign Website
https://greenwichdemocrats.org...

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
Finance for 20 years, primarily as a hedge fund partner at Miura Global. Boards of the Greenwich Alliance, Rocky Point Club, and the Tiger Foundation. Program Committee at Kids in Crisis.

Family:
My wife Jessica (Greenwich native) and I have two amazing children: a 6th grader at Eastern Middle School and a 3rd grader at Riverside School. You can find us around Greenwich at the YWCA pool, Greenwich Dance, various soccer fields and playgrounds, hiking at Tod's Point, and enjoying a Big Pretzel at Little Pub.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
RTM Member from District 5, serving on the Budget Overview Committee

Why are you seeking this office?
I'm running for the Board of Estimate and Taxation because I truly believe, with smarter and more rigorous budgeting, we can protect and enhance the services we cherish while being fiscally responsible with taxpayers' money. I am also the first BET candidate in years with young kids in our public schools, giving me a very personal stake in how we plan for the future.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The Republican-controlled BET’s short-term thinking and lack of rigor has led to worse outcomes for Greenwich residents, both financially and in our overall quality of life. I intend to bring data-driven budgeting and adopt best practices to identify savings, lower operating costs, and ensure low taxes, while also ensuring we properly fund excellent education, senior services, and public safety.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
In recent years, the Republican-controlled BET has substituted their opinions for data, ignored residents and experts, and made unilateral, last-minute decisions. The Democratic slate pledges to be data-driven, listen to our community, and identify tax savings via smarter budgeting, all while investing responsibly in Greenwich.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
(1) Affordability, (2) Modernizing town processes to identify efficiencies, (3) Improving collaboration within the BET, (4) Repairing the relationship between BET and Board of Education.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am a CFA and spent 20 years in finance, including 16 years as a hedge fund partner. On the RTM’s Budget Overview Committee, I have focused on grounding decisions in data and analysis. My work has earned respect from across the political spectrum.
I serve as the Co-President of the Tiger Foundation, Treasurer of Rocky Point Club, on the Finance Committee of the Greenwich Alliance for Education, and on the program committee of Kids in Crisis.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Never go to bed angry.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
It's been a blessing to meet so many wonderful people during my time on the RTM and this campaign. My deepest appreciation to my incredible wife and our two kids (who are serving as my campaign manager and campaign mascot).

Please vote for all 6 Democrats on Row A for the BET.