Patch Candidate Profile: Matt DesChamps 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:
Matt DesChamps

What office are you seeking?
Board of Estimate and Taxation

What town do you live in?
Greenwich

Campaign Website
https://greenwichdemocrats.org

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
Entrepreneur/Finance-over 30 years

Family:
Wife Julie and two daughters

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes-RTM and BET incumbent (2023-present)

Why are you seeking this office?
To continue my work on the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) by providing needed financial leadership. With over 30 years of financial experience—from leading firms like Morgan Stanley to founding my own asset management business—I’ve applied a professional, fact-based approach to town finances. I believe politics and finance don't mix, and I'm proud of the results this mindset has produced. Despite opposition, we were able to fund critical, money-saving projects like school capital upgrades, ADA compliance initiatives, and solar panel installations, all of which improve our town and provide clear value for taxpayers. With new leadership and control of the tie breaking vote, Democrats can continue to keep taxes low and manage a budget that delivers for residents.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is a failure of leadership and the resulting broken capital budget. These issues are intertwined. The BET must take a financial, not political, approach to prioritize and manage capital projects to avoid costly delays and ballooning budgets. Unfortunately, this has not been the case recently. I will continue to bring a fact-based, financial mindset to the BET and will lead a Dem/Rep/Ind task force to fix the capital budget process if we have the tie breaking vote by receiving the most popular votes in the upcoming election. Collaboration and teamwork can solve the problems we face. A transparent and accurate budget process will ensure we fund necessary projects, protect residents from avoidable tax burdens, and restore trust in our financial planning.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The Democratic slate takes a fact based approach to our work. We look at data and keep an open mind. Our responsibility on the finance board is not to express individual preferences and opinions but to listen to town officials and subject matter experts and read the numerous reports we receive and taxpayers pay for. We also have a responsibility to ask tough quesions and make hard decisions. Greenwich does not have unlimited resources and we must work in a bipartisan fashion to prioritize our capital budget and town services and important capital projects while keeping taxes low.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Energy and waste management are two key areas where we can reduce operating costs and lower taxes. Energy costs are rising and will continue to increase in the years ahead. We can reduce our energy consumption and lower associated expenses in our municipal buildings and schools. Waste managment costs are also increasing and a holistic response to these challenges will benefit residents. Flood mitigation is another area we need to focus on as a town and the capital budget must be prioritized to address the risks our town faces now.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I'm proud of my work on the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET). With over 30 years of financial experience—from leading firms like Morgan Stanley to founding my own asset management business—I’ve applied a professional, fact-based approach to town finances. I believe politics and finance don't mix, and I'm proud of the results this mindset has produced. Despite opposition, we were able to fund critical, money-saving projects like school capital upgrades, ADA compliance initiatives, and solar panel installations, all of which improve our town and provide clear value for taxpayers. With new leadership and control of the tie breaking vote, Democrats can continue to keep taxes low and manage a budget that delivers for residents.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Leaders listen. And well done is better than well said.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My family and I have been proud members of the Greenwich community for over 20 years. We raised our two daughters here—along with a couple of beloved dogs—and have treasured our time as part of this town. This deep connection to Greenwich is what fuels my desire for public service. My experience on the RTM Budget and Energy Committees, BET, and as Chair of the new Hamill Rink Task Force combines with my professional background as an entrepreneur, CPA and finance professor to offer skills the job requires. I'm prepared to continue to serve Greenwich with both a local heart and a financial mind.