Meet the candidates for tax collector

Written by Ken Borsuk
Tuesday, 20 October 2009 23:00

The Post received submissions from the three candidates running for tax collector:

Bill Grad

Bill Grad is a Democratic candidate. He has a bachelor of art degree from Princeton and a master’s in business administration from Stanford.

“The tax collector’s job is eminently functional, not political,” Mr. Grad said. “It requires managerial competence and sensitivity to our fellow residents. Since announcing my candidacy, I have received enthusiastic support from Republicans, Democrats and independents.”

Mr. Grad said difficult economic times require the skill of an experienced manager in the town’s tax department. He said his degrees in addition to his experience in retail and commercial real estate afford him the experience to manage teams of people and an understanding of property valuation.

“Knowledge gained as founder, chief executive officer and chief financial officer of a telecommunications company has made me sensitive to challenges and managing with an eye on the bottom line,” Mr. Grad said. “I believe I possess the education, experience and character that will make your vote for me, a vote for the best tax collector for Greenwich.”

Tod Laudonia

Anthony Tod Laudonia is a Republican candidate. A Greenwich native, Mr. Laudonia is the son of Tony and Dot Laudonia. Mr. Laudonia graduated from Emerson College with a bachelor of science in speech. He returned to Greenwich in 1985 with his wife, Jane, and daughter Kristen. Volunteering in private, public and nonprofit sectors in town, Mr. Laudonia also successfully started, expanded and rehabilitated several businesses in Greenwich and throughout the United States.

He has worked as a Realtor for 24 years and holds a real estate broker’s license in dozens of states.

“I believe that you need electors from our town representing the townspeople,” Mr. Laudonia said.

Rick Novakowski

Rick Novakowski is a petition candidate.

“In my lifetime, the town of Greenwich has been well-served in the tax collector’s office by James Branca and Lou Caravella,” Mr. Novakowski said. “Being deeply rooted in the town, with an inherent knowledge of the neighborhoods of Greenwich, gave these men the qualities necessary to perform the duties of tax collector. As someone who comes from a similar background, I will display those same qualities in this office, should the people of Greenwich give me the honor of their trust on Nov. 3.”

Mr. Novakowski worked many years at Manero’s. He said the restaurant experience has given him the ability to perform the dual task of administering the office and employees and catering to the needs of the taxpayers.

“I am keenly aware of the importance of being accountable to someone in need of attention from a person in charge of a business, or in this case a department, and I pledge to you that I am the candidate uniquely committed to be your ‘full time’ tax collector, without any other obligations that would distract me from those duties,” he said.