A candidate’s best friend

Dispatch from Greenwich Time correspondent Jay Polansky:

State Rep. Fred Camillo,R-151st District, tried to start a conversation with all who walked by him Tuesday afternoon, including man’s best friend.

“I think we’ve met before,” said Camillo, extending his hand toward one canine that hadn’t quite learned to shake hands outside Central Middle School Tuesday.

“Did he just snub me?” said Camillo, who is running for re-election.

But the encounter was all in good fun. The dog, who is named Leo, and Camillo go way back – to Greenwich-based Adopt-A-Dog.

“We’re old friends, Leo and I,” said Camillo, a dog lover.

Camillo said he knew many people who walked by him and he talked with many about the power situation in town after Hurricane Sandy hit Greenwich last week.

He was also quick to acknowledge two volunteer firefighters who helped him with a hole in his house caused by a fallen tree.

“It’s not like I’m running for the first time,” Camillo said, adding that most of his conversations took the form of a meet-and-greet – a “hi, how are you. Nice to see you” feel.

Albie Yuravich