Hartford Is Greenwich’s Biggest Local Issue

Because no Town offices are on the ballot this November, some may view the election as being driven primarily by statewide and national issues. But decisions made in Hartford directly affect Greenwich, making the balance of power in the General Assembly one of our most important local concerns.

Currently, the Democrats hold 25 of the 36 seats in the State Senate and 102 of the 151 seats in the State House of Representatives. In both cases, the Democrats hold only one seat more than the minimum two-thirds majority required to override the governor’s veto.

If these supermajorities persist after the November elections, the Democrats retain their current ability to override any gubernatorial veto of any proposed legislation they might approve, whether or not Ryan Fazio wins the gubernatorial election.

More importantly, it would not be sufficient to merely eliminate the Democrats’ supermajority. We must seek to erode, if not erase, their majority. It is simply not possible to turn Hartford around without ending Democrats’ control of Hartford.

When Balance Worked

The value of greater political balance was evident during the 2017–18 General Assembly, when the Senate was divided evenly, 18–18. That balance encouraged bipartisan negotiation (in which our Scott Frantz played an important role) and contributed to enactment of the fiscal guardrails, which helped Connecticut build its Budget Reserve Fund and make billions of dollars in supplemental pension payments.

Why Legislative Balance Still Matters

Governor Ned Lamont’s experience illustrates why legislative balance matters. During his 1989–95 service on the Greenwich BET, Lamont developed a reputation as a fiscal moderate who frequently worked with Republicans on budgets, spending and taxes. As governor since 2019, however, he has governed alongside large Democratic legislative majorities and has accepted many of their priorities, particularly those advanced by organized labor and the party’s progressive wing. Although Lamont may have retained some of his earlier fiscal caution, a more balanced legislature would strengthen his ability—and his incentive—to resist measures that are contrary to Greenwich’s interests.

Local Control Is a Record, Not a Slogan

When we hear some of the Democratic candidates suggest they support local control, we are understandably suspicious. Claims of support for local control should therefore be measured against the candidates’ willingness to oppose their party’s leadership when Greenwich’s interests are at stake.

Even if Ryan Fazio wins the governorship, he cannot change Connecticut’s direction by himself; Greenwich must also elect legislators who can deny Democrats veto-proof control of the General Assembly.