One-party rule in Hartford is driving up your electric bills and overriding local control. Tina Courpas and Ryan Fazio are fighting back. Also: what federalism teaches us about real solutions.
2026 CANDIDATE SERIES
Why I Am Running For Re-election
BY TINA COURPAS
“While my reasons for running have not changed since my first election in 2024, I have greater clarity on what CT needs to be the best it can be.”
I still believe in the American dream, in the state of CT, and that our democracy is the best way to effect change and make people’s lives better. But after my first term, I have now seen first-hand that one-party rule is hurting CT, and failed policies are placing undue financial and other burdens on its citizens.
In my first term, I established myself as a leader on fiscal issues in our state and one of the Legislature’s strongest defenders of CT’s fiscal guardrails. This proven policy has controlled spending and prevented further tax increases in CT for 6.5 years, but this year, the supermajority abandoned it, setting CT’s taxpayers up for more tax increases which they cannot afford. I am running for re-election to lead on the state’s fiscal issues, which we can solve by staying the course.
“I am one of the House’s strongest defenders of local control of zoning to prevent overdevelopment in Greenwich and Stamford and allow our towns to develop affordable housing on their own terms. I am running for re-election because we have more work to do in this area as the supermajority continues to push for more state-mandated housing.”
Connecticut’s Tax-and-Spend Session: It’s Time For A Reality Check
This year’s short legislative session once again proved that one-party rule in Hartford comes at a steep cost to Greenwich taxpayers. While Democrats claimed they were focused on affordability, the record shows otherwise.
Governor Ned Lamont and the Democratic majority continue to raise costs on Greenwich families.
One of the most direct hits to family budgets came through the Public Benefits Charge on electric bills. This surcharge was increased again this year. It now funds an expanding list of state programs and renewable energy mandates. Connecticut already has some of the highest electric rates in the country. Rather than protecting families from these rising costs, Hector Arzeno and Steve Meskers supported the increase. Tina Courpas and Ryan Fazio opposed the increase and offered amendments to cap the charge and protect taxpayers.
“This November, the choice is straightforward. Governor Ned Lamont — who lives right here in Greenwich — signed every one of these harmful bills into law.”
While Washington continues to centralize power and stifle innovation, the states remain America’s best defense against one-size-fits-all government failure. Federalism isn’t just a constitutional feature — it’s a proven weapon against bureaucratic incompetence.
Federalism allows states to act as laboratories of democracy — testing new policies so successful ideas can spread while failures stay contained.
As discussed in last week's column, one of the great strengths of the U.S. Constitution is its system of federalism. By reserving significant powers to the states, the Constitution allows fifty different jurisdictions to serve as laboratories of democracy, testing alternative approaches to taxation, regulation, education, healthcare, transportation, and social policy.
The process is not perfect. States differ in geography, demographics, natural resources, and economic circumstances. Nevertheless, more than two centuries of state-level experimentation have yielded valuable lessons.
“States that maintain balanced budgets, restrain spending growth, and manage debt and pension obligations prudently have generally proven more resilient during economic downturns. Connecticut's (now former?) fiscal guardrails had provided a notable example of how institutional reforms can improve long-term financial stability.”
The Town of Greenwich will hold its third annual Juneteenth Flag Raising and Proclamation Presentation at Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 21
Happy Father's Day
To all the fathers in our community — thank you for your strength, guidance, and quiet sacrifices. Wishing you a wonderful Father’s Day surrounded by those you love.
Sunday, June 28
Townwide 250th Celebration / Tall Ship Tour
Join Greenwich Historical Society at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park for America’s 250th celebration! Register to tour the tall ship Oosterschelde.
Thursday, July 2
250th Anniversary Fireworks
Binney Park (Old Greenwich): Sound Beach Community Band at 8:00 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Rain date: July 11.
Greenwich Point Park: Fireworks around 9:00 p.m. Arrive by 7:30 p.m. recommended. Rain date: July 11.
Saturday, July 4
Independence Day 2026 Flag Raising
The Town of Greenwich’s Independence Day Association will hold its annual flag-raising on the back patio of Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Greenwich is worth fighting for.
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19 June, 2026
