Your vote matters, even in Connecticut.
Connecticut’s political landscape stands at a crossroads. The specter of a one-party super-majority in the Connecticut General Assembly (“CGA”) is not a distant hypothetical, it is a looming reality. And with that reality comes the risk of the dismantling of the fiscal guardrails that have kept the state from moving toward financial collapse. The CGA is roughly 65% Democrats now, but if it rises to 67% or more this election, the most radical elements of the party can override any gubernatorial veto and make fiscal irresponsibility and unchecked development a reality.
For years, Connecticut had faced challenges, budget deficits, unfunded liabilities, and a tax burden that had driven some of its wealthiest residents to move to lower tax states. In response, fiscal guardrails were erected in 2017 that were designed to rein in excessive spending and provide stability to the state’s operating budget. This fiscal restraint was necessary to ensure the state’s long-term viability and restore our credit rating.
While the guardrails have worked as intended, there are increasing calls within CGA questioning whether they are still needed. In fact, at the end of this year’s session, the Democrat majority orchestrated the erosion of these guardrails by using funds earmarked for one-time pandemic relief. I believe a one-party super-majority without the guardrails will lead us right back to an environment of unchecked spending, increased income tax rates and additional property taxes like the proposed “mansion tax” on homes above $430,000. More businesses and people will leave the state, taxes will rise further to compensate for shrinking revenues, and we will spiral deeper into fiscal chaos.
And then there is the matter of local control. The more power is concentrated in Hartford, the less autonomy towns have to make decisions in the best interest of their own communities. The 8-30g statute, which was intended to address affordable housing, has already negatively impacted local planning and zoning boards’ ability to maintain the character and integrity of their neighborhoods. We see this here in Greenwich where State Senator Ryan Fazio has been outspoken in his efforts to preserve our local planning and zoning control amid mounting pressure from the state. He led the effort to stop legislation which would have let developers build multistoried buildings around our train stations in Cos Cob, Riverside and Old Greenwich.
So, why does your vote matter? I think Lord Acton’s famous quote sums it up well, “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Currently, Democrats are close to having a super majority in CGA. The need to elect more Republicans like Ryan Fazio, Tina Courpas, Paul Cappiali and Tod Laudonia is critical. CGA needs to be a place where policies can be debated and improved, not just for the sake of our financial future, but for the sake of our towns, our communities, and the principles of local governance that are the foundation of a constitutional republic. Without it, we will not recognize what we have lost until it is too late.
Jerry Cincotta, Chairman Greenwich RTC
