Basic Information
Full Name: Hector Arzeno
Office Sought: State Representative, District 151
Contact Information
hector@electhector.com, www.electhector.com
General Questions
Top Three Priorities if Elected
The priorities the State faces may be influenced by decisions at the federal level as we continue to see a Supreme Court pass down rulings that reverse longstanding national protections for reproductive rights and gun safety. As State Representative I will continue to prioritize those rights and protections for our residents. I do expect this coming session to focus on the State budget, housing, and energy. With natural resources like the Mianus River and Preserve environmental legislation focused on protecting clean water and air for future generations is a priority and that energy is delivered in a sustainable and affordable way to all our residents.
Professional, Volunteer, or Public Service Experience
I am the current State Representative for the 151st and a member of three committees – Education, Higher Education & Employment Advancement, and Environment. My experience from a 40 year career in international finance where I served as an executive board member is an asset to engaging in important issues for Greenwich. Locally I have served as a coach for the Greenwich Youth Soccer League, a member of the Sustainability Committee at GCDS, a Greenwich High School Tour Guide and Science Department helper, and a volunteer for the Greenwich Town Conservation Department. In November 2019, I was elected to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in District 8, I serve as a delegate on the Finance Committee and an alternate on the Claims Committee.
Policy Questions
Local Control: How do you propose to protect your district’s control over zoning decisions? What is your approach to balancing affordable housing needs with preserving the town’s character?
I am proud to be endorsed by the CT Realtors which reflects my record and commitment to right-sized quality housing options and support for the many community amenities and services that attract and retain residents. I value enhancing local authority in decisions around high quality affordable housing options and my approach to meeting those needs as a State Representative is to continue to make sure the hard work of our dedicated Greenwich P&Z Department and Commission is seen in Hartford. While on the RTM I supported the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust, a local initiative to be proactive in solving the needs of Greenwich by Greenwich.
Utilities: What steps have you taken/will you take to address rising costs of electricity, natural gas, and water? Please explain your stand on the current situation with Aquarion.
I expect the legislature to spend time in the 2025 legislative session focusing on solutions that work for all our residents rather than partisan politics. I think it is important we have the time to make decisions with lasting impact to reduce not just immediate increases but make sure that increases are mitigated for the long term in a sustainable way.
Economy: How will you address the economic challenges posed by inflation? What legislative measures will you support to ease the financial burden on households and businesses in your district?
As State Representative in the legislature this past year we delivered on our commitment to reduce income tax and retirement income tax. Bills ensured access to nutritional programs for families with children and early childhood care, supported nursing and home based care, and helped relieve veterans with a property tax exemption who have a service-connected total disability rating. In the next session it will be vital to maintain the fiscal guardrails that have delivered an improved credit rating and reduced debt for the State so we can continue to focus on improving day to day quality of life for our residents.
Supermajority: What does having a supermajority in the Connecticut legislature mean to you and to your district?
I serve on three committees in Hartford, Education, Higher Education and Employment Advancement, and Environment. On these committees there are respected colleagues from each party. We focus on the work before us for our constituents and that work for my District continuing to support Greenwich’s educational needs – such as funding for Central Middle School. The quality of our work depends on building consensus and finding solutions.
Bipartisanship: How would you describe the current political environment in Connecticut? If elected, how will you contribute to improving the tone of political discourse and foster cooperation among different political viewpoints?
It has been my experience that 98% of the bills in Connecticut are passed in a bi-partisan manner. When we went through orientation in my first days as a legislator we were told to be ready to focus on the issues and not the politics. I will continue to engage in respectful debate and serious inquiry that are the foundation to putting progress for our residents and the State of Connecticut forward.
Your View: What should we have asked that we did not?
The legislature continues to work to expand the right to vote in Connecticut. Early voting this year starts October 21st and in this election voters will be able to vote for increased right to absentee voting. I supported bills for enhanced protections for our volunteer poll workers and I feel it is important to ask about how elected Representatives will work to ensure registered voters are able to exercise their right to vote and participate in democracy.
