By Fred Camillo
Legislative balance is desperately needed in Connecticut. When Greenwich was represented by an allRepublican delegation in 2017, the state Senate was split, 18 Democrats -18 Republicans. The state House was also balanced, with Democrats holding a slim seven seat margin with 79 Democrats – 72 Republicans. The result of that balance was that the Republican budget was passed in a bi-partisan effort. That budget was historically good. It included the fiscal guardrails we still have today: a bonding cap, spending cap, and volatility cap. Those guardrails are why the state recently experienced surpluses after years of punishing deficits.
The Greenwich GOP delegation also brought back the most money in recent history, with the town being reimbursed $24 million for New Lebanon School. This was accomplished in spite of the fact that then-Democratic Governor Dan Malloy removed the funding from the budget three consecutive times. Each time, Sen. Scott Frantz, Rep. Mike Bocchino, Rep. Livvy Floren, and I went to our Democratic colleagues–with whom we enjoyed a very good work ing relationship–and were successful in getting the funding.
In 2018, voters in Connecticut punished Republicans at the polls due to their intense dislike of then President Donald Trump. Balance was lost, and with it, some top-tier legislators who had worked very successfully for both Greenwich and Connecticut’s fiscal health were also lost.
Locally, we were told for years that sending just one Democrat to Hartford would give us a seat at the table with the majority caucus. Sadly, Connecticut remains a one-party-rule state. We were assured this shift would bring more money and help block harmful legislation. In 2018, Democrats captured two local seats, largely due to the anti-Trump sentiment gripping the state. Unfortunately, the promised improvements never materialized.
Every year, we hear that the upcoming election is “the most important” of our lifetime. While this is often dismissed as hyperbole, this year in Connecticut, there is a compelling truth to that statement.
Recent legislative sessions have introduced some of the most aggressive and harmful proposals the state has ever seen. Beyond the harmful 8-30g law—which allows developers to bypass local zoning boards—new proposals aim to eliminate off-street parking requirements for housing units, prevent public hearings on affordable housing applications deemed “as of right,” penalize towns for failing to meet the 8-30g mandate, require expensive sewer line extensions to the backcountry, and push a “Fair Share” proposal mandating that Greenwich build 3,304 additional affordable units. This plan, estimated to cost $1.5 billion, assumes a conservative $450,000 per unit construction cost and is supported by many Democratic leaders in Hartford.
Local control of zoning is on the ballot this year and should be the top priority for every voter. Self-determination is the most critical tool municipalities have to govern effectively. No one understands a community’s needs better than its residents, not distant bureaucrats or Hartford legislators.
When deciding how to vote, consider these issues carefully. The points I’ve raised are verifiable and illustrate the risks posed by super-majorities to Connecticut’s fiscal stability.
I extend my gratitude to all candidates on the ballot this year. Running for office requires courage, especially in an age where online criticism has become sport. They all deserve our respect. That said, I will be voting for balance in the legislature. History shows that balance is the best way forward for both the state we love and the town we cherish.
Fred Camillo is a former state Representative and the current First Selectman of Greenwich. His opinions are his own.
