Tip O’Neill was the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987. As a congressman he represented northern Boston from 1953 until 1987. He knew politics and famously said “all politics is local.” That certainly proved to be the case this week in our local elections.
The election results last week were eye opening to say the least. However, before we delve into that, we want to thank everyone who ran. It takes a lot to put yourself out there for others to judge. Times on the campaign trail can be fun, meeting new people, and they can also be excruciating like with pre-dawn train station campaigning. So, to each of you, thank you for picking up the baton and running.
To the victors, congratulations to each of you. Looking at our local elections these were some of the closest campaigns we have ever witnessed in Greenwich. Incumbent Ryan Fazio beat Trevor Crow by 102 votes, although he won Greenwich by 465 votes. Incumbent Kimberly Fiorello beat Rachel Khanna by 361 votes in Greenwich but lost overall because of Stamford votes. Incumbent Steve Meskers easily beat Ed Lopez by 1,500 votes. Hector Arzeno beat Peter Sherr in an open seat by almost 750 votes in a district that has never elected a Democrat before. Congratulations. We look forward to seeing what you all do for Greenwich in Hartford. And we are looking forward to Ryan Fazio, Rachel Khanna and Hector Arzeno writing the occasional column for our readers.
So, why were some of these races so close and how did the Democrats succeed in winning a “for-ever” Republican seat? This past January, the Republican Town Committee (RTC) held caucuses to elect members. In what one person described as the “red wedding scene from Game of Thrones” there was a huge and unexpected turnover of the “old guard” of the Republican party. It was impressive that the new RTC members were able to organize well and so quietly and then overwhelm the caucuses. However, it also reminded us of the old Yankee expression about what will the dog do once he catches the car. The new RTC is the leadership of the Republican party and now they must lead.
It has been reported that 71 percent of Republicans came out to vote. When you look at the individual candidates and their vote totals for Greenwich, it is clear there were a significant number of Republicans who voted for Democratic candidates.
It is no secret that Greenwich is no longer a bastion of Republicanism. Independents are the dominant party. Our town has become more moderate and if you look at who won last Tuesday, they are the more moderate candidates. Local Republican leaders must understand this if they want to be a part of the solution moving forward. It is a lesson the Democrats have learned well and rapidly.
The same must be said for those that won by very slim margins. Yes, you were elected, but a significant portion of your constituents voted for your opponent. To represent your district well, you must represent all of your constituents – not an easy task but one worth the effort.
There is another reason why we admire Tip O’Neill who also said: “That in politics, after six o’clock, we can be friends, but before six, it’s politics.” He and President Ronald Reagan would battle over policy issues in the 1980’s. They were polar opposites ideologically, so it is no surprise. However, at the end of the day it has been reported, they would sometimes have a drink together and tell bawdy Irish jokes. They did not immediately suspect the worse in each other. That is what we need more of today.
Every election offers a unique moment in time. A moment when there is the opportunity to bring our community back together. Now is that time here in Greenwich.
