CT House Candidates Debate: Two Different Visions for Greenwich's Future
On Wednesday evening, October 14, Greenwich residents had a chance to hear from the Connecticut General Assembly candidates representing each of the town's three state house districts. You can listen to the debate recording via GCTV on YouTube.
District 149 (North Greenwich/Stamford): Tina Courpas (R - Incumbent) vs. Amiel Goldberg (D)
District 150 (Greenwich Shoreline/Harbor): Steve Meskers (D - Incumbent) vs. Jonathan Goldstein (R)
District 151 (Central/Mid-Greenwich): Hector Arzeno (D - Incumbent) vs. Michael Mason (R)
Bringing Home the Bacon
Democratic candidates Arzeno, Meskers, and Goldberg defended their record in bringing state funding back to Greenwich for local school construction. Republican candidates argued the results fall short. Goldstein noted that while Greenwich receives roughly a 20% reimbursement rate for school projects, other municipalities receive 50% or more. Mason called for changing the state reimbursement formula. Courpas pointed to state tax figures: Greenwich residents generate roughly 11% of Connecticut's income tax revenue and 24% of its capital gains tax revenue, yet receive back only a fraction of a cent on the dollar in state aid.
To Keep or Not to Keep the Public Benefits Charge
With Connecticut having among the highest electric rates in the country, all three Republican candidates advocated eliminating the Public Benefits Charge from utility bills. Courpas credited State Senator Ryan Fazio's transparency legislation for making the line-item explicit on ratepayer statements. Among Democrats, Meskers was more cautious, stating the charge should be systematically "looked at," while Arzeno pointed out that lawmakers previously succeeded in removing a 12% portion of it.
On broader energy policies, Arzeno advocated for expanding alternative energy sources and criticized federal delays affecting offshore wind developments like Revolution Wind. Republicans called for completing regional natural gas pipeline infrastructure and expanding nuclear power capabilities. Mason voiced support for solar and geothermal initiatives. Courpas advocated for a temporary state gas tax holiday to cut costs at the pump, which would remove 25 cents per gallon off gasoline and 49.9 cents per gallon off diesel.
Who's to Blame for the Affordability Crisis
Addressing Connecticut’s high cost of living, candidates sparred over housing, healthcare, and business conditions. Meskers attributed rising construction costs to tariffs and energy prices. Arzeno cited reduced federal assistance for driving local demand at food pantries like Neighbor to Neighbor. Goldberg highlighted local permitting for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a tool for expanding housing options. Meskers highlighted the establishment of the Early Childhood Education Trust Fund, while Goldberg emphasized reducing healthcare and childcare expenses.
Republicans Mason and Courpas warned that proposed statewide property tax adjustments and capital gains increases would drive young families and businesses out of the state. Courpas noted that Connecticut ranks among the most heavily taxed states in the country and 47th in business friendliness. Goldstein raised concerns over youth retention, arguing that graduating students leave the state due to a lack of high-paying opportunities and a widening gender wage gap.
Connecticut's Balance Sheet: Good or Bad?
Democrats Meskers and Arzeno pointed to strong state fiscal metrics, emphasizing that the state pension system is roughly 70% funded, credit rating agencies have issued upgrades, and the state maintains a $4.5 billion rainy day fund. Courpas challenged that narrative, arguing that fiscal guardrails established with Republican support helped build those reserves—guardrails she argued were recently bypassed by $2.8 billion by the Democratic supermajority. She emphasized that a 70% pension funding level still leaves Connecticut ranked 46th nationally in pension stability, with highest per-capita debt burden in the nation.
Beaches and Sewage
On local infrastructure, Goldberg highlighted progress on Stamford’s wastewater treatment modernizations. Meskers noted the aging Greenwich sewage plant requires substantial future investment. Goldstein agreed on the critical role modern wastewater infrastructure plays in keeping Long Island Sound and local Greenwich beaches clean.
Between the Lines: Under continuous Democratic majority rule in Hartford since 1987, Connecticut has become one of the most expensive states to live in, with high utility bills, heavy tax burdens, and state housing mandates overriding local control. Greenwich voters must decide if they want to continue in this direction or make a change.