Newsletter Volume 3 • Number 19
The difference between how our town’s elected officials approach education couldn’t be more obvious.
Starving our public schools has become a specialty of Greenwich Republicans in recent years, while Democrats delivered.
The Democratic delegation to Hartford, Reps. Hector Arzeno, Rachel Khanna, and Steve Meskers approved the largest investment in a decade for CT’s K-12 public schools. The bipartisan budget revised upwards Greenwich’s education cost sharing grant, and provided millions more statewide for school lunches and special education, serving our town’s most vulnerable school children.
State Senate candidate Nick Simmons brings expertise in education, as a former teacher and school principal, a senior adviser in the Biden administration working with the Department of Education, and recently, deputy chief of staff to Governor Lamont.
“Hector, Steve, Rachel, and Nick—these were people who came to us asking, ‘How can we help you? What do you need to maintain the legacy of educational excellence in Greenwich?’” said Board of Education member Sophie Koven. “They are future focused, and thinking of the long term vision for the town that we’re trying to create.”
Sen. Fazio threw our kids under the (school) bus
- He was one of only two senators to vote NO on a comprehensive bill to increase student mental health resourcesat schools, such a critical need after COVID that it was labeled “Senate Bill 1”
- He was one of only four to vote NO on legislation aimed at helping UCONN avoid a tuition hike during a budget pinch
- He was again one of only four to vote NO on a bill that offered tax credits to businesses who help students repay their college loans.
The CT Education Association gave Fazio a score of 72%, the lowest among the Greenwich delegation, for his votes against our students.
It falls to Democrats to support our kids
For Central Middle School, House Education Committee member Arzeno led the way in securing an eye-popping 20 percent state reimbursement rate for the new building—about $14.7 million morethan anticipated. Democrats passed our latest state gun safety bill, and all four of our candidates earned “A’s” from CT’s leading gun safety organization.
If you care about children’s education, and keeping them safe while they’re learning, it’s obvious you should choose our Democratic ticket in Greenwich. Vote Row A in November.
Broad set of organizations endorses Democratic candidates
The long list of endorsements and recognitions for the slate of Democratic state candidates—Nick Simmons, Rachel Khanna, Steve Meskers, and Hector Arzeno—reveals their values and broad appeal.
Endorsed by independent voters
The Independent Party, which represents a middle of the road approach for voters not affiliated with either major party, endorsed Simmons and Khanna.
Supported by the business community
The Democratic incumbents received high scores from the CT Business and Industry Association, the leading advocate for CT’s businesses and economic growth.
Endorsed by local control advocates
CT Realtors, who work to promote home values and maintain local control of zoning, threw their support behind Democratic incumbents Khanna and Arzeno for their record of protecting Greenwich from unwanted high rise construction.
Endorsed by first responders
The Uniformed Professional Firefighters and Stamford Firefighters— also backed Democrats because of our candidates’ work to make sure they can perform their work safely.
Endorsed by supporters of the environment, reproductive freedom, gun safety, and education:
Our candidates earned the endorsement and recognition of the Sierra Club, the CT League of Conservation Voters, Moms Demand Action, CT Against Gun Violence, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive Equity Now, the CT Education Association and others.
This range of endorsements, from traditionally more conservative to more progressive organizations reveals our candidates’ thoughtful voting record and stance on issues, even standing up to their own party to make sure Greenwich voices are represented. They deserve your support too.
Connecticut has adopted early voting!
It starts Monday, October 21st and runs through November 3rd, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Greenwich Town Hall. And yes, you can vote on the two weekends during the early voting period. Extended hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., are offered on October 29 and 31.
CT now joins 46 other states and Washington, DC in allowing all registered voters to vote in-person before Election Day. You can even register at the same time then immediately vote early at Town Hall.
Early voting helps make it easier for everyone to exercise their precious right to participate in our democracy. Vote early for our Row A candidates!
Why are you voting for Democrats this November?
Greenwich neighbors weigh in
“I really like Kamala! I like what she says, her values, her courage, strength and intelligence. Every time I hear her I like her more and more.”
— Beatrice Galinat
Democratic Action Calendar
Volunteer.
Sign up to volunteer with the Greenwich Democrats this election season. There is so much you can do—adopt a lawn sign, sign up for a shift on election day, or knock doors. Sign up (above) or just drop in any day and get to work. We are open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
October 15. Learn.
State Senate and State House candidate debates, Greenwich League of Women Voters, 7:00 pm. Register.
October 16. Meet.
GDTC Regular Meeting, Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road, 7:30 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.
Volume 3, Number 19 • October 10, 2024 |
Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |