State Rep Arzeno outlines his record and priorities
As he seeks reelection, State Representative Hector Arzeno points to a record of delivering for Greenwich.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to deliver,” he says. “But the work is not done.”
A central focus of Arzeno’s time in office has been bringing resources back to the 151st District. That includes increased state support for school construction projects, as well as consistent annual funding for critical local nonprofits such as Family Centers, Greenwich Alliance for Education, the YWCA, the YMCA, Nathaniel Witherell, Barbara’s House, Parsonage Cottage, the United Way and River House.
“These are organizations doing essential work—from early childhood education to supporting seniors with significant needs,” he says. “Making sure they have funding is one of the most direct ways I can make a difference locally.”
Advancing education and affordability
As a member of the Education, Environment, and Transportation committees, Arzeno has advanced policies that expand opportunities and address cost pressures for families.
He highlights the creation of a universal preschool trust and increased investment in special education as key achievements, while emphasizing that the state’s education funding formula is overdue for review.
Arzeno sees affordability as a defining issue for Greenwich residents.
“Families are still feeling pressure,” he says. “Reducing energy costs, making childcare more accessible, and working with municipalities on responsible housing plans—those are priorities.”
Arzeno also points to infrastructure and energy policy as critical areas for the state’s future, advocating for a diversified energy strategy that includes renewables alongside other reliable sources.
Leadership in challenging moments
Arzeno emphasizes that effective representation requires independence, careful judgment, and a willingness to make difficult decisions. Early in his first term, for example, he opposed a housing bill backed by party leadership because he believed it was not right for the 151st.
“I was a freshman, and I knew it could have consequences,” he says. “But I’ve never questioned that decision.”
In another instance, he revisited his position on a homeschooling-related bill after hearing from constituents and colleagues.
“You have to be willing to listen, reassess, and sometimes change your vote,” he says.
Earning trust across Greenwich
In a community with a broad range of political perspectives, Arzeno says transparency and consistency guide his approach.
“I say in public what I think in private,” he says. “There’s no double message. And if I make a mistake, I’ll admit it.”
He also points to his near-perfect attendance record as a reflection of his commitment to showing up and doing the work for his constituents.
Looking ahead
With economic uncertainty and additional federal cuts on the horizon, Arzeno believes the next term will require steady leadership and difficult choices.
“The next couple of years will be more challenging,” he says. “It’s easy to govern when finances are strong. What matters is being there when tough decisions have to be made.”
For Arzeno, that’s ultimately why he’s running again.
“It’s not time to quit,” he says. “Yes, the harder work is still ahead, but with such challenges come opportunities.”
Traffic safety is not a political issue—it is a matter of public safety
The motor vehicle accident Monday evening, which closed East Putnam Avenue between Hillside Avenue and Indian Field Road for several hours, again highlighted ongoing traffic safety concerns in Greenwich.
The town is responding with a comprehensive initiative aimed at making roads safer for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and especially students. The Safe Streets Greenwich Safety Action Plan, funded by the federal Safe Streets for All program, seeks to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—serious traffic injuries and fatalities.
This effort reflects a troubling national reality: more than 40,000 people die each year in U.S. traffic crashes. Greenwich’s approach focuses on local solutions by identifying where crashes occur, understanding contributing factors, and targeting improvements where they will have the greatest impact.
Community input has played a key role. Residents consistently cite speeding, unsafe pedestrian crossings, poor visibility at intersections, and sidewalk gaps as major concerns. These insights are shaping proposed solutions.
The town has already piloted measures such as a traffic-calming project at Western Middle School, using temporary design changes to better separate vehicles and pedestrians. Early feedback has been positive. And although the school-zone speed cameras implementation got off to a rocky start and has been temporarily suspended, the measure showed early success in slowing traffic.
The Safety Action Plan is expected to be finalized by early summer, after further public input. Greenwich will then seek federal funding to implement improvements such as redesigned intersections, enhanced crosswalks, and upgraded pedestrian infrastructure.
What we’re reading
The Trump administration last week criticized Greenwich’s use of federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) as “wasteful.” Yet, in our town, CDBG funds support programs benefitting low-income or at-risk residents, such as domestic abuse services, local food banks, and substance abuse prevention. Selectwoman Rachel Khanna, who previously served on the town’s CDBG Committee, said she has seen firsthand the block grants’ positive impact on services critical to residents, especially the community’s most vulnerable members. “CDBG grants help local organizations continue their important work and meet needs that might otherwise go unaddressed,” she added.
Action Calendar
April 17. Learn.
Selectwoman Rachel Khanna will be hosting a conversation with state Treasurer Erick Russell about investing in the future of Connecticut, at 4 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 101 Field Point Road. A Zoom option is available.
April 18. Help the helpers.
Greenwich Lions Club will present donations to more than 30 local non-profits at its annual Pancake Breakfast, a major fundraiser supporting health and human services. 8 a.m.-noon, Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Road, Old Greenwich.
April 18. Give the Earth some love.
The Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation hosts its annual Earth Day Clean-Up & Beautification event from 9 a.m.-noon at Mianus River Park. Volunteers will meet at the 450 Cognewaugh Road, Cos Cob entrance.
Plant native flora with the Friends of Greenwich Point, 9 a.m.-noon. Meet at the Holly Grove, Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich.
Shred sensitive documents at Paper Shredding Day, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Organized by Greenwich Recycling Advisory Board and Greenwich Green & Clean. Island Beach parking lot.
Join Waste Free Greenwich for the ReThink Waste Fair to learn about the 6 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair and Rot. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Greenwich Boys and Girls Club, 4 Horseneck Road.
April 19. Make a difference.
Join us and Rise Against Hunger at First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich to help package meals to feed communities in need. This is a family-friendly event. Please register in advance here or at the door. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 108 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich.
April 22. Participate.
Greenwich Democratic Town Committee meeting, 7:30-9 p.m. All local Democrats are welcome. Greenwich Town Hall Meeting Room, 101 Field Point Road.
| Volume 4, Number 42 • April 16, 2026 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |