Greenwich Democrats

08/31/2026

These Republicans are really good at the photo ops, but when it comes to voting to support a project — not so much.

We’re all really excited about the new Central Middle School! Let’s be honest about how we got here. In July 2022, Joe Kelly and Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony said no when the BOE was voting to approve the CMS educational specifications — the board’s vision for the new school. In a second vote in August 2022, Kelly abstained and Mercanti-Anthony was absent. At a critical juncture for the project, the ed specs passed 5-0-1 despite them.

When it came time for the BET to fund the project in October 2023, Leslie Tarkington and Harry Fisher abstained. The appropriation passed 8-1-3 despite them.

This all happened in a backdrop of a condemned CMS building and the clock running on emergency structural repairs that were set to expire Feb 2027.

The truth is that Democrats have been consistent supporters of our schools. We don’t just show up when it’s time for the photo op.

08/29/2026

After years of planning Greenwich students are starting the school year in a beautiful, state-of-the-art building designed to serve generations to come.

Getting here wasn’t easy. When the old Central Middle School (CMS) was temporarily closed in 2022 after being deemed “dangerous and unsafe for human occupancy,” replacing it became an urgent community priority.

Yet, when critical funding came before the finance board (BET) in 2023, Republicans Harry Fisher, Leslie Tarkington and Nisha Arora abstained, while Karen Fassuliotis voted no. Fortunately, with all six BET Democrats voting yes, joined by two Republicans who didn’t seek reelection, the funding was approved.

And then our Democratic state reps secured significantly more state reimbursement than expected.

We thank everyone who kept the project moving — and are especially grateful for the educators, administrators, Board of Education, CMS building committee volunteers, and design and construction teams who made the new school a reality.

👉 Read the full story in our newsletter: https://greenwichdemocrats.org/2026/08/27/have-a-hearttina-and-ryan/

08/28/2026

When federal funding for healthcare, school meals and childcare was slashed by the Trump administration in order to fund their billionaire tax cut, our state government stepped in to protect vulnerable Connecticut residents. Not only was it the right thing to do, it comes at a time when Connecticut is running a $400 million surplus, and the exact reason that, in 2025, the state created a $500 million emergency response fund that keeps Connecticut’s essential services running when federal money dries up.

But not everyone agreed that helping our most vulnerable was a good idea.

Even though the emergency measure passed 126-20 in the House and 27-8 in the Senate, a tiny Scrooge minority voted NO, including Greenwich’s own representatives — Ryan Fazio and Tina Courpas. In a recent mailing, Courpas decried the emergency lifeline as a “slush fund” and questioned whether there was even an emergency to respond to.

The fund was designed as a flexible response to federal cuts and policy changes already underway or expected to hit Connecticut. Rather than wait until residents lost healthcare, housing, child care and food assistance, the state planned ahead…

Read more in this week’s newsletter: https://greenwichdemocrats.org/2026/08/27/have-a-hearttina-and-ryan/

08/24/2026

Did you miss the ribbon cutting on the brand new Central Middle School today? Let us take you on a tour. Congrats and thank you to the very long list of dedicated people who made this new school a reality!

08/22/2026

Ryan Fazio wants you to believe these guys are Democrats supporting his campaign.

There’s just one problem: they’re Republicans.

One is a longtime Republican officeholder and convention delegate. Another chairs his local Republican Town Committee and is currently running for State House as a Republican.

It’s another example of the Trump playbook: mislead voters and hope they don’t check the facts.

Read the full story in our newsletter: https://greenwichdemocrats.org/2026/08/20/maga-playbook-comes-to-greenwich/

08/21/2026

Joe Kelly says police can’t respond to an emergency at a polling place without permission. He’s wrong.

The law explicitly allows police to respond to serious threats to life or property.

But Kelly keeps repeating the claim anyway — stoking fear, spreading disinformation, and following the Trump playbook: scare voters first and hope they don’t check the facts.

Read the full story in our Greenwich Democrats newsletter: https://greenwichdemocrats.org/2026/08/20/maga-playbook-comes-to-greenwich/

08/20/2026

“Local planning and zoning officials understand our roads, sewers, infrastructure and neighborhoods better than Hartford does. Local leadership should be driving development decisions…”

“I oppose the six-story, 176-unit development proposed for Western Junior Highway in Greenwich’s Byram neighborhood....As your state senator, I’ll stand up against one-size-fits-all mandates from Hartford and fight to protect the interests of the 36th District.” – Jill Oberlander – on 8-30g, It’s time to ask whether the policy needs to change https://bit.ly/4xK3UAi

08/18/2026

Mislead voters then double down when you get caught. We’ve seen that Trump move before and we’re tired of it, Ryan.

The controversy surrounds two of the people in the video, who Democrats say are not Democrats.

08/16/2026

WANTED: Greenwich Energy Manager

Greenwich is leaving millions of dollars in potential energy savings on the table.

Energy costs are up 40% in five years, while the town has cut energy use by just 2% toward its 20–40% goal. And despite repeated recommendations, Greenwich still doesn’t have a full-time energy manager to track consumption, coordinate efficiency projects and pursue available grants and tax credits.

Greenwich Democrats have helped move three important projects forward — solar at Central Middle School, geothermal repairs at Hamilton Avenue School and the town’s first municipal solar project at the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center.

But we need a comprehensive energy strategy — and someone accountable for carrying it out.

Other Connecticut towns are already saving millions. Why isn’t Greenwich?

Read the full newsletter: https://greenwichdemocrats.org/2026/08/13/three-stalled-energy-plans-one-missing-energy-manager/

08/15/2026

And still wearing the Crocs…Thanks for all you have done Steve Meskers 4 Greenwich. Looking forward to your continued service!