Submitted by Jerry Cincotta, chair of the Greenwich RTC
The troubling uptick in crime within Connecticut over the past five years has cast a long shadow on our historical reputation for safety. The surge in shootings, homicides, fatal traffic accidents, and car thefts correlates directly with the Democratic Party’s dominance in the state legislature.
This rise in crime is not an abstract issue but a tangible threat to our community’s well-being. This threat was made even more tangible for me as our neighbor’s home was broken into recently while they slept, and two cars were stolen.
Evaluating our officials on their effectiveness, not their eloquence, is crucial. The Democrats in Hartford, and by extension Greenwich, have promised much but delivered policies that undermine our safety. The removal of consent searches, which has stymied police efforts to confiscate illegal firearms, and new restrictions on police use of force have further hamstrung law enforcement.
Equally concerning are the policies that have essentially decriminalized certain offenses. Automatic parole for felons, including those guilty of gun crimes, is a reckless policy that endangers public safety. Moreover, prohibiting police from pursuing fleeing suspects and arresting drivers under the influence of marijuana exacerbates the issue. Such measures embolden criminals, knowing that the consequences are minimal.
In Greenwich, Democrats like Steve Meskers and Rachel Khanna have aligned with these hazardous policies. Meskers’ support for the 2020 police bill, which eradicated consent searches, impedes the removal of illegal firearms. Khanna’s opposition to arresting drivers using marijuana for DUI offenses further highlights this dangerous trend.
Conversely, Greenwich Republicans have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety. Sen. Ryan Fazio has co-sponsored legislation to strengthen background checks for gun purchases and authored bills supporting School Resource Officers and restoring police powers to confiscate illegal firearms. These proposals, however, were opposed by Hartford Democrats.
The local police endorsements of Greenwich Republicans like Sen. Fazio underscore their dedication to public safety. Such endorsements are conspicuously absent for Greenwich Democrats, reflecting their detrimental policy decisions.
As citizens, we must hold our elected officials accountable for the safety of our community. It is imperative to support leaders who prioritize effective law enforcement and public safety. Our collective well-being depends on good public policy and the enforcement of the law.
Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Cincotta