Frantz hopes Malloy takes cues on taxes from Cuomo

Caught up with state Sen. L. Scott Frantz, R-Greenwich, this morning just prior to his being sworn-in for another term in the General Assembly.

We spoke a bit about whether new Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy will hike taxes on the wealthy, particularly those living in lower Fairfield County and Greenwich, to help eliminate the state’s two-year, $3.5 billion deficit.

Some argue that Malloy, the former mayor of Stamford, understands the negative impact tax hikes have on job/business growth, particularly during tough economic times. It was, after all, Stamford’s mostly Democratic legislative delegation that in recent years fought their leaders’ efforts in Hartford to increase income taxes while Malloy occupied the mayor’s office.

But other observers tell me they expect Malloy to use his Fairfield County roots to successfully pitch tax hikes to the region’s residents and elected officials – kind of a “Nixon goes to China” thing.

Frantz said Malloy should pay attention to the no new taxes stance adopted by the Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York.

“He gets it. A Democratic colleague. A bordering state,” Frantz said. “No question” Cuomo’s position is going to put pressure on Malloy.

Brian Lockhart