The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received August 8, 2026.
A couple of weeks ago I was speaking with a small group of people at a local town picnic. I introduced myself as the Republican nominee for the 36th House district. As I explained my belief that we should lower costs and make it easier for small businesses, a young woman in the group questioned if that was possible without harming the environment. My answer surprised her, coming from a Republican. The idea that conservatives shouldn’t or don’t care about conservation never made much sense to me. Taking care of our forests, rivers, wildlife and open spaces is one of the most conservative ideas there is. I don’t see environmental stewardship as a red issue or a blue issue. I see it as a responsibility. We are borrowing this land from future generations and we need to protect it.
As an arborist, I live it. I’m constantly guiding people through invasive plant management, soil health and healthy tree-pruning practices. Trees are my niche. Through education and honest conversations I help guide people to conserve their trees and wildlife. On my own land, I plan to continue beautifying and managing the space for my kids or for whoever may live here in the future.
I’m actively learning about issues that affect the rivers, forests and oceans of Connecticut. I can promise that as a conservative, the environment that my kids live in is most important to me. I support environmental policies that actually improve air and water quality. I don’t support expensive programs simply because they sound good on paper. Families who struggle to afford their electric bills aren’t helped by policies that drive costs higher without producing environmental benefits. We need a change of perspective on our environment. A change where we all do our part.
Change isn’t forced through public benefit charges and higher taxes. The change comes from teaching the younger generations to respect nature and the environment. Change comes by holding our elders and peers accountable. Change comes by taking back control from our government that constantly oversteps, overtaxes and overspends. I don’t speak for all Republicans, but those Republicans who share my belief are in greater numbers than you think.
Guy Tuccero, Republican Candidate for State House of Representatives, 36th District
