Politics & Government

On Tour of CT Towns, Malloy Stops in Westport

The Democratic candidate for governor sips coffee at Oscar's on Main Street.

On an eight-town tour Wednesday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy made his first stop in Westport at Oscar's on Main Street.

Malloy, the Democratic party's endorsed candidate for governor, along with his running mate Nancy Wyman for lieutenant governor face Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont and his running mate Mary Glassman on Aug. 10 in the primary election.

Mingling with supporters, residents and employees of the Westport downtown staple, Malloy spoke about jobs, transportation and expressed concern for the recent shooting in Manchester in which a shooter killed eight people and then himself.

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The folks in Manchester are very community minded," Malloy said. "It's going to have a devastating impact on that community."

As far as his priorities for the state, Malloy said the $3.4 billion budget deficit, the lack of job growth over the past 22 years and the lack of faith by the business community to come to Connecticut or expand here are issues that need to be addressed.

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"When you're talking about economic development incentives, we need to level the playing field," Malloy said.

Malloy said the state needs to lower it's electric rates because Connecticut pays 76 percent more for electricity than the national average, which is a deterrent for businesses thinking about relocating to the Nutmeg State.

Transportation problems are another reason why jobs don't move beyond Stamford, Malloy said. 

"We have to stop taking money out of the transportation fund," he said. 

Of the businesses Malloy said he'd like to see grow in Connecticut, he mentioned the bio-tech industry, precision manufacturing, insurance and financial services.

Before heading off to other towns, Malloy told the crowd of about 25 people that voters are responding to his message, which he thinks is positive since his challenger Ned Lamont has outspent Malloy's campaign by about $6 million.

Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff said he's supporting Malloy and thinks he'll cut through the red tape to get things done for Connecticut and Westport.

John Kalamarides, chairman of the Democratic Town Committee in Wilton, echoed Joseloff's support.

"I like Ned but I think Dan is going to make a superior governor," he said. "He's got a program; he's been through it and he'll do a wonderful job for the state."

 


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