Three DTCs Host Democratic Gubernatorial Hopefuls

From bringing tolls back to the state and analyzing expenditures to creating jobs and consolidating services, four Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls told Westporters Wednesday night how they would address Connecticut's $3 billion to $4 billion annual deficit.

It's an issue each candidate or potential candidate — some are still in the exploratory phase — sees as a top priority for the state's next governor.

Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont and Simsbury First Selectwoman Mary Glassman are all vying for that post and made their intentions known at a candidate forum held by the Democratic Town Committees of Westport, Weston and Wilton.

In welcoming the crowd, Westport DTC chairman James Ezzes said, "Connecticut is going through a difficult time, so this is a very, very important election. Who is going to be governor is going to be a crucial difference for the state."

The first introductory comments were given to Marconi, an 11-year First Selectman for Ridgefield who told the crowd his extensive municipal background and experience in regional issues would make him prime for the post.

"No doubt the budget is the No. 1 concern," Marconi said. "I am an advocate of bringing tolls back to the state of Connecticut. ... This one issue could generate close to $1 billion a year for us. Is that the silver bullet? Absolutely not, but we cannot begin to get ourselves out of the situation we are in without looking at generating additional revenue."

If elected, Marconi said he would push for legislation to establish tolls. He also said he would also focus on education and job creation.

Malloy, a former 14-year mayor of Stamford told the crowd of his efforts in the city to lower crime, add thousands of jobs and hundreds of affordbale housing units. He likened being mayor of a big city to being governor of a small state and said if elected he would work to create jobs, especially in the technology industries. He also said he would attack energy rates, combine economic development efforts and make government more efficient.

As for addressing the deficit, Malloy said first the state needs to take stock of the safety net and then put everything else on the table.

"I firmly believe we can manage these difficulties," he said. "We have to look at tax expenditures."

Malloy said there are too many things that go untaxed on the premise that they produce jobs but the jobs are not actually being created. He proposes every expenditure be voted up or down on the basis of job creation. 

He also suggests combining the 200-plus government agencies to make them multi-purpose to save on administrative costs.

"Cutting the appointed parts of government, which has grown by a minimum of 15 percent, would save us millions and millions," he said. "That has to be the first step for any governor to lead in any way because leadershiop means you have to understand that you need to take a cut as well."

Lamont, a 56-year-old millionaire cable-television entrepreneur and former candidate for U.S. Senate, claims his experience creating jobs most qualifies him to lead the state to recovery.

"We have been falling behind for well over 20 years," Lamont said of the Nutmeg State compared to most others in the country. "We're dead last in small business creation. We're dead last in job creation. You want someone leading this state who knows small businesses. ... I'm a guy  who 25 years ago borrowed some money from a local bank, started a business, took on the cable TV industry and beat them at their own game."

Lamont also stressed he is a strong supporter of pooling acquisitions in terms of health insurance that municipalities and nonprofits could draw from to lower their health care costs.

To address the deficit, Lamont said he would look for structural reforms, find savings in health care and create job growth.

And last but not least, Mary Glassman who's served six terms as the First Selectwoman in Simsbury, said she, more than any other candidate, is right for the job because she is familiar with all levels of government.

Glassman formerly worked at the state capitol as special counsel to former Speaker of the House Moira Lyons and former Senate President Kevin Sullivan.  She also served as chief of staff in the Lt. Governor's Office. Additionally, she is the former Director of Legislative Affairs at CT Voices for Children, a non-profit advocacy organization that works to help children in need throughout the state.

Glassman stressed that she's a strong supporter of regional cooperation. As for the deficit, she said the state has a huge problem that can only be solved with a strong governor and by doing what local communities do — pay pension obligations and evaluate how services are delivered.

"I feel I am the only candidate who can hit the ground running," Glassman said. "I know how to negotiate state budgets. I know the power of the governor's office. I want to be the voice for those who don't have a voice, for kids who don't have an education. ... I'm in this race because the Connecticut I grew up in used to provide opportunities that we are not providing today. We have extreme challenges and we can do better."