Connecticut's Next Governor Must Change the Status Quo

The recent Chamber Leadership Luncheon at the Hartford Business Journal’s annual Connecticut Business Expo marked the first time all six candidates for governor have appeared on the same stage for an in-depth discussion about the economic and job development crisis in Connecticut.

We at Jobs for Connecticut Now, along with our co-sponsors, which included the Chamber Leadership Cabinet, the Chamber Insurance Trust and AT&T, were intrigued and encouraged by the range of issues and possible solutions raised in the discussion.

During the forum, which was adroitly moderated by CNBC analyst Ron Insana, the candidates offered their individual assessments of how and why the decades-long economic decline has occurred in Connecticut. As we are aware, this decline began years before the current recession. The national economic crisis only made what was bad in Connecticut even worse.

What was most encouraging about the discussion was that every candidate understood the urgency of revitalizing the state’s economy and growing jobs here in Connecticut. And all further indicated that they would make this their top priority immediately after taking office.

Several promising suggestions included providing more tax incentives; increasing educational opportunities and more relevant education programs for Connecticut’s young people; and reforming state government by reining in costs, eliminating or combining agencies, and tougher negations with state labor unions. One proposal that we found to be of particular interest was that every piece of legislation include a fiscal note assessing its impact on business, similar to the requirement that a bill include a note detailing its impact on state government.

What is the next step? The candidates’ remarks and proposals on June 10 should not wither on the vine. We view the Expo discussion as the beginning of a true dialogue with the business community, as all stakeholders share constructive opinions and proposals. As we have noted in the past, in many circumstances, this sector was given lip service instead of constructive and thoughtful dialogue with our state government. The candidates’ comments can be a springboard to a newly invigorated discussion on how to move Connecticut forward.

We believe that more than anything else, the new governor needs to provide leadership in this area. This is vital. Interests on all sides need to contribute and commit to a meaningful dialogue and be willing to put aside preconceived notions and old conflicts as the state climbs out of this mess. We include the business community as a committed partner in this pivotal discussion.

The new governor must provide leadership and cooperation, not only with parties outside of state government but also with the legislature and other constitutional officers and state officials. We have seen over time the state legislature enact legislation that is harmful and counterproductive to business growth. We have witnessed elected state officials taking up causes and issuing statements that fuel the notion that business is somehow bad. This needs to stop. The new governor must set a tone that resonates throughout state government and beyond that the state can no longer afford to engage in past practices and maintain the status quo.

This is truly an historic election. It is an opportunity to move forward to a state that can attract jobs, balance its budget and still maintain needed services for the those who are in need.

We in the business community will be watching and listening over the course of the campaign. We will comment and offer suggestions. We trust that the new governor will take note of what is being suggested by all in the business community and lead in a fair and positive manner.

Paul Moran is executive director of Jobs for New England Now, a coalition of citizens, businesses, pro-business groups and non-profit organizations determined to encourage economic growth and prosperity for communities across the greater New England region.