Griebel: Connecticut Needs “Hungry Governor” Or Others Will “Eat Our Lunch”

Oz Griebel, Dennis House, Rick Green of the Hartford Courant and Brian Lockhart of the Stamford Advocate

by John Dankosky – WFSB’s Dennis House is the latest to follow up on our story about Governor Rell’s Decision not to attend the National Governor’s Association Conference (while still spending $106,600 per year to maintain an NGA membership).  On this Sunday’s Face The State, Dennis and his panel ask Republican Gubernatorial candidate Oz Griebel whether he would’ve attended.  He said “Yes.”  But, he said more:

“I really believe it is vitally important the governor be the face of the state , that the governor be the chief business development officer of the state. Not only do other governors go to these events but many major businesses do as well and I think it is important that the governor communicate to businesses that Connecticut is open for business and we are eager to retain jobs we have and gain new ones.”

“In this kind of global economy you have to understand that every state and many countries are going after these jobs. If Connecticut doesn’t have a hungry governor, there are 49 others out there eager to eat our lunch.”

Check out Oz this Sunday at 11 a.m. on WFSB’s Face The State.  You can read more from one of the panelists, the Courant’s Rick Green. 

 

Some Governors Say NGA Dues Not Worth It; Rell Spends on Dues, Doesn’t Go

by John Dankosky- People are still “buzzing” about Governor Jodi Rell’s decision not to attend the National Governors Association conference.  Or, maybe that’s just the gentle buzz created by the Hartford Courant’s daily online poll.   More on that later.

I had some fun with the fact that the governors of American Samoa, Guam and Puerto Rico were able to make it to Washington to advocate for federal dollars, while Rell stayed put.  But in other states, governors’ offices have decided these get togethers aren’t worth the cost.  This according to a report in The State newspaper:

Idaho GOP Gov. Butch Otter recently cut his office’s funding for attending the NGA meeting and will not pay the $60,000 membership dues because of state budget cuts, according to the Idaho Statesman. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, also a Republican, stopped paying for NGA membership and events in 2002.

The State’s hometown Governor Mark Sanford did attend the meeting, despite strict

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford

travel policies for state employees.  Of course, he’s already got problems with the South Carolina ethics commission, which is investigating him for use of state aircraft for “personal or political purposes.”

Given the other news facing Sanford at home, I don’t think anyone can blame him for getting the hell out of town.

But I was intrigued by the news of Idaho Governor Otter dropping his NGA membership, citing cost. I mean, it seems like he’s made a choice – either pay for a membership in an organization like this, and take part in all the opportunities it offers, or save the$60,000 in dues. But what if you pay for the membership and don’t attend the conference?  Isn’t that a giant waste of money?

Turns out that it’s more expensive for the governor of Connecticut to join than it is for the governor of Idaho – $106,600 per year. And our governor’s office paid a total of $213,200 in 2008 and 2009 in dues to the National Governor’s Association (these numbers from CTSunlight.org). A week’s worth of phone calls on the subject from Rell’s office have not been returned (big surprise), so I don’t know whether her 2010 dues are current.  But as the Courant’s Chris Keating reported late last year, it seemed important for the Governor to have the money in the budget for these dues.  This excerpt from a story about the passage of a 2-year state budget, allowed to go into effect without Rell’s signature:

Democrats seemed unfazed by Rell’s veto of $8.3 million in earmarks and were relieved that the long budget battle was over. Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, a New Haven Democrat, said the items were “a relatively minor issue overall in a $37 billion budget.”

He noted that Rell had pushed for her own various “add-backs” that will become law in the final budget, including restoration of expenses and salary money for operating the lieutenant governor’s office and more than $700,000 for the governor’s office over two years for things such as dues for the National Governors Association.  Democrats strongly opposed Rell’s numerous attempts to cut the budget, and they held press conferences to show their support for public education, libraries, Head Start, financial aid for college students and the state’s 62 family resource centers that provide services in public school buildings.

PLEDGES President-elect Barack Obama meets members of the National Governors Association. Gov. M. Jodi Rell, far right.

In December of 2008, Rell did attend the meeting in Philadelphia (left), where she got to meet with then President-elect Barack Obama.  But this trip came months after she imposed an out-of-state travel ban, which I’ve been told was the reason for her to skip this year’s shindig.  At the time of the ban she said, “Taxpayers rightfully expect us to be taking the same steps they are to live within our means.”  But, as we learned from The Day this week, sometimes it’s okay to have a travel ban really isn’t a ban at all.

These big expenditures (and inconsistent application of fiscal prudence) provide a bit more context to the “buzz” question asked by the Courant: Should Gov. Rell have gone to national governors meeting? (It’s a question I asked earlier in the week.)  So, what are the highly unscientific results (so far)?

56% say Yes – Given the state’s recent track record at winning federal funds, she should have been there. (357 responses)

22% say No – Her time is better spent working on the state budget. (140 responses)

9% say Yes – What politician doesn’t take face time with the president? (56 responses)

14% say No –  She sets a good example by honoring the ban on state employee travel. (88 responses)

I think that adds up to 65% saying Yes for one reason or another, and 23% saying No.  (I told you it wasn’t scientific…)

Several stories came out after our questions:

• Christine Stuart at CTNewsJunkie reported on Rell’s reaction to criticism that she’s not working hard enough to get federal funds (just as we learned that Connecticut missed out on even more money, this time for health information and training)
• WTNH’s Mark Davis also prodded the Governor on this…a story which prompted a bizarre string of comments online about whether President Obama is a racist.  Thank God for the high-level dialog provided by the internet.
• The Courant’s Chris Keating picked up the story in the paper, and on the Capitol Watch blog.
• It even made it’s way onto the liberal blog MyLeftNutmeg.

In New London, “Shoeless” Joe Dupnik Saves the Day

by Catie Talarski and John Dankosky- If you listened to this morning’s broadcast from the Hygienic Art Gallery in New London, it was in large part due to Where We Live’s wonderful interns Joe Dupnik (who has been nicknamed “Shoeless Joe” by Colin McEnroe) and Jonathan McNicol (who is yet to receive a catchy nickname – but perhaps will now be referred to as “ethernet tossing McNicol”).  Up until about ten minutes before the live broadcast, we weren’t able to secure a solid internet connection – which means we couldn’t get a clear audio feed back to Hartford.

But Joe, Jonathan and some wonderful folks at the Hygienic went knocking on neighbors doors, throwing ethernet wires out windows, and scrambling to make the program fly.  And it did.  Guerrilla radio at it’s best.  Thanks guys!

Audience at the Hygienic, photo by Jonathan McNicol

Also, thanks to all those who braved the rain and participated in the live show, and to the Bean and Leaf for providing coffee for the early risers.  We try to get our show on the road at least once a month – and New London is one that we’ve been talking about coming back to for months.  The charming little city has been getting a lot of attention lately, both for the fact that Pfizer is leaving and also because of the thriving grassroots arts scene.  New London stands out as a truly successful example of how a “creative economy” helps to revitalize cities, which we’ve been talking about on the show.

A few notes:

• We were surrounded by an amzing art exhibit, “gesture: making the mark” (right) featuring the work of these regional artists: Greg Bowerman, Don Eccleston, Denny Rivera, Tekla Zweir, Ken Steinkamp, Eva Leong, Joan Levy Hepburn, Judith Osbourne; also from New Orleans, Tony Nozero and from Mexico City, Maria José Romero.

From "gesture: making the mark"

• You can check out more photos from the visit, taken by Jonathan McNicol.
• Stay tuned to Where We Live in the coming months as we follow up on some of the issues we covered this morning, including Shoreline East expansion, the future of Fort Trumbull, and the creative class in Connecticut.
• And, listen to “The Potential of New London” our live broadcast from the Garde Arts Center July, 2008.

Thursday’s Where We Live: LIVE in New London!

New London Lighthouse - image by slack 12/Flickr Creative Commons

by John Dankosky - We’ve been talking about how a “Creative Economy” can be the key to revitalizing Connecticut’s cities.  New London is leading the way, with a bustling, creative arts scene.  It’s part of a grass-roots effort to remake the city’s identity.

Today, we’re live at the Hygienic on Bank Street – it’s become a center for this transformation that’s stretched beyond the arts.

We’re also here to consider what’s changed in the city since our last town hall meeting here, and discuss the impact of Pfizer’s decision to leave its new research facility.

Is this the end of the “big bang” redevelopment project?  Can New Londoners reshape their city as a creative center of Southeast Connecticut – one storefront at a time?

Join us live at 9a.m. ET…we’ll save a seat for you!

Capitol Report: Shays Won’t Run For Governor

Chis Shays says no to running for Governor - photo by Chion Wolf

by Tom Dudchik – “I will not be running for Governor,” Shays told Capitol Report. ” I would love to be part of the debate. I believe I would win. And I would dearly love to serve and help get our State out of the huge mess it is in. But Betsi and I simply can’t make it work financially. After quitting my job to run for Governor and serving four years in office we would be nearly bankrupt, the very problem I would be helping to get the State out of.”

The exclusive report at CT Capitol Report.

A Governor’s Journey to Washington: Priceless

by John Dankosky - As a contrast to Governor Rell’s decision to stay home and skip the important meeting of the National Governor’s Association in Washington, where governors asked for federal help and conferred about how to fill their budget gaps, here’s the itinerary of American Samoa

Governor Togiola Tulafono

Governor Togiola Tulafono, who did make it to the meeting.  He left last Sunday night, and likely wasn’t in Washington until sometime Tuesday.  It’s about a 7000-mile flight, and takes roughly 15 hours.  That’s if you’re not trying to save money by letting Expedia pick your itinerary.  That’ll cost you a 12-hour layover in Honolulu!

(UTULEI: Monday, February 15, 2010) - Governor Togiola Tulafono departed the Territory on Sunday night to attend meetings in the mainland, which begin in Washington DC at the end of the week.

In the nation’s capital, Governor Togiola will join the governors of states and territories at the annual National Governor’s Association winter meeting, which begins this Saturday, February 20^th. First Lady Michelle Obama will be the opening speaker at the NGA conference. She will speak on her new initiative on childhood obesity and the need to make improvements in child care settings, schools, and communities to support obesity prevention among the nation and territories’ children. (JD Note – The Governor’s attacking one of the biggest problems his territory faces. According to the WHO, Samoa has the highest worldwide incidence of childhood obesity with 74% compared to that of America’s 34% and China’s 2%.)

"Damn, he looks good in a tux!"

Governor Togiola and Mrs. Mary Ann Tulafono will attend a formal dinner at the White House on Sunday night along with other governors and their spouses. (JD Note – Sounds like fun!)

On Monday, February 22nd, Governor Togiola will attend the Pacific Basin Development Council (PBDC) winter meeting. The PBDC members are the governors of American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam and Hawai’i. (JD Note – Cooperation between these territories and states is important.  By reading just a little bit from Pacific news reports, you can tell these meetings are a chance to say “Don’t forget about us” to the federal government.)

"Look, Honey...we made it to Washington!!" Governor Tulafono, photographs his wife at the start of the National Governors Association Winter Meeting opening plenary session- photo courtesy NPR

On Tuesday, February 23^rd, Governor Togiola will attend the White House Interagency Group on Insular Affairs (IGIA). The IGIA was established by President Bill Clinton in 1999 to work directly with the Secretary of the Interior, the White House Intergovernmental Affairs and federal departments and agencies to identify issues concerning the four territories and to make recommendations to the President concerning Federal Government policies, programs and activities related to the insular areas. Governor Togiola will be joined by CNMI Governor Benigno Fitial, Guam Governor Felix Camacho and US Virgin Islands Governor John deJohng at the IGIA meeting. (JD Note – We learned yesterday that Governor deJohng did not make the meeting.  The VI is pretty nice compared to DC this time of year.  Meanwhile, Togiola got out of town just in time.)

CTNewsJunkie: State Misses Out On More Federal Funds

by Christine Stuart - First it was millions of dollars in transportation funds. Now it’s health information and training funds that won‘t be coming to Connecticut.

New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont were able to secure $138.5 million out of $1 billion in federal stimulus funds for health information technology and training entry level health care workers.

Continue reading Christine’s story for CTNewsJunkie here.

"The Negotiator" wants to get you on a plane, Governor Rell!

JD Note – I also found a fun fact from the CTMirror’s “Editor’s Choice” section.  In citing our story about Governor Rell’s decision not to attend the NGA meeting in Washington, they pass along some travel tips:  (Expedia offers non-stop round-trip airfare from Hartford and two nights at the conference hotel for less than $1,800; the state is asking for $193 million in its “Race to the Top” application.) And, imagine the deal you could get through Connecticut-owned Priceline!

49 Governors Meet on Health Care, Education, Economy; Rell Stays Home

by John Dankosky - President Barack Obama addressed the winter meeting of the National Governors Association in Washington Monday.  The topics included health reform, stimulus funding, and the President’s plan to improve education.  And despite criticism of the state’s inability to get federal money for transportation projects, Governor Jodi Rell decided to skip the gathering.

49 out of 55 Governors did get together, including the Governors of Guam, Puerto Rico and American Samoa.  Rell’s office would not give a reason for the decision, except to cite the state’s travel ban for employees.

“Well, I understand what the Governor is attempting  to do, in saving on travel expenses.  But I think it’s penny-wise and pound foolish,” said Senator Gary LeBeau.  He co-chairs the State Commerce Committee.

“We have just been frozen out of two rounds of stimulus funds.  So I think the Governor should be a little more active in trying to pursue these funds,” LeBeau said.

New York Governor David Paterson was among many state leaders who used the opportunity to press the White House for more federal aid.  Paterson says he wants to get capital flowing to small businesses in his state.  “Construction is usually overflowing in the summer and the real problem is that the companies can’t get money. This is not only a problem with companies around our state, it happens in other states,”  Paterson said.  He also used the gathering to get ample face time on CNN and other networks.

Democratic political consultant Jonathan Pelto says Rell’s missing the sort of opportunity that Paterson and others have taken.  ”The irony is that corporations, unions, advocacy groups would spend millions and millions, and millions of dollars to try and get face time with the President and the President’s people, and here we have a Governor who is invited and not participating,” Pelto told me.

The meeting between President Obama and the Governors allowed them to swap their ideas about health care reform.  Mr. Obama laying out his new proposal, and Vermont Governor Jim Douglas detailing his Rx for Health Reform. A year ago, Rell was chosen to be part of the NGA task force on the issue.  The leaders heard from surgeon (and former Where We Live guest) Atul Gawande about how to transform health care delivery.  And, First Lady Michelle Obama talked about what states can do to combat the childhood obesity epidemic.

The President called on governors to boost educational standards, especially in math and science, as part of his “Race to the Top” reform efforts.  Some state lawmakers have been critical of Connecticut’s attempt to get funds from this project.  Congressman Joe Courtney told The Day of New London that the state’s plan was “kind of cobbled together pretty last-minute.”  And the education reform group ConnCan said Monday that the state handed in an “incomplete application” with 120 spaces left blank.   ConnCan CEO Alex Johnson used the report to call for “collaboration between the executive and legislative branches” to enact the type of education reforms spelled out by the Obama administration.

Listen for more on this story on WNPR’s Morning Edition.

Brass Bonanza

by Catie Talarski

Just because.

Monday’s Where We Live: Do Sports Make Connecticut “Major League?”

by John Dankosky - A new professional football team is coming to Hartford.  Several groups want to bring back the NHL Whalers.

The Whalers' Ron Francis, back in the day

And, there are even rumors about Major League Baseball in Connecticut.  Really.

Yes, no less an expert than Hall of Fame Baseball writer Peter Gammons says that Southern Connecticut could be a new home for the troubled Tampa Bay Rays baseball team – trying to get a new stadium deal in Florida.  As much as I love Mr. Gammons, I’m not sure where exactly this new team would play, or who would support it. The Bridgeport Bluefish, a team in the unaffiliated Atlantic League was dead last in league attendance last year.

Connecticut sports fans have been down this road before – remember the bizarre press conference where owner Bob Kraft and Governor John Rowland shook on a deal to move the New England Patriots to Hartford?  That didn’t work out so well…

Despite the obvious problems, the idea of going “major league” is enough to get sports fans dreaming.  Dreaming about a city filled with fans, spending loads of money on food and merchandise, and giving life to otherwise dull downtowns.

But when you take off the team hat and giant foam finger, you have to ask, is public investment in sports worth it?

Today, where we live, we’ll talk with sports economist Andrew Zimbalist about the business of sports – and whether now’s the time to be getting in on the game.  And, author Mark Yost looks at how big time college sports aren’t always what they seem.

And, we’d like to hear from you – are big time sports a big deal in Connecticut?  Is the state university basketball coach worth $1.6 million?   Call us 860-275-7266 at 9 a.m. ET, leave a comment here, email wherewelive@wnpr.org or tweet us @wherewelive.

Trinity Bantams Baset Chaudhry makes a shot against Yale Bulldogs Kenneth Chan in the third game of their match. Chen lost the match to Chaudhry 3 to 1, in a match that gave Trinity five wins in the best of nine match play, to assure them the national championship. Trinity College beat Yale University in the final round of the College Squash Association (CSA) National Team Championships played at Yale University's Brady Courts for their twelfth title in a row (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT / February 21, 2010)

In other sports news, word that Trinity College in Hartford has captured its 12th straight national title in squash (beating Yale 6-3)  reminds us that not everything in the world of athletics is about money.  Trinity’s unparalleled excellence is due to a coach, Paul Assaiante, who’s figured out a better system – intensely recruiting athletes from all over the world.  Two years ago, Where We Live Senior Producer Catie Talarski profiled this international team for the BBC/PRI show The World. Among the rising stars she talked to then was Baset Chaudhry, now senior co-captain and star of the Trinity team.  Congrats to a program that may be doing something that no other team, professional or college, has ever accomplished.