Incumbent Democratic Governor Ned Lamont and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski shared their policy plans for the New Haven area during a governor’s forum at Quinnipiac University’s North Haven campus on Sept. 29.
The forum that followed a September 28 governorship debate between the candidates, which focused on issues such as human resource development, tax breaks, housing, transportation, business attraction and inclusive growth.
“I think the location for a forum like this couldn’t be more appropriate because at Quinnipiac, one of our core pillars is focused on educating students so that at the 21st of Quinnipiac’s College of Arts and Sciences, when the forum opens.
The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce hosted the forum, which was co-sponsored by chambers of commerce across the state, including Wallingford-based Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce.
Keyri Ambrocio, public policy and strategic communications specialist at the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, said the organization aims to educate its members on the business policy issues that affect them most.
“We just want to educate our business audience across the different platforms and help them decide who to vote for in November,” Ambrocio said.
Gov. Lamont said Connecticut residents should vote for him because he has balanced state budgets and expanded public programs like affordable housing. (Jack Spiegel)
James Perito, the chairman of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, hosted separate interviews with Stefanowki, who described himself as a socially moderate tax conservative, and Lamont, who described himself as a progressive businessman.
Stefanowski said during the forum that the state economy has suffered under Lamont’s leadership over the past four years, while Lamont cited four balanced budgets and a multibillion-dollar budget surplus as indicators of good performance.
Perito said there are more than 100,000 job offers in Connecticut and interviewed both candidates on how they would match labor supply and demand. Both Lamont and Stefanowski emphasized the importance of creating jobs for college communities and young people.
“The business community, you’re the lifeblood of Connecticut, you really are, and it’s all about creating more jobs,” Stefanowski said. “It’s all about collaborating with the community.”
When it comes to helping young people find jobs, Stefanowski, a North Haven native, recalled taking woodworking classes in high school and said the state should encourage schools to build trade programs that streamline the job-sourcing process.
“I have three daughters, and all of them got four-year degrees by default, and I think a four-year degree is great,” Stefanowki said. “But a four-year degree isn’t for everyone.”
Lamont said that if re-elected, he is committed to providing college students with greater access to workforce training opportunities such as apprenticeship and internship programs.
“Let’s face it, we have some of the best colleges in the world here,” Lamont told the Chronicle. “Obviously (I want to) involve (students) more with the companies based here (and) give them more insight into your opportunities.”
Stefanowski said young people don’t have the same conditions as his generation and the cost of living makes it difficult for those just leaving college to raise families and pursue careers in Connecticut.
“You need affordable housing and reasonable property taxes,” said Stefanowski. “We don’t have that right now.”
Republican Connecticut gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski said he plans to cut regulations and taxes using the state surplus if elected. (Jack Spiegel)
Connecticut is currently the eighth most expensive state Living in the US, Perito said, is driving residents out of the state.
Lamont agreed that incorporating more affordable housing and “vibrant inner cities” is key to getting people to move to Connecticut and stay there. citing more affordable housing during his tenure. But Lamont also stressed the importance of working with community mayors on housing issues and “building on the strength of local control.”
When asked about their transportation initiatives, both Stefanowski and Lamont supported investments in Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure, including the state’s roads, bridges and airports. Although Stefanowski advocated partial privatization of state airports, both candidates expressed a desire to increase the number of commercial flights and destinations to and from Connecticut, particularly at Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport.
The issue on which the two candidates differed the most was what to do with the state over $4 billion surplus. While Stefanowski said the money should be spent on tax breaks and a reduction in regulation, Lamont focused on tax stability and said Connecticut should bail out its “rainy day fund” and pay off unfunded pension debt.
Lamont said his opponent is spending the “rainy day fund” “five times over” by proposing cuts and relief that don’t match what Connecticut has on the bench. He also emphasized the $600 million tax cut introduced in May this year, which included extending the gas tax suspension until the end of November 2022.
“I love the job and I think we’re making a difference,” Lamont said. “I believe in the state of Connecticut.”
Both candidates had the opportunity to end their sessions with an appeal to voters. Lamont cited fiscal stability and increased funding for infrastructure, affordable daycare and care for the elderly. Stefanowski ended his interview by forcing voters into disbelief “Attack Ads” this claim that he opposes a woman’s right to vote.
“My opponent doesn’t want to talk about the economy,” said Stefanowski. “If you honestly think now it’s safer than four years ago and you honestly think (as) the business world, it’s easier to do business than it was four years ago and you think the infrastructure is better than four years ago, pick the guy who comes in next.”
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