During tonight’s televised debate between the Republicans vying for their party’s nomination for Governor, two candidates – First Selectman Tom Marsh of Chester and former Congressman Larry DeNardis – gave what I thought were refreshingly different answers to a couple of questions.
Marsh’s moment came when the candidates were asked if they would support the death penalty. The legislature in 2009 voted to abolish the death penalty but retiring Republican M. Jodi Rell vetoed the bill.
Several of the Republican candidates lumped the death penalty in with all the other “social issues” they said should be put on the back burner while lawmakers grapple with the budget/economy.
“Our main focus in this government should be all hands on deck for job creation,” said Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele of Stamford. “Many of the other social issues become distractions to the legislature.”
The danger in that response is that Connecticut residents come to their Governor and General Assembly with all kinds of issues. One person’s distraction is some constituent’s passion. It’s not realistic to assume all the other business in Hartford grinds to a halt just because there’s a budget crisis and legislators will start telling constituents their non-economic issues will have to wait for a few sessions before being heard. Safety belts on school buses, anyone?
Marsh was the only candidate to acknowledge this reality.
“The death penalty may not be important to many folks right now but to some in the state it’s extraordinarily important,” he said.
DeNardis delivered a refreshing response when asked about cutting certain state commissions to restructure government and save money. Rell who last year failed to convince the Democratic-majority General Assembly to support some of her ideas, has since proposed creating a bi-partisan commission to come up with a plan to streamline government in time for when the next Governor/General Assembly take office in January.
DeNardis referenced the fact that there have been several government reform studies conducted over the years “all of which are in my library.”
He said he and his team will over the coming months be using existing data to come up with a plan to restructure Connecticut government.
“We will have a proposal on January 3 … and be ready to implement it on Day 1,” DeNardis said.
Perhaps as the campaigns move ahead candidates from both major parties will offer more specifics. But too often when asked about how they plan to cut government they talk about examining the issue once they are sworn in. It’s true that they’re not currently working at the capitol and might not have access to all of the information necessary to make important judgements about merging agencies/eliminating positions. But as DeNardis noted there’s plenty of information available for them to start coming up with ideas today. There’s no need to sit back and wait for Rell’s commission – if it’s ever formed – to do the heavy lifting.
I agree with the comments about Larry De Nardis. He brings a “library” of experience tothe table, and has the maturity and wisdom needed to dig us out of this economic ditch we are in.
Comment by T. Party — March 19th, 2010 @ 8:59 am
I know Larry DeNardis well and he is bringing his academic intelligence to the table. Integrity, Experience and Vision what more can I say. Congratulations Larry, well done in the first debate.
Comment by Wendy, Hamden — March 19th, 2010 @ 10:56 am
It appears we are in agreement and your comments about the two candidates that did address the Death Penalty subject are understood.
I was especially impressed with former Congressman DeNardis’ concern for the hard working Police Ofiicers that try to keep us safe and the importance of the growth of CT Forensic Department. The friends and neighbors of Cheshire may not have the same sentiment as these candidates that brushed off this issue.
DeNardis has the strongest resume for the job of Governor and clearly the know how to address the seriousness of the Death penalty issue.
As President of University of New Haven, he built the Forensic Program with the great Dr. Henry Lee.
My vote for #1 in the debate is Larry DeNardis.
Comment by Linda MacKenzie — March 19th, 2010 @ 12:20 pm
Larry DeNardis was the clear winner of last night’s debate. He has a command of the issues that is unmatched by the other candidates. His depth and breadth of knowledge will serve him when he is Governor.
Comment by concerned nutmegger — March 19th, 2010 @ 1:05 pm
Wow, Larry Denardis caught me by surprise. He answered questions and had solutions. He did not dodge issues. He is clearly the smartest guy running. I think his experience will go a long way to lead our state. I believe he sounded like a Governor he looked like a Governmor and he behaved like a Governor. If it walks like a duck then it is a Duck. Larry Denardis should be our next Governor. The smartest guy on the podium. Go get em Larry!
Comment by R Party — March 19th, 2010 @ 2:27 pm
Larry DeNardis is obviously the only candidate with the experience, forsight and desire for the position of Governor. He has experienced in both the public and private sector. If you look at other states, there are countless stories of failed governors – either “career politicians”, or “business people – turned governor”. During this difficult times, you truly need someone who can manage both sides of the equation. A businessperson who knows how to work within the confines of the political arena. Larry DeNardis has indicated that, at this time in his life, he is only interested in being governor – and nothing more. He has read the entire budget – something I am certain not all of the candidates have. He is an educator and has a proven track record. His desire to be governor will allow him to make the tough decisions we need, without regard to future political office.
Comment by ConnecticutCitizen — March 19th, 2010 @ 2:49 pm
Larry DeNardis was head shoulders above this this group of candidates. He did his homework for this debate. He anwered all the questions with a unique and clear response. The reponses from the other candidates were difficult to understand and often reverted back a repeating of their self profile especially for Mr 5501.
Comment by Mark — March 19th, 2010 @ 3:12 pm
Nice to see that Larry was able to get his entire team in to post comments here.
Comment by ACR — March 20th, 2010 @ 7:01 am