Gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy piously called for giving the public an up-close look at the workings of Connecticut government. When he launched his ultimately unsuccessful 2006 campaign, he promised a transparency-oriented “fundamental change in our approach to government” that would prevent a rerun of the scandal that sent former Gov. John G. Rowland to federal prison. During his successful 2010 run, candidate Malloy called for “open and transparent” government.
However, since he took office in January 2011, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has compiled an appalling record of opacity. His tendencies have gotten substantial attention as of late.
A 2011 deal between Gov. Malloy and state employee unions was negotiated in secret, the Connecticut Mirror reported. The deal granted workers pay increases and a nolayoff guarantee amid fiscal uncertainty, and it continued the practice of allowing overtime to count in pension calculations. Public-employee unions long have comprised one of the governor’s primary constituencies.
In February 2013, Gov. Malloy proposed making state government’s watchdogs — the State Elections Enforcement Commission, the Office of State Ethics and the Freedom of Information Commission — de- facto arms of the governor’s office. News reports cast doubt on Gov. Malloy’s claims that the proposal would save money, [Read More]