Colin McEnroe Show: Catching Up With Governor Malloy

Email from Matt

Dear Colin,

Just a question that I hope you'll pass along to the governor tomorrow. It's a bit broad, but it's something I'm hearing a lot of people ask these days. I would love to hear what the governor has to say...Here's my question:

"Connecticut's taxes are high, the real estate costs are high, job growth is nonexistent, opportunities are few. Why should I raise my family here? What am I getting by living in Connecticut that I cannot get in another state that has a lower cost of living?"

Here's a little about the person asking the question. I'm a 30 year old professional, former US Army officer, master's degree. One might think that somebody like me would have many choices and opportunities, but I assure you that this is not the case. If somebody with my background is experiencing this, what is somebody with fewer "credentials" supposed to do?

Thanks Colin. I love your show.

Email from Steven

Hi Colin,
I understand that you will have the Gov. on tomorrow. Would you please ask him the following questions:

1.) What exactly, item by item, did our state workers have to give up in order for the shortfall of 1.6 bill to be made up?? Do you have a real sense that the unions truly understand that there no
longer is and no longer will be money available for the type of exorbitant benefits that state workers have been receiving?

2.) Will your administration strive to revamp the state tax code ( hopefully the Fed will do the same !) so as to make the system much more favorable for companies, both small and large, in
Ct.; a tax code that they can live with for a lengthy period of time and not worry about a significant change taking place in 6 months or a year?

I would have many more Colin, but these two will do for now.

Email from Mel

Why do you support the Busway mass transit project between Hartford and New Britain. What is the expected traffic flowing between those two points?...and why would this be a route that people take. What's the upside of spending this money to the State.... and why use buses instead of trains?
will there be bicycle access.

Email from Dennis

Hi Colin!!

Have a couple of questions for the show today with His Excellency...

1) I remember prior to electrical deregulation taking effect that periodically tree trimmers would clear out threatening limbs, branches and other natural matter from utility lines and poles. I have not seen any of these projects or people in quite some time. Does this still take place? IF so, is it CL&P or UI's responsibility or any of the multiple other hands listed on your electric bill? If not..should it be legislatively enacted?

2) Is the utility company required to have insurance to protect against equipment damage in bad weather or other adverse natural conditions? Considering the cost for the public to replace spoiled food, property and other damage deductibles and uncovered losses isn't it too much to ask to have the public to also bear the cost of repairing the electrical system as well?

Overall I think the job done in this event was good.. and one must realize that restoring power isn't as simple as pluggng the wire back in again.. or finding the loose outlet in the substation.

Kind of tired.. but looking forward to tomorrows show!!

Email from Joseph

Dear Colin:
I have some questions for Governor Malloy for your show today:

Why can't you cut down on DOT overtime on the roads? There are DOT workers (and state police) cars working on bridges and roads often in non-emergency situations on weekends and at night. Recent examples are:
- RT 8 in Derby - the Commodore Hill Bridge - there were massive traffic jams on weekends through Shelton and Derby.
- RT 67 road sweeping at 6 P.M. causing traffic delays. The roads ahead looked OK to me
- RT 302 road sweeping at 9 A.M. causing traffic delays
- Frequent and long projects on the Merritt Parkway in Trumbull.
- RT 67 road work (tree trimming) in Southbury that went on for weeks last year

Who monitors what these workers are doing, why and where they work when they do?

In nearby states the road work appears short and in small locations. In our state there are long chunks of roadway undergoing work and traffic is rerouted for long stretches and long periods of time. Why is this?

You should order a cutback in mowing to 1/3 of current practice. We are in a budget crisis and as long as sight lines are OK the grass cutting should be cut back. Also, it's not necessary to go way into the off road areas and mow. These workers could be used elsewhere.

Mowing causes severe congestion as loads of state trucks and police block the road.

Try it sometime. Come down to Fairfield County and see what goes on.

You have said everyone must sacrifice. We can put up with longer grass on the roadsides.

Email from Marilyn

Here is a question for Gov. Malloy that has huge consequences for our state.
Gov. Malloy, you were an original plaintiff in the CCJEF (CT Coalition for Justice in Education Funding) lawsuit for equity and adequacy in educational funding to all school districts. Today, you are appointing a new Education Commissioner. Why don't you negotiate a settlement to this lawsuit that has dragged on for far too many years so we don't lose an entire generation of Connecticut children? And to give your new commissioner something to work with as he faces the challenge of improving education but cannot give the districts the resources they need to do it. Our children are counting on you. Please tell them you care and want this lawsuit resolved as quickly as possible because you want ALL children in CT to receive a quality education.
Marilyn

Email from Jim

Hi Colin.
I just listened to Chion read an email from somebody "down-state" who berated you and WNPR for "ignoring" those of us who were without power last week. This person was having a hemorrhage over this, and he said that you "have just lost a listener and a contributor."
Well, in my humble, calculated and unbiased opinion, the guy is a freaking jerk.
Perhaps anger management classes are in order here.
Seems to me that the email-writer had an axe to grind with Mother Nature, and, not having her email address, decided to take out his frustration on you.
However, as my sainted father always said, "Everybody is entitled to his or her own stupid opinion."
I live in Coventry, and I didn't get my power back until last Sunday. We went 176 hours and 17 minutes without power. My biggest concern wasn't whether or not somebody on WNPR was voicing his or her opinion about my power-less plight; my biggest concern was getting water to my horses when the pump in my well was out of commission.
When we finally got power back, I was ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED to hear you and Chion carrying on normally! Your show is always a bright spot in my day, and I appreciate the work that you and Chion and that vegan co-producer of yours put forth! (I used to be a vegan. Got sick of tofu.)
Keep up the good work! Fight the good fight! And don't let the bastards get you down!
As far as the irate email-writer is concerned, my father had another saying that may also apply to him. Often times after my intemperate words made me look like a fool, the old man would often say to me, "Jim, you just blew another golden opportunity to keep your goddamned mouth shut!"
And, by the way, I too thought that Avatar sucked.