On Sept. 10, I attended a legislative review breakfast presented by the Business Council of Fairfield County, an event that featured state Reps. Bob Duff and John McKinney. It was a very frank and honest presentation by two elected officials who seemed worn and more than a bit frustrated by their experiences in their governmental roles. That being said, their candor was refreshing and welcome as it shed light that the system of politics is very much alive and well in Connecticut.
As those in attendance collectively listened to the aftermath of the budget process through each of these elected official”™s eyes, it was certainly disheartening to hear them both say that the collective members of the statehouse did not have the guts or conviction to make the tough choices that were necessary to address the deteriorating financial condition we find ourselves in today.
Further, we heard from all accounts that the “balanced” budget passed really is anything but balanced, instead relying on creative accounting, deferrals, extensive borrowing and blind hope. That assertion was immediately validated a few days later when Governor Rell”™s office announced a warning that tax collection projections may in fact have been too optimistic, leaving our barely balanced budget out of balance a mere week or two after it was placed in action.
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In short, it has been politics as usual in Hartford during a time when we as residents of this state, as business owners and leaders require, demand and expect something more.
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When it comes to politics in my view, all the posturing, the finger pointing, the stumping and the rhetoric seemingly is tolerable if we get a reasonable result at the end of the day. That reasonable result did not materialize this time around and that is just unacceptable. We need to hold our elected officials accountable for more than just debating, finger pointing and even whining about the right or wrong thing to do. They need to be accountable for finding compromises that, while painful, are necessary for the short, medium and long-term survival of our state. Sacrifices need to be made, ones that deliver real results vs. the illusion of balance. If that means that as a result some constituents are disenchanted, so be it. As business people and responsible adults we manage financial matters and life matters within our means or face dire consequences. We make tough decisions daily that have impact on others. Why can”™t our elected officials do the same? We”™ve spent the past 12 months talking about “the new normal” when it comes to the economy, business and our lives in general. It”™s time for the government and those that hold office to adjust to the times as well.
David Lewis is President/CEO of Operations Inc, a Human Resources Consulting firm in Stamford, chairman of The CEO Roundtable and a member of this paper”™s advisory board.
