The Five Point Plan: Clean & Open Government

Turning around our economy, balancing our budget and restoring 100,000 plus jobs are top priorities, but it is even more critical that we immediately eliminate the arrogance, evasiveness, and entitlements that characterize our politics with a return to the citizen-statesman model envisioned by our Founding Fathers.

Only by taking bold, visible action toward transparency and accessibility will we restore the confidence of our citizens and reassure them that elected and appointed state officials are serving the public rather than their own agendas.  As a candidate, this starts now, not next January.  I will always be open and candid with voters and constituents.  In this spirit, I propose a Clean & Open Government Plan, illustrating the bold leadership necessary to earn the trust and engagement of Connecticut’s citizens.  I have spent my entire life leading people to serve the greater good – whether by chairing Riverfront Recapture, the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Transportation Strategy and Northwest Catholic High School Boards to raising money for the United Way and coaching youth sports – I know Connecticut inside and out, and propose the following sweeping changes to return ethics and transparency to our state government.

1) TRANSPARENCY & ACCESSIBILITY:
I will hold weekly press and constituent availability during the campaign and my administration to ensure maximum transparency.  Such regular interaction with the media, our elected leaders and constituents will ensure maximum engagement on budget and public policy as well as serve to diminish the likelihood of being corrupted by the perquisites of elected office.

2) TERM LIMITS: 
Under no circumstances will I serve more than two terms as Governor.  While we will accomplish much with energetic leadership, the problems we face may require that I ask voters for a second term, but I believe a self-imposed two term limit underscores the essence of the citizen-statesman ideal.

3) BIENNIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS:
I will evaluate whether to call for a Constitutional Convention exploring whether we should consider moving to a biennial legislature that would track our current biannual budget process.  In this model, the legislature would be scheduled to meet only for a fixed period during the odd numbered years to establish the budget and to enact legislation.  In even numbered years, the legislature would only meet if called into special session.  Such a limited session, as used by other states, will underscore that service as a legislator is part-time and focused on getting its work done in a timely fashion.

4) PENSION REFORM:
The current eligibility and calculation system encourages people to run for re-election to secure personal benefits, the antithesis of the citizen-statesman model.

I have been a strong advocate for replacing our defined benefit plan for state employees with a defined contribution system. As governor, I will also propose that time served as an elected or appointed official will not be counted toward years of service under any continuing defined benefit system.

5) CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM:
Connecticut is facing a near $4 billion deficit.  As a matter of principle and practicality, our state simply cannot afford to fund political campaigns at the expense of Connecticut taxpayers, particularly at a time when we’re having to cut our most vital services.   Additionally, from a ‘clean’ elections standpoint, the issue here is really about transparency.  Why not let the voters decide?  I propose an online management system with real-time updates of campaign contributions, available to the public for analysis and consideration.  If a candidate chooses to accept campaign funds from a lobbyist or state contractor, let the voters decide if that’s appropriate and cast their votes accordingly.