(Hartford, CT) – In a world of shaded grays Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy(D) gets credit for being as straight-forward as possible.
The greatest cause behind gridlock in government is us. When Republicans refuse to increase taxes and when Democrats refuse to consider spending cuts, their positions are largely grounded in fear. Yes, Republicans generally believe in smaller government and Democrats generally believe government is often part of the solution, but it is also true that gridlock happens when both sides fear their base. It’s the fear that keeps the two sides from compromising.
So when we say we want our elected leaders to treat us like adults, tell us what the problem is and tell us how to solve the problem; politicians know we don’t really mean it. If they raise our taxes, if they cut our programs, there will be a price at the polls.
In his first year in office, Governor Malloy has demonstrated that he doesn’t really care about any of that. He is a manager of government. That’s what he does. I have often heard him say, in a frustrated tone, “that’s what I do,” as if he doesn’t understand why no one gets where he is coming from. He believes he manages government systems well. That’s where you can find him in the Yellow Pages.
If you believe your roads should be cleared of snow, if you believe your lights should come on after a reasonable amount of time following a power outage, if you think the day care center watching your child should follow certain regulations; Malloy agrees with you, but he also expects you to acknowledge that there is a price for it all – and you should be willing to pay it. He has no fear of raising taxes if that’s what the numbers suggest is necessary.
So in the middle of all the uproar in Wisconsin over union rights and Governor Andrew Cuomo’s(D) stand against tax increases, Governor Malloy tried something different this year. He told the truth.
Shortly after winning the election, he told the voters of Connecticut the state was in a huge financial mess and there was no easy way out. The state wouldn’t be able to cut its way out of the deficit and it wouldn’t be able to tax its way out of the deficit. The pension and benefit system for state employees was too rich and something would have to be done about that too.
He called for shared sacrifice and he actually meant it. A move some of his colleagues must have perceived as politically naive.
Facing a budget hole approaching $4 billion, he put forward a proposal to raise taxes, cut spending and seek employee concessions in almost equal amounts. The Democratic controlled legislature went along, no doubt snickering as Malloy tried to negotiate concessions from state employees. He had offered to take the blame for all the ugly choices.
When his first attempt was rejected by union rank and file, Malloy proceeded immediately with plans to layoff thousands (3,000 to 6,500) of state workers. Even though he would admit he owed his close election victory – in part to help from public employee unions – he had promised no more spending cuts and no more taxes to close the gap.
Malloy is pragmatic. He said it was layoffs or concessions and in his mind, the unions gave him to choice. Seeing he was actually serious – that Malloy actually believed this “shared sacrifice” stuff – the unions caved. Not entirely, but enough to solve the problem, for now. Budgets are always squishy.
It remains to be seen whether Malloy’s direct approach will pay off practically and politically. A lot depends on the economy and he has no control over that. Connecticut’s unemployment rate is 8.4% and at last check Malloy’s approval rating was 41%.
If things work as planned, Malloy has forced the state to take its medicine and get back on the right track. When it’s time for re-election, the unemployment rate will have dropped and Malloy’s approval rating will be out of the danger zone. Malloy wants to serve a second term, he has said so. He has also said he can live with losing as long as he knows he’s done the right thing. He clearly believes he has.
It is perhaps fitting then, that when it comes to picking a governor of the year, Malloy receives “honorable” mention.
