Legislators Weigh in on the Biggest Cliches in Politics

WORDS WITH LEGISLATORS

The term “shared sacrifice” was on Lake Superior State University's annual list of overused, misused and tiresome words people want to see banished. Because those two words were frequently used in 2011 Capitol DisPatch wondered what terms Nutmeg State lawmakers would banish this year if they could
State Rep. Jason Perillo, a Republican representing Shelton in the 113th House District won’t care if he never again hears the term "revenue enhancers."

“It is just government speak for new taxes and fees and all it does is mislead taxpayers,” Perillo said.

“Although I'm repeating myself, I'd say 'work in progress': if a bill isn't ready, we shouldn't be voting on it,” said state Sen. Joe Markley, a Republican representing Cheshire, Southington, Waterbury and Wolcott in the 16th Senate District, about the three words that grate on him.

It’s no contest for state Sen. Toni Boucher, a Republican representing Bethel, Darien, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Redding in the 26th Senate District. 

“I would add my voice to the comments that  "shared sacrifice" has been misused and created a contentious environment.  It should be removed from our vocabulary,” Boucher said.

If state Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield, a Democrat representing New Haven in the 94th House District had his way the term “operate in silos” would be buried. 

DEEP WATER

The Office of Policy and Management – working with the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and local officials selected port and harbor advisor Moffat & Nichol study the state’s three deep-water ports, including a focused effort at growing maritime industry jobs. 

Hartford-based BETA Group, Inc., a local engineering, planning and environmental services firm, will be a subcontractor on the project.

“Connecticut’s maritime industry is a vital piece of our State’s economy, accounting for tens of thousands of good jobs,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy in a press release. “Unfortunately, without a comprehensive strategy in place, we can't know where the best chances for us to promote economic development exist. This study will change that. It will guide the State – in the short and long-term – in our effort to partner with Connecticut’s ports, grow jobs, and bolster our economy.”

Lavielle said she’s “not sure what the Moffat & Nichol study is going to turn up, but it doesn't seem likely that Connecticut could compete with New Jersey, New York, and Boston on all aspects of shipping. That said, Connecticut has certainly not fully exploited the potential of its three deep water ports—New Haven, Bridgeport, and New London.”

Lavielle, who sits on the transportation committee, said she hopes the maximum $477,000 budget for the study won't be spent, as we need to watch spending on "consulting" carefully.

Moreover, she said Connecticut needs a real rail freight system if the ports are to truly be competitive, and that’s an expensive proposition.

TALKING RACE

 
“Connecticut hasn’t talked about race to its detriment. We’re trained not to talk about race,” state Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield, a Democrat representing New Haven in the 94th House District. “Talking about the achievement gap or the October jobs session is all well and good, but none of this addresses unemployment in New Haven, Bridgeport, or Hartford. And there’s a subtle racial component to these issues we need to discuss.”