RSG | Press Page: The Governor Is Restoring Faith In Government

Oct. 8 marked the 100th day of the administration of Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Since raising her right hand and taking the oath of office on July 1, the governor has charted a new course for Connecticut.

The governor called it "our solemn obligation" to "restore faith, integrity and honor to our government." She certainly has not let us down. Looking back on the last 100 days, most everyone - Republicans and Democrats - will agree that Gov. Rell is a welcome change to state government. She has clearly exceeded expectations and has accomplished nearly everything she set out to do 100 days ago.

As leaders in the Connecticut General Assembly, we know firsthand the level of respect Gov. Rell has earned from lawmakers of both parties - a reputation she has enjoyed since serving as a state representative and as lieutenant governor. In fact, a recent Quinnipiac University public opinion poll showed the governor's approval ratings in September reaching 77 percent. Unquestionably, this is an incredible achievement but not the least bit surprising for anyone who knows the governor or her ability to govern.

Some have called the first 100 days a honeymoon for the governor. We call it the Rell way of governing. Now is not the time to play partisan politics. Rather, this is the time to embrace the Rell administration and applaud her for the leadership she has brought to the state in such a short period of time.

Partisan politics has not deterred, and will not deter, the governor from her pledge to "work tirelessly, with honor, dignity and civility." She has a clear vision for the state of Connecticut, evidenced by her administration's top priorities: ethics reform, jobs and the economy, homeland security and early childhood education. Over the past 100 days, the governor has delivered on these priorities for the people of Connecticut. Here's how:

Restored faith in state government. The Governor issued Executive Order No. 1 appointing a special counsel for ethics compliance to advise the administration and all agencies, departments, boards and commissions on issues of public integrity. She established a Contracting Reform Task Force that recommended more than 130 improvements in the way the state purchases goods and services. And she started a dialogue with campaign finance reform advocates by hosting a meeting to discuss potential measures to strengthen our campaign finance laws.

Improved the state's economy and job market. The governor convened a meeting with top economists from Connecticut to talk about the state of our economy and the future of our job market. She has taken an active role in encouraging businesses to locate or expand their operations in the state. She has also pledged to maintain and create jobs for Connecticut by focusing on the state's strengths and by keeping the tax and regulatory climates attractive to businesses.

Enhanced educational opportunities for Connecticut schoolchildren. The governor tapped a leading advocate for Connecticut children to recommend ways to expand and finance early childhood school readiness programs and seek new strategies to close the achievement gap. The details of the governor's plans will be unveiled in the coming weeks so that we in the legislature may consider them next session.

Bolstered homeland security and public safety. Gov. Rell established a team of experts in national security and public safety to seek a director of the new Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. She toured the New Haven Harbor with U.S. Coast Guard officials for a briefing on the state's efforts to protect our waterways, ports and harbors. She reacted swiftly to protect our borders and our citizens when the terror alert was raised this past summer in New York and New Jersey and for certain financial institutions. She also will meet with Navy officials in Groton to discuss their partnership with the state in homeland security.

That is just the beginning. Since taking office, Gov. Rell has made it a priority to bring quality people to state government. She accepted the resignations of commissioners from various state agencies while conducting national searches to replace them. The governor held 16 open houses in cities and towns throughout the state to meet and greet thousands of Connecticut residents. And she committed the budget surplus from the fiscal year that ended June 30 to the once-depleted rainy day fund.

The governor said it best in her swearing-in speech when she stated that "the time to heal has begun." We have no better leader than Gov. M. Jodi Rell to help us do just that.

Robert M. Ward, R-North Branford, is the minority leader of the state House of Representatives. Louis C. DeLuca, R-Woodbury, is the Senate minority leader.