Ask Ructions: The Agony of a Hartford Primary Voter.
Dear Ructions:
I saw your letter about New Haven, and as a Hartford resident, I find myself deeply conflicted. While I loathe the idea of Matt Hennessey returning to power in City Hall, through his patron Eddie Perez, I am also deeply disturbed by the colonial administration of Mayor Bronin.
Should I cast my ballot for a man convicted of a felony committed while in public service – the standard corrupt contractor does house renovations while in exchange for public works contracts? Or, do I vote for a man who has engaged in a soft corruption to maintain his power without the city even getting a new sidewalk for it?
The incumbent, in this Me Too moment, needs the support of a married member of City Council who stands very credibly accused of sexually harassing a council aide for more than a year. The incumbent also, according to a state audit, violated the law in getting money to build Dillon stadium for Bruce Mandel (who gave $45k illegally to Bob Stefanowski). The incumbent’s wife chairs the city’s Planing and Zoning commission, although her term expired in February 2017, she or a replacement has never been reappointed, so she remains by default.
While Eddie is at least accessible, empowering another Joe Ganim redemption story makes me kind of sick. And though Luke has the cooperation of corporate community, he does not listen to even those closest to him, who warned him against running for governor.
Which kind of corruption is worse? Eddie’s pay-to-play, or Luke’s blind, amoral ambition? Or should I just vote for the guy who parks his BMW in a handicap spot (who also is allied with the alleged sexual harasser)?
Sign me,
Confused in the Capital City
Dear Confused,
Despair has not diminished your powers of analysis or decription. You have joined the crowded ranks of baleful Hartford primary voters. This race pummels optimism. Your question suggests the answer. You sound like you have concluded Brandon McGee is the least objectionable of the three contenders on the September 10th ballot.
I must cavil with the notion of equivalent veins of corruption. Eddie Perez engaged in the criminal betrayal of the public trust for home improvements and tried to blame it on dyslexia during his trial. Luke Bronin is a disappointment to many but not a felon. Still, you are right to be alarmed that Bronin’s spouse continues to chair the zoning commission with a term that goes on and on while also aggressively raising campaign funds for her husband. Down that path awaits disaster. Bronin was a high ranking official in the Malloy administration where the rule of law was never a priority.
Tumult in the police department—three chiefs in four years—announces Bronin’s management skills are not improving with experience. These stumbles become obstacles to competent leadership.
That leaves state Representative Brandon McGee. The car problems (handicap parking and local taxes) were more disappointment than disqualifiers. In case he thinks no one noticed, McGee should not have solicited lobbyists for campaign contributions during this year’s legislative session. He doesn’t appear to value vengeful, which sets him apart from his competitors in an important way.
McGee deserves credit for running a campaign that emphasizes neighborhood issues. It’s heartening to see a candidate who understands the value of libraries and parks. Credit McGee with the virtue of not contemplating a run for governor in 2022.
Politics does not offer choices among perfect alternatives. Your savvy message tells me you have paid attention, weighed the risks, and arrived at the verge of a decision that should not embarrass you or Hartford. Don’t go wobbly.
If you are impaled on the horns of a dilemma and want to risk receiving advice, send a message to kfr@dailyructions.com. Identities will be protected. Messages may be edited.