“Max is a Godsend.” Friday Night Dump Tolls Strategy. Abuse Becomes a Policy.

Denizens of the Capitol village expect a Friday night dump of a new tolls proposal—this one agreed to by Governor Ned Lamont and Democratic legislative leaders.

Attracting as little attention as possible for the latest iteration of Lamont’s transportation plan may be part of what Ryan Drajewicz, Lamont’s chief of staff, called a “hard pivot” in a July 26th email to Ann Huntress Lamont, hailing the hiring of former NBC Connecticut political reporter Max Reiss, deemed “a Godsend.”

The message also reveals that Reiss’ “media strategy” includes “getting aggressive on all fronts.” The Reiss plan to revive Lamont’s dismal approval ratings includes hurling insults at Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven). Reiss, who was covering Fasano as a reporter during last year’s legislative session, charged recently that Fasano “continues to whine about the state budget while he never had the guts to propose his own line-by-line spending plan.” Reiss continued his abuse, “As evidenced by his refusal to get off the sidelines, these are goals not shared by Sen. Fasano, through his actions and words, and I doubt he will ever share them based on his continuous comments.” Fasano has been known to try to assist the flailing administration with some sound public policy ideas.

The Godsend’s surly tone may hinder Lamont’s hope to improve the tone of discourse at the Capitol. The Reiss way also risks discouraging legislators with deep knowledge of public policy from walking through the open door Lamont says he wants public officials of both parties to walk through. Abuse of elected officials by an appointed mouthpiece is more hurdle than enticement.