Not just words, actions

So there it is: that’s my vision for Connecticut. That’s what I see in our future: an economic revival.

Some people will surely say an economic revival is beyond our grasp, that I’m asking too much, that I’m setting an expectation that is too high.

They’ll say we should be content to just make progress.

I say those people are dead wrong.

I say setting high expectations is exactly what we should be doing.

— Gov. Dannel P. Malloy

State of the State Address, Feb. 8, 2012

Above are some of the final words of our governor’s address, as noted, on the opening day of the legislative session. After the years of inertia under the governance of M. Jodi Rell, Connecticut has had to become accustomed to a man of action in Dannel P. Malloy. Whatever the governor may do to anger or confound the citizens of this state, at least we know he is going to actually do something and that he believes his actions are for the betterment of Connecticut.

In his state of the state address, Malloy enumerated the actions he has taken over the past year to improve the state’s economy, try to balance the budget and shrink state government and expenses, among other things. He asked for boldness in creating  lasting economic revival for the state.

He is further looking to institute change in the state’s educational system, including tenure for teachers. As he himself pointed out, that’s a hard step for a Democrat. It is time, however, for public education in Connecticut to undergo some serious change, and Malloy may be just the one to accomplish it.

Connecticut voters can’t all agree with all of Malloy’s plans going into 2013, but the only way to really know what he is planning and trying to change is to keep track of it and understand the process. Only well-informed voters can fairly decide by the next election cycle whether Malloy has earned their votes for a second term.

To see the transcript of Malloy’s speech, visit www.ct.gov and go to the governor’s page. You will find a video of the speech, and the copy. You will also find easy ways (phone, email, mailing address) to let Malloy know your opinion on his plans for the next year. While that input may or may not change his actions, at least you will know your voice will be heard.

Malloy has traveled the state during his first year as governor, reaching out to the citizenry and listening to plenty of disagreement with his approaches to fixing the state’s problems. He is doing the same thing now, and has welcomed wide opinion on his plans.

Now is the time to weigh in. This governor is taking action. It’s time Connecticut got used to it, and even embraces Malloy’s high expectations.