Sens. Formica, Fasano, & Somers Statements on Gov. Lamont Calling on Port Authority Chair to Resign

July 24, 2019

HARTFORD – Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven), Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) and Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton) released the following statements in response to Governor Lamont calling on the Connecticut Port Authority Chair to resign. The chair announced her resignation following pressure from the governor.

 

“Gov. Lamont’s actions show that he recognizes the importance of preserving public trust,” said Sen. Fasano. “While we do not have all the information about what has happened at the Port Authority or how far back these problems go, I have long felt that Connecticut must do more to ensure the state’s quasi-public agencies operate with full transparency and increased oversight. I look forward to working with Governor Lamont on this issue and revisiting proposals Republicans have offered in years past to strengthen oversight and address the pattern of problems we have seen throughout the state’s quasi-publics.”

 

Sen. Formica added, “The Connecticut Port Authority plays a vital role in developing the state’s ports, growing our economy and managing Connecticut’s role in major offshore wind projects. That core mission should be the exclusive focus of the port authority and I hope that the governor’s actions will help refocus the agency on the important and good work that they are doing for our state.”

 

Sen. Somers said, “We need the Port Authority to be successful and I am hopeful that the governor’s actions will enable us to move forward, address all problems and concerns within the agency and try to restore confidence in this agency. Republican lawmakers have strongly advocated for greater transparency and oversight of all state quasi-publics and we need to move this important conversation further.”