CT Gubernatorial Candidate Invests $10 Million In Campaign

Good Wednesday morning Connecticut,

Bob Stefanowski, who ran unsuccessfully for governor against Ned Lamont in 2018, has announced Monday he will try again. In 2018, Lamont defeated Stefanowski 694,510 to 650,138.

In a news release posted on his website, Stefanowski said, “Connecticut has some of the most honest, hard-working people in the country. But we are being short-changed by leaders prioritizing politics over people.

"Over the past three years, our state has become less affordable and more dangerous for the good people who live, work, and go to school here. We already have some of the highest taxes, utilities, and childcare costs in the country, and runaway inflation is making it even worse. Nearly everything is more expensive in Connecticut than in the rest of the country.

"Crime is rising across our state, residents feel less safe, and law enforcement is demoralized because of policies coming out of our state government. I’m running because I fundamentally believe that by working together, we can change Connecticut. I’m running for Governor to make government work for the people of Connecticut, not political insiders."

Stefanowski concluded in his statement that he is initially investing $10 million into his campaign.

It's going to remain cold for a long time

Lamont on Wednesday announced that due to trends in the forecast indicating that temperatures in Connecticut will generally average about 10 degrees below normal for the next two weeks, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol – which he activated on Friday, January 14 – to remain in effect through noon on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. It was originally set to expire on Wednesday, January 19.

Current forecasts are indicating that over the next two weeks, highs in the state are generally expected to be in the 20s, with lows in the single digits or teens. At times, the state may experience a few arctic outbreaks during which highs may only reach about 10 degrees, and lows dipping to between -10 and -20 degrees.

“It’s appearing that over the next couple of weeks we’re going to experience temperatures that are even colder than what is normal for this time of year, in addition to the potential for multiple winter storms,” Governor Lamont said. “This long-duration severe cold weather can be life threatening if someone is outdoors for extended periods of time. Shelters are open across the state, and I urge anyone in need to get connected to these services. If you or someone you know is in need of shelter, call 2-1-1 and they will direct you to a nearby location and can also provide transportation if needed.”

The purpose of the severe cold weather protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter, including transportation to shelters.
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:

• The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.

• The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

New COVID-19 vaccine protocols to enter XL Center

In order to watch the University of Connecticut and attend other events at the XL Center, you need to either show proof of being vaccinated, WFSB 3 TV reported, or unvaccinated residents can attend by showing a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event. (Read More at WFSB 3 TV).

Scanlon forms exploratory campaign for statewide office

State Rep. Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford) formed an exploratory committee for statewide office with a focus on the office of State Comptroller. The office of State Comptroller, one of six statewide offices in Connecticut, was held by Guilford resident Kevin Lembo from 2011 until his resignation in December due to a serious health condition. Lamont has appointed an interim Comptroller to serve until the November election.

“I truly and genuinely love being the State Representative for my hometown of Guilford and the town of Branford but I’ve received a lot of encouragement from people to consider running for Comptroller and filing this exploratory committee allows me to formally consider it,” said Scanlon, in a news release.

Scanlon, whose day job is serving as Executive Director of Tweed Airport, said he hopes to make a final decision on whether to run for statewide office or re-election to his current position by the spring.

“It’s a tough decision and I plan to take some time to talk to people locally and across the state about it in the coming weeks,” said Scanlon. “Ultimately I need to figure out what's best for my family and where I can make the most impact in terms of the two things that have always guided me: helping people and helping our state,” said Scanlon.

This article originally appeared on the Milford Patch