Elections aren't for another nine or so months, but mayoral races are heating up across Connecticut. That includes those in the state's three largest cities where the top municipal leaders are Democrats, and challengers from within the party keep emerging.
Will Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin's brief run for governor prompt voters to give the job to someone less inclined to leave for higher office? Are Bridgeport and New Haven residents ready to replace veteran mayors Joe Ganim and Toni Harp?
This week, we dissect the issues unique to each race, as well as the debate over the regionalization of public schools. Two bills proposed by state Senate leaders would push smaller towns into joining consolidated school districts. Nearly overnight, they've ignited a political firestorm pitting Connecticut's tradition of home role against the state's fiscal situation.
Another budget-balancing measure reportedly being considered by Gov. Ned Lamont is applying the state's sales tax to groceries and other currently exempt goods and services. What are the chances of that or a regional school mandate advancing in the General Assembly?
And speaking of legislation, do we really need a law banning the sale of aquatic mammals? Or one increasing criminal penalties for the theft of used cooking oil? We examine these and other peculiar bills raised so far this session.
GUESTS:
- Colin McEnroe - Host of The Colin McEnroe Show on WNPR (@colinmcenroe)
- Susan Bigelow - Contributor - CTNewsJunkie.com (@whateversusan)
- Russell Blair - Content editor at the Hartford Courant (@RussellBlairCT)