Lamont Names Transition Team Members, Urges Bipartisanship

HARTFORD, CT — Gov-elect Ned Lamont announced some of the members of his transition team Thursday as he looks to hit the ground running when he becomes governor in January. Members of his team include both current government officials and outside people including at least two members with a background in investing.

“This is an amazing team of people that will help us take the lead,” Lamont said.

The number one issue being looked at will be the state’s budget, Lamont said. A specific group within the transition team will work to crunch the latest numbers to come up with budget proposals early next year. Another group will look at economic development.

Lamont didn’t list off his top specific priorities in terms of new legislation, but said people should expect him to push for issues he campaigned on. He supported paid family and medical leave, a $15 minimum wage, Medicaid buy-in option and legalized recreational marijuana.

He also wants to establish electronic tolls for heavy trucks and making the first two years of public college in Connecticut free for those who commit to living and working in the state after graduation.

Lt. Gov.-elect Susan Bysiewicz said that she and Lamont have reached out to legislative Democrats and will be reaching out to Republicans in the coming days to get ideas on the table.

“We know that the challenges that confront our state are great and we are taking all good ideas and solutions from everyone regardless of party,” she said.

Lamont said he would keep some of the current state department commissioners while others will be transitioned out; he didn’t give specifics yet.

He thanked Gov. Dannel Malloy for already starting work on the transition of power.
Transition Team Members

Ryan Drajewicz, a former campaign staff member for U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd and member of investment firm Bridgewater Associates will be the executive director of the transition.
Among the transition team members are New Haven State Re. Toni Walker and outgoing State Attorney George Jepsen.

Garrett Moran, president of non-profit young adult job training group Year Up will also be a transition team member. Moran was previously COO of Blackstone Private Equity Group. Lamont said he chose him for his mix of business and non-profit experience.

President of Eastern Connecticut State University Elsa Nunez will also be a team member.

Image via Lamont campaign