T. Frank Hayes Day

Letter to the editor in response to Mr. Powell's perfidious slander on the memory of his Excellency the Hon. T. Frank Hayes

Mr. Powell,

I would like to come to the defense of Lt. Gov. T. Frank Hayes. While I vehemently disagree with your unwarranted attack, I thank you for mentioning his name. Former Connecticut lieutenant governors receive far too little attention in the press these days. But let me be come straight to the point: his painting should grace the Senate Democratic caucus room for all time. If any effort is made to remove it, I will chain myself to his image (logistics surrounding chaining to painting as of yet unclear).

This stirring, some might say courageous, defense and threats of civil disobedience do not go far enough in defense of the Hon. T. Frank Hayes. It is high time that we go beyond the caucus room to celebrate the birth – and life – of his Excellency as is fit. From this year on, his birthday July 6, should be celebrated. No government union worker should lift finger or shovel on that day. While many appear to already observe T. Frank Hayes Day, it is high time to do so proudly and in the open.

I also call on Chris Powell to apologize to T. Frank Hayes and T. Frank Hayes admirers everywhere. Before besmirching his good name, know the facts. In “Kickbacks and Payoffs in the 1930's”, we learn that he was not impeached (due to scheduling conflicts with his trial). See: not impeached. A man of tenacity, Hayes refused to resign office no matter how ugly the accusations or how damning the facts. “Politics And Prison: From Serving The Public To Serving Time” call him a “debonair” villain. Debonair is good.

Mr. Powell bangs on, “surely the Democrats could find a portrait of another prominent Democrat who did not disgrace himself and the state”. Wrong again, Mr. Powell. Mr. Hayes may have looted his city as you claim. He may have been convicted and jailed. Yes, he steered state contracts for his own benefit. But none of that makes him worse. In fact, Hon. T. Frank Hayes is a perfect image for the Democratic caucus. Today’s members can (and apparently do) ask themselves, “What would T. Frank Hayes do?”

Let’s remember the good as well as the rest. I will tell you the kind of man that T. Frank Hayes truly was: He was the man who would stop at nothing to make sure that Connecticut had clean toilets. He redirected much of the budget towards “electric steam sterilizer" contraptions. He was the only one. Quite literally: he was the only one who sold them. It was a “public-private partnership” where everyone wins: from T. Frank Hayes the public servant buying it to T. Frank Hayes the investor selling it.

Sincerely,

Chris DeMuth Jr