Over the past month, numerous articles concerning Gov. Ned Lamont have been published by the Courant. Some have quoted politicians critical of the governor’s performance.
As a lifelong resident of Connecticut and as one with a keen interest in politics and government, I was curious to learn how independent sources of information evaluated the services of our state and the effectiveness of our governor. To find answers, I embarked upon an internet search.
Here is what I found:
Quality of Life. Searching for a place to live, a state’s quality of life is perhaps the most important factor to consider. Ranking all 50 states, CNBC wrote, “when choosing a state you won’t find one that is much safer or healthier than the Nutmeg State.” CT Rank: # 5.
Economy. Economic concerns are a fundamental issue to a state’s residents and for those seeking employment outside of the state. U.S. News and World Report underscored Connecticut’s strength in finance, manufacturing and insurance. CT Rank: # 8.
Strength of Workforce. A comprehensive analysis of factors such as minimum wage laws, unemployment rates and workplace safety determine the strength of a state’s workforce. According to CNBC, “workers in the Constitution State are consistently among the most productive in the nation.” CT Rank: # 8.
Education. Finding the best public school is a priority for many Connecticut families. U.S. News and World Report ranked all states by their effectiveness in educating a state’s students. CT Rank: # 1 (Preschool Enrollment). CT Rank: # 3 (Pre-K-12).
Health. The United Health Foundation ranked the health systems for all 50 states. Ratings are based on health access and affordability, prevention and treatment and health outcomes. CT Rank: # 5.
Crime. The incidence of crime is a key determinant in where one lives and works. Crime rates reflect both violent crime and property crime. U.S. News and World Report ranks each state by its rate of crime. CT Rank: # 3 (Low Violent Crime). CT Rank # 5 (Public Safety).
Women. Women in Connecticut have battled long and hard to achieve equal rights. The Georgetown Institute developed a comprehensive measure of women’s well-being, rights and opportunities to analyze state performance. The measurement is structured around three basic dimensions: inclusion, justice and security. CT Rank: # 2.
Environment. The impact of climate change on everything – our economy, health and daily lives – has become undeniable. Earth 911 conducted a study which examined 25 key metrics including air, soil and water quality, solar energy capacity and gasoline consumption to rank states across the nation. CT Rank: # 8.
Gun Control. Everytown for Gun Safety is a national advocacy group that promotes gun safety. The organization rates policies of every state on the strength of their gun laws compared with the state’s rate of gun violence. CT Rank: # 5.
Covid. When Covid-19 delivered a shattering blow to the economy in 2020, it put millions of working families at risk of illness, homelessness and hunger. In the face of great and urgent need, states took action to shore up safety nets and individuals at risk. Oxfam rated states on their effectiveness in fighting the epidemic. CT Rank: # 5.
These then are the 10 measurements used to assess how Connecticut’s state government services its people. In seven measurements, our state scored in the top five of all states; in the remaining three measurements, our state scored in the top 10 – a remarkable achievement.
Lamont has led Connecticut since 2019, covering a period of time when the state made many of the advances described above.
What accounts for his success?
Business Experience. It takes managerial talent to run a $27 billion organization with 46,000 employees. Lamont was trained in business administration at the Yale School of Management. He managed startup ventures in the cable television industry and founded his own company that provided cable services to over a million of college students across the country.
Government experience. State and local governments are intertwined through hundreds of legal obligations, revenue and mutual service agreements. Constructive relations between the two levels of government are critical. As a member of both the Greenwich Board of Selectmen and the Board of Estimate and Taxation, Lamont learned first hand how local municipalities function.
Independence. Those on the left are unhappy with Lamont. They disagree over taxing the wealthy, expanding social services and state housing policies. Those on the right are unhappy with Lamont. They disagree on cutting taxes, regulatory reform and electricity rates. Not wedded to the left or to the right, the governor is free to choose the best policy proposals to run the government, placing himself in the middle of the political spectrum, a place supported by a majority of Connecticut residents.
Style. The governor moves all over the state, from village to city, connecting with all he meets. He is relatable, sharing concerns and experiences with residents and is equally comfortable whether meeting with labor leaders, environmental activists, small businessmen or women’s rights advocates. Lamont is a man of the people.
Popularity. The Morning Consult, a survey research firm, recently reported that Lamont’s approval rate stood at 63%, the sixth highest among all 50 governors. This reservoir of support is important, giving Lamont the freedom to initiate proposals, knowing that a sizable majority support his performance in office.
Before conducting an internet search, my assumption was that Connecticut would fall somewhere mid-range in the ranking of states, as would Lamont’s standing among his fellow governors. I was wrong on both counts. Our state and its governor are held in distinction by every measure to evaluate government performance.
Apparently, Ned Lamont will decide whether or not he’ll run for re-election by summer’s end. Let’s hope, for the good of Connecticut, he answers in the affirmative
Ralph Loomis is a lifelong resident of Connecticut and served or held positions on the local, state and federal levels of government. He lives in Stamford.
https://www.courant.com/2025/08/28/opinion-rating-the-governor-of-connecticut-heres-what-i-found/