NL’s seat at the table

hen Gov. Ned Lamont, less than three weeks in office, visited New London City Hall back in January to announce a deal that would give the city a minimum of $125,000 a year from operations at State Pier, he also brought a promise that the New London mayor’s office would get a permanent seat on the Connecticut Port Authority.

“Finally, and most importantly, along with the important financial resources that come with this agreement, the city has been promised a seat at the table for future discussions involving the State Pier, which will advance economic growth for the state, for our region and for this city,” New London Mayor Michael Passero said at a press conference that day.

In his later remarks, Lamont effectively seconded the motion.

“I’m glad New London has a place at the table going forward,” Lamont said.

But the city administration didn’t have a seat and hasn’t gotten one since.

Reacting to criticism, Lamont this week said again he will make sure the New London mayor joins the port authority. But questions remain over when and how.

Ideally, the law governing the port authority should be changed to state that the mayor of New London or his representative be a permanent board member. The state’s other major ports, New Haven and Bridgeport, may howl for equal treatment, but only in New London is the port property — State Pier — state owned. That means it generates no property tax dollars for New London, which is why it is critically important for the mayor to have a voice to make the case for further revenue sharing with the city and address impacts from pier development on New London.

Secondly, all indications are that the New London port will be a major staging area for offshore wind development. As host city, New London needs an advocate.

The Lamont administration, however, failed in the 2019 legislative session to get the port authority law changed.

Now the governor is pledging to appoint the New London mayor when a seat opens in December. The November election will determine if that’s Passero. Yet already open is a vacancy which, under the law, House Majority Leader Rep. Matt Ritter, a Democrat, has the job of filling. Preferably, Passero gets that appointment rather than waiting for December.

Ultimately, however, the legislature should amend the law to give New London that promised permanent seat.