Susan Bysiewicz is ready to be state’s lieutenant governor

When Democratic voters head to the polls for the August primary, they will be presented with interesting choices for candidates for several statewide offices.

One of these offices that must absolutely not be treated lightly is that of lieutenant governor . Our state’s history over the last several decades proves conclusively that lieutenant governor is not simply a running mate partner for the top state office, but is a position that must be filled by someone ready to lead on day one. For democrats, the only candidate who fits this requirement is Susan Bysiewicz.

Susan has a long history of experience both in the legislature, where she was someone who was known and respected on both sides of the aisle for being willing to work in a bipartisan fashion to get things done, and in the executive branch as secretary of the state. As a leader, she gave her staff the direction to provide local municipal leaders with the tools necessary to do the job for their constituents; as a chief elected official myself, now in my third term of office, that is precisely the type of service I’m looking for.

Thinking that someone will have time to learn on the job and grow into the position where they may, in an unlikely scenario, be required to take the reins if something should happen is not merely risky — it is foolhardy. As a retired Navy commander who served 22 years of active duty and had the honor of being a base commander for three years, I know the value of having an experienced executive officer backing me up. That description fits Susan to a ‘T’ — she’s ready to do the top job now.

There are a number of my friends who are also municipal CEOs, such as Derry Gorski of Bethany and Curt Leng of Hamden, who have already endorsed Susan, as I have myself. I suspect their reasons for doing so are much the same as my own, as I’ve just stated. Beacon Falls just experienced the fallout of a major tornado incident; I have to know when I make a call at 3 a.m. asking for assistance that the person on the receiving end of that call knows what they’re doing, what I need, and how to get it to me.

Susan Bysiewicz is ready, now, to take that call. That’s why I’m supporting her for lieutenant governor, and why I’m urging you all to support her too.

Peter Hvizdak / Hearst Connecticut Media Susan Bysiewicz, candidate for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket with gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont, on the campaign trail on June. 11.