Defining Conn.’s status during historic era

Astudent of history in 2071 looking back at Gov. Ned Lamont’s state of the state address 50 years earlier might be surprised by how he approached Connecticut’s standing during the COVID-19 pandemic. For an era which has reserved a place in American history alongside world wars and the Depression, the speech was understated. Some of that is a consequence of addressing an unseen audience; the rest is simply Lamont’s personality.

Lamont read from a script that didn’t strive for sound bites and leave pauses for applause. He sat in his office, appearing more like the business executive of his former career, suited up with a necktie commonly forsaken during the pandemic. He toyed with a pen as though he was in a debate poised to take notes to respond to attacks from an unseen opponent.

Still, there were signs of hyperbole typical of this traditional address. In the written text, an exclamation point punctuated Lamont’s declaration to “Let this be the year of the Connecticut comeback!”

He revived the theme by wrapping up with the “Today is the first day of Connecticut’s comeback story.”

Of course, we’ve heard Connecticut governors declare a comeback as often as supporters of the New York Knicks ... or Jets ... or Mets.

Something does seem different this time. While Republicans have bemoaned wealthy residents fleeing the flailing state for years, the pandemic has drawn many people to Connecticut ZIP codes

The pandemic has reminded people on both sides of the Connecticut border of why this small state can always thrive because of its natural wonders.

In the prepared remarks, Lamont coyly referred to neighboring peers by first names — “Gina and Charlie in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Phil in New Jersey, and of course Andrew in neighboring New York,” though he tossed in some last names when he spoke.

Building bridges with these neighbors has been a rare benefit of this horrible pandemic. It must be nurtured.

Similarly, “Ned in Connecticut” tersely promoted a needed call for change regarding recent use of absentee ballots: “We should make this permanent.”

He also leveraged a benefit of broadcasting his address by weaving in a cameo from Presidentelect Joe Biden to underscore how Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona (tapped to become the next U.S. secretary of education) offered a model for Connecticut’s 49 neighbors in addressing the digital divide.

While applauding those on the front lines, including teachers, Lamont surely drew chagrin from many educators displeased with his celebration of keeping a high percentage of schools open. This needs to remain the aspiration of elected officials and educators alike.

As for taking sides on the sure bets of legislation to be proposed, Lamont opined, “Sports betting, internet gaming, and legalized marijuana are happening all around us. Let’s not surrender these opportunities to out-of-state markets or even worse, underground markets.”

We only wish we had the perspective of 2071 to know how that, and the rest of the “comeback,” will turn out.

Of course, we’ve heard Connecticut governors declare a comeback as often as supporters of the New York Knicks ... or Jets ... or Mets.