HARTFORD – Governor Ned Lamont announced he is taking a closer look at the management of two quasi-public agencies: the Connecticut Lottery and the Connecticut Port Authority.
The investigation will help the governor’s office figure out what, if any, changes are needed.
“We better get this right,” Lamont said. “Over the last several years I have real concerns.”
The Port Authority is responsible for the state’s three Long Island Sound ports in New London, New Haven and Bridgeport. Last week, Lamont called for the resignation of Board Chair Bonnie Reemsnyder amid reports that the authority paid $3,000 to purchase photographs taken by her daughter. The agency also placed its executive director on administrative leave for unknown reasons.
“The Port Authority is going to jumpstart our clean energy future,” said Lamont. “It’s so important to that region not to mention the state.”
The lottery has also faced controversy, including recent revelations that, rather than contacting state officials, Vice President Chelsea Turner contacted the FBI in 2014 when she had concerns about the actions of former Board Chairman Frank Farricker. Turner was placed on administrative leave.
“There’s been a cloud hanging over the lottery for many, many years,” Lamont said.
A review of the lottery is expected to be conducted by an outside firm.
“Let’s take a look at getting an outside firm to do the audit of the lottery to give us a sense of confidence that an outsider is taking a look and a sense we’re getting that right,” he said.
The governor’s office is focused on making sure both agencies deliver all of the benefits they were created to provide to Connecticut residents.