Governor Malloy: Ignore OpSail 2012 at your peril

Governor Malloy should know he should never expect another vote in eastern Connecticut if he doesn't come up with the money to bring OpSail 2012 to New London. Sasha Goldstein and JC Reindl report here that the state did not come up with a promise to help fund the event after a meeting with volunteers Tuesday.

"A spokesman for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy confirmed that state officials met today with organizers of OpSail2012CT, which seeks $500,000 in state funding for the tall ships festival. But he could not say whether the requested money will be made available."

It is even more troubling to know the state did not make any promises Tuesday after reading a story here by Brian Hallenbeck about how the state is spending millions on professional marketing efforts for tourism. Why not promise a little to volunteers who can guarantee feet on the ground, a place in national news stories and a spot for New London on tourism agendas for years to come?

Elsewhere, we read today here that New London Mayor Finizio has plans for the New London Development Corporation. I wonder if he promised on the campaign trail to rename the agency, instead of promising to abolish it, if he would have gotten as many votes? I wonder, also, if the NLDC head might have been offered a chance to stay on, for a ceremonial ribbon cutting, if he were an enemy of the police chief's?