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85 DEMOCRATIC LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSE HARRIS FOR GOVERNOR

26 NEW ENDORSEMENTS ANNOUNCED TODAY

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Harris today released the names of 26 additional Democratic leaders, elected officials, and organizations from throughout Connecticut who are endorsing his candidacy. Today’s list builds on the list of 59 Democratic leaders that was announced less than three weeks ago.

Harris, who formally entered the race for Governor less than a month ago, said “People are looking for a leader who can get things done. I’m the only candidate in this race who has tackled the tough challenges that we face as a Mayor, State Senator, and head of a state agency. I have consistently delivered on our progressive values with results. I am humbled by the growing number of leaders across our state who agree that I have the experience and determination to navigate the challenges ahead and move our state forward, without compromising who we are.”

The West Hartford Democratic Town Committee voted unanimously to endorse Jonathan Harris for Governor at their March 8 meeting.

Among the Democratic leaders announcing their support today for Jonathan Harris are Brooklyn First Selectman Richard Ives, Former state Senator and Senate Majority Leader Cornelius O’Leary, and five former state Representatives. Elected municipal leaders from Newington, East Hartford, Killingly, Stratford, and Simsbury, as well as Democratic Town Committee Chair Leslie O’Brien from Windham and Vice Chairs from Lebanon and Simsbury have also endorsed Harris’ candidacy for governor.

Harris said the strong response he has received from residents throughout the state, and the growing list of endorsements, reflect that his priorities are resonating across Connecticut.

“We need creative solutions to end our fiscal crisis and bring jobs and people back to our state,” Harris said. “We need thoughtful, decisive leadership on issues that matter most – creating jobs and improving economic development from the bottom up, investing in education at all levels, providing affordable, quality health care and assuring we have vibrant urban centers - all while maintaining our progressive values and our sense of fairness.”

NEW LIST OF ENDORSEMENTS

1. West Hartford Democratic Town Committee 2. First Selectman Richard Ives - Brooklyn 3. Former State Senator and Majority Leader of the Senate Cornelius O’Leary - District 7 (Enfield, Suffield, Windsor Locks, East Granby, Somers, Granby, Windsor) 4. State Banking Commissioner (1980-1985) Brian J Woolf, Esq 5. Former State Representative Demetrios Giannaros - District 21 (Farmington, Unionville) 6. Former State Representative David Kiner - District 59 (Enfield, East Windsor) 7. Former State Representative Joe Mioli - District 136 (Westport) 8. Former State Representative Linda Schofield - District 16 (Simsbury) 9. Former Democratic Town Committee Chair, Current Town Council Minority Leader Carol Anest - Newington 10. Town Council Vice Chair Linda Russo - East Hartford 11. DTC District Leader Adam Brill - Stratford 12. Former Selectman Elaine Lang – Simsbury 13. Board of Education Member, Small Business Owner Bill Beckert - Farmington 14. Board of Education Member Elizabeth Fitzsimmons - Farmington 15. Board of Education Member Hoween Flexer - Killingly 16. Former Democratic State Central Committee Member, Democratic Town Committee Chair, Current Board of Education Member Jeff Tindall - Simsbury 17. Former Board of Education Member James Michelle - Bloomfield 18. Former Board of Education Member, Democratic Town Committee Chair Terry Schmitt - West Hartford 19. Former Board of Education Member Shirley Thompson - Bloomfield 20. Democratic Town Committee Chair Leslie O’Brien - Windham 21. Democratic Town Committee Vice Chair Nancy Brouillet – Lebanon 22. Democratic Town Committee Vice Chair David Moore - Simsbury 23. Democratic Town Committee Treasurer Dick Kreitner - Oxford 24. Former Democratic Town Committee Chair Liz Giannaros – Farmington 25. Former Democratic Town Committee Chair, Town Council Member Robert Huelin - Farmington 26. Community Activist Tammy de la Cruz - Groton

 

PREVIOUS LIST OF INDIVIDUALS ENDORSING JONATHAN HARRIS FOR GOVERNOR:

27. Former Lieutenant Governor, President of the State Senate, Mayor of West Hartford, Current Commissioner of Revenue Services Kevin Sullivan 28. State Senator Beth Bye - District 5 (Bloomfield, Burlington, Farmington, West Hartford) 29. State Senator Ed Gomes - District 23 (Bridgeport, Stratford) 30. State Senator Tim Larson - District 3 (East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, South Windsor) 31. Former State Senator, Commissioner of Aging Edith Prague - District 19 (Andover, Bozrah, Columbia, Franklin, Hebron, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Sprague) 32. Former State Senator Anthony Musto - District 22 (Bridgeport, Monroe, Trumbull) 33. State Representative Mike Demicco - District 21 (Farmington, Unionville) 34. State Representative Andy Fleischmann - District 18 (West Hartford) 35. State Representative Susan Johnson - District 49 (Windham) 36. State Representative, Deputy Speaker of the House Linda Orange - District 48 (Colchester, Lebanon, Windham, Mansfield) 37. State Representative, Deputy Speaker Kevin Ryan – District 139 (Bozrah, Montville, Norwich) 38. State Representative Derek Slap - District 19 (West Hartford, Avon, Farmington) 39. State Representative Joe Verrengia - District 20 (West Hartford, Elmwood) 40. Former State Representative Art Feltman - District 6 (Hartford) 41. Former State Representative District 47, Current Democratic Town Committee Chair Jack Malone – Sprague 42. Former State Representative, Deputy Speaker of the House David McCluskey - District 20 (West Hartford, Elmwood) 43. Mayor Shari Cantor - West Hartford 44. Mayor Kevin Scarpati – Meriden 45. First Selectman Ted Shafer - Burlington 46. Selectman, Democratic Town Committee Chair Stephan Behuniak - Seymour 47. Deputy Mayor Beth Kerrigan - West Hartford 48. Town Councilor Ken Lesser - Wethersfield 49. Town Councilor Ben Wenograd - West Hartford 50. Town Councilor Leon Davidoff - West Hartford 51. Town Clerk Essie Labrot - West Hartford 52. Board of Education Member Deb Polun - West Hartford 53. Board of Education Member Lorna Thomas-Farquharson - West Hartford 54. City Treasurer Ronald Jakubowski - New Britain 55. Former Mayor Sandy Klebanoff - West Hartford 56. Former Mayor Scott Slifka - West Hartford 57. Former First Selectman Gayle Weinstein – Weston 58. Former Deputy Mayor, Democratic Town Committee Chair Larry Price - West Hartford 59. Former City Treasurer, Alderman Jason Jakubowski - New Britain 60. Former Alderman James Sullivan – New Britain

61. Democratic State Central Committee Member Sharon Botelle-Sherman - District 32 (Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, Woodbury) 62. Democratic State Central Committee Member Immacula Cann - District 21 (Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford) 63. Democratic State Central Committee Member, Shelton Town Chair David Gioiello - District 21 (Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford) 64. Democratic State Central Committee Member Barbara Gordon - District 5 (Bloomfield, Burlington, Farmington, West Hartford) 65. Democratic State Central Committee Member Harriette Howard - District 2 (Bloomfield, Hartford, Windsor) 66. Democratic State Central Committee Member, Newington Town Chair John Kelly - District 9 (Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield) 67. Democratic State Central Committee Member Zelda Lessne - District 4 (Andover, Bolton, Glastonbury, Manchester) 68. Democratic State Central Committee Member Mayra Berrios Sampson - District 31 (Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston) 69. Democratic State Central Committee Member Joseph Stafford - District 5 (Bloomfield, Burlington, Farmington, West Hartford) 70. Democratic State Central Committee Member Galen Wells - District 25 (Darien, Norwalk) 71. Democratic Town Committee Chair Gordon Frassinelli - Stafford 72. Democratic Town Committee Chair Brian Noe - Farmington 73. Democratic Town Committee Chair Jonathan Slifka - West Hartford 74. Democratic Town Committee Vice Chair Mike Daly - Farmington 75. Democratic Town Committee Secretary Steven Derby - West Hartford 76. Democratic Town Committee Treasurer James Marinan - West Hartford 77. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Win Heimer - West Hartford 78. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Matthew Salner - West Hartford 79. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Rosemarie Tate - West Hartford 80. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Barbara Vercelli - West Hartford 81. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Daniel Firestone - West Hartford 82. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Robert Hurvitz - West Hartford 83. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Gail Crockett - West Hartford 84. Business Community Leader Carlos Lopez – Greater Hartford 85. Community Activist Hyacinth Yennie - South Hartford

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59 DEMOCRATIC LEADERS SUPPORT HARRIS FOR GOVERNOR

Endorsements Follow Strong Campaign Kick-off Rally

The campaign of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Harris today released the names of 59 Democratic leaders and elected officials from throughout Connecticut who are endorsing his candidacy.

Harris, who formally entered the race for Governor this past weekend after having explored a candidacy since last April, said he was “honored by the tremendous and growing support among elected officials and community leaders from all across the state.”

Among the elected officials announcing their support for Jonathan Harris are state Senator Ed Gomes of Bridgeport, Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati, Burlington First Selectman Ted Shafer, New Britain City Treasurer Ronald Jakubowski, state Representative Mike Demicco of Farmington, state Representative Kevin Ryan of southeastern Connecticut, and former Weston First Selectman Gayle Weinstein.

Democratic Town Chairs in Seymour, Stafford, Sprague, Farmington, and West Hartford, along with ten members of the Democratic State Central Committee, representing districts across the state, were also among those announcing support for Harris’ gubernatorial campaign.

Harris said the tremendous response and strong encouragement he has received from residents throughout the state, and the growing list of endorsements, reflect that his priorities are resonating across Connecticut.

“We need creative solutions to end our fiscal crisis and bring jobs and people back to our state,” Harris said. “We need thoughtful, decisive leadership on issues that matter most – creating jobs and improving economic development from the bottom up, investing in education at all levels, providing affordable, quality health care and assuring we have vibrant urban centers - all while maintaining our progressive values and our sense of fairness.”

Elected officials who have previously endorsed Harris and have reaffirmed their support in his campaign for Governor include state Senator Beth Bye of West Hartford, state Senator Tim Larson of East Hartford, Former state Senator and Commissioner of Aging Edith Prague, state Representative Susan Johnson, State Representative Linda Orange, and State Representative Derek Slap.

LIST OF INDIVIDUALS ENDORSING JONATHAN HARRIS FOR GOVERNOR:

1. Former Lieutenant Governor, President of the State Senate, Mayor of West Hartford, Current Commissioner of Revenue Services Kevin Sullivan 2. State Senator Beth Bye - District 5 (Bloomfield, Burlington, Farmington, West Hartford) 3. State Senator Ed Gomes - District 23 (Bridgeport, Stratford) 4. State Senator Tim Larson - District 3 (East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, South Windsor) 5. Former State Senator, Commissioner of Aging Edith Prague - District 19 (Andover, Bozrah, Columbia, Franklin, Hebron, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Sprague) 6. Former State Senator Anthony Musto - District 22 (Bridgeport, Monroe, Trumbull) 7. State Representative Mike Demicco - District 21 (Farmington, Unionville) 8. State Representative Andy Fleischmann - District 18 (West Hartford) 9. State Representative Susan Johnson - District 49 (Windham) 10. State Representative, Deputy Speaker of the House Linda Orange - District 48 (Colchester, Lebanon, Windham, Mansfield) 11. State Representative Kevin Ryan – District 139 (Bozrah, Montville, Norwich) 12. State Representative Derek Slap - District 19 (West Hartford, Avon, Farmington) 13. State Representative Joe Verrengia - District 20 (West Hartford, Elmwood) 14. Former State Representative Art Feltman - District 6 (Hartford) 15. Former State Representative District 47, Current Democratic Town Committee Chair Jack Malone – Sprague 16. Former State Representative, Deputy Speaker of the House David McCluskey - District 20 (West Hartford, Elmwood) 17. Mayor Shari Cantor - West Hartford 18. Mayor Kevin Scarpati – Meriden 19. First Selectman Ted Shafer - Burlington 20. Selectman, Democratic Town Committee Chair Stephan Behuniak - Seymour 21. Deputy Mayor Beth Kerrigan - West Hartford 22. Town Councilor Ken Lesser - Wethersfield 23. Town Councilor Ben Wenograd - West Hartford 24. Town Councilor Leon Davidoff - West Hartford 25. Town Clerk Essie Labrot - West Hartford 26. Board of Education Member Deb Polun - West Hartford 27. Board of Education Member Lorna Thomas-Farquharson - West Hartford 28. City Treasurer Ronald Jakubowski - New Britain 29. Former Mayor Sandy Klebanoff - West Hartford 30. Former Mayor Scott Slifka - West Hartford 31. Former First Selectman Gayle Weinstein – Weston 32. Former Deputy Mayor, Democratic Town Committee Chair Larry Price - West Hartford 33. Former City Treasurer, Alderman Jason Jakubowski - New Britain 34. Former Alderman James Sullivan – New Britain 35. Democratic State Central Committee Member Sharon Botelle-Sherman - District 32 (Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, Woodbury) 36. Democratic State Central Committee Member Immacula Cann - District 21 (Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford) 37. Democratic State Central Committee Member, Shelton Town Chair David Gioiello - District 21 (Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford) 38. Democratic State Central Committee Member Barbara Gordon - District 5 (Bloomfield, Burlington, Farmington, West Hartford) 39. Democratic State Central Committee Member Harriette Howard - District 2 (Bloomfield, Hartford, Windsor) 40. Democratic State Central Committee Member, Newington Town Chair John Kelly - District 9 (Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield) 41. Democratic State Central Committee Member Zelda Lessne - District 4 (Andover, Bolton, Glastonbury, Manchester) 42. Democratic State Central Committee Member Mayra Berrios Sampson - District 31 (Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston) 43. Democratic State Central Committee Member Joseph Stafford - District 5 (Bloomfield, Burlington, Farmington, West Hartford) 44. Democratic State Central Committee Member Galen Wells - District 25 (Darien, Norwalk) 45. Democratic Town Committee Chair Gordon Frassinelli - Stafford 46. Democratic Town Committee Chair Brian Noe - Farmington 47. Democratic Town Committee Chair Jonathan Slifka - West Hartford 48. Democratic Town Committee Vice Chair Mike Daly - Farmington 49. Democratic Town Committee Secretary Steven Derby - West Hartford 50. Democratic Town Committee Treasurer James Marinan - West Hartford 51. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Win Heimer - West Hartford 52. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Matthew Salner - West Hartford 53. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Rosemarie Tate - West Hartford 54. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Barbara Vercelli - West Hartford 55. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Daniel Firestone - West Hartford 56. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Robert Hurvitz - West Hartford 57. Democratic Town Committee District Chair Gail Crockett - West Hartford 58. Business Community Leader Carlos Lopez – Greater Hartford 59. Community Activist Hyacinth Yennie - South Hartford

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SEN. ED GOMES ENDORSES JONATHAN HARRIS FOR GOVERNOR

Bridgeport, CT - Senator Edwin Gomes released the following statement.

“Today, I am proud to announce my endorsement of my former colleague, Jonathan Harris, for Governor of the State of Connecticut.

“Jonathan is the proven progressive problem solver in this race, and he has earned my support. Through his work on healthcare, education, economic development, and job creation, he has demonstrated his commitment and determination to making Connecticut a place where everyone, regardless of their race, religion, or gender, can succeed. In his public service, he has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to bring people together to solve the problems that challenge us today.

“I am very pleased to join with a growing list of leading Democrats from across the state by endorsing Jonathan. This is a critical time in our state’s history, and we cannot afford to turn back the clock on the progress that so many Connecticut residents have enjoyed. And we need to extend that progress to more of our residents, in our urban communities and throughout the state. Jonathan will bring Connecticut the leadership we need, and be an effective Governor for all people.”

Deputy Majority Leader Ed Gomes is currently serving his sixth term as state Senator for the 23rd Senatorial District, which serves two-thirds of Bridgeport and a portion of Stratford. He had served the 23rd senatorial district from 2005 to 2012, and was re-elected again in 2015 in a special election. He is co-chair of the legislature’s Labor & Public Employees Committee and Vice-Chair of the Committees on Aging and Veterans’ Affairs.

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Great to have the endorsement of Senator Ed Gomes!

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FORMER STATE SENATOR EDITH PRAGUE STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR JONATHAN HARRIS

Columbia, CT – Former State Senator Edith Prague released the following statement.

“Today, I am proud to announce my support for Jonathan Harris as he explores a run for Governor.

“On issues of importance to me throughout my career in public service, and that matter to tens of thousands of people across the state of Connecticut, Jonathan stands strong. It was a great pleasure to work with him in the state Senate on the issues of senior transportation and healthcare because he understands the value of giving our senior citizens the mobility and security they have earned.

“Jonathan has always approached the issues facing Connecticut in a measured, analytical way. He strives to understand the problem and its nuances, and works diligently with those impacted to find the best possible solutions. While he understands that there is no perfect solution, that doesn’t lessen his determination to find a way to achieve the best possible result.

“I saw this approach in his work building the Independent Transportation Network that helped aging residents in the Greater Hartford area attain greater mobility, at limited cost to the state. And I saw it again when the time came to ensure that all women had access to emergency contraception. Jonathan worked tirelessly with organizations that were initially skeptical of the proposed legislation, and was able to forge a solution that assured women would have the access they need at such a critical time.  

“Yet again, in the creation of Connecticut’s version of the public option, Sustinet, Jonathan brought together individuals with particular expertise in our healthcare system to build a plan that would both be effective and affordable.

“Why am I supporting Jonathan? Because he is a proven progressive problem solver who consistently delivers results. I know that as we face today’s challenges and tomorrow’s, he is the leader we need to guide our state with compassion and reason.”

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HARRIS FILES 100% QUALIFYING CONTRIBUTIONS, RAISING OVER $88,000

HARTFORD - Jonathan A. Harris announced today that in the first fundraising quarter since launching his campaign, 100% of his contributions were $100 or less, making them eligible to count towards the Citizen’s Election Program (CEP) grant.

In just 73 days, Harris raised over $88,000 in increments of $100 or less from over 1,100 unique donors – including more than 1,000 from Connecticut.

“Our success from day one is a reflection of the broad grassroots support throughout the state, from small towns to big cities across Connecticut,” said Harris. “I look forward to talking with more friends and neighbors in communities throughout the state in the coming months.”

Harris, a former West Hartford Mayor, State Senator and Commissioner of Consumer Protection, launched his campaign for statewide office, with a focus on a potential candidacy for Governor, on April 19.  Initial contributors live in more than 120 different communities and virtually every State Senate district across the state, reflecting the breadth of early support for Harris’ candidacy.

“I’m incredibly grateful to every individual and every family that has taken the time to talk with me about our shared vision for the future of our state, and decided to invest in my campaign,” Harris added.  “I’m confident that we can achieve practical solutions to the challenges that confront us, and that Connecticut’s best days are ahead of us.”

The period closed on June 30; the report of contributions is due, and is being filed, today.  More information about Jonathan Harris and the campaign is at www.harrisforct.com.

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The Real Story: Sitting down with former Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris

HARTFORD -- Jonathan Harris, who recently resigned as Consumer Protection Commissioner, talks about his decision to run for statewide office, preferably for governor.

Harris, who has prior experience as a state senator and mayor of West Hartford said he will step aside, however, should Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman decide to seek the governor's office.

See on FOX 61.

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Harris Set to File Exploratory Committee for Statewide Office Wednesday

Two days after stepping down as commissioner of the state Department of Consumer Protection, Democrat Jonathan Harris will file exploratory papers for a run for statewide office.

Harris, a former state senator and mayor of West Hartford, said Tuesday that he is considering gubernatorial bid. "I'll be filing an exploratory committee for statewide office with the goal of running for governor,'' he said.

But Harris reiterated his intention to sit out the 2018 governor's race if Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman runs. Wyman has not announced her plans yet.

While he plans his political future, Harris will be working as a lawyer at Feiner Wolfson LLC, a Hartford law firm.

Harris isn't the only potential 2018 candidate filing papers Wednesday: stay tuned.

By Courant, Daniela Altimari April 19, 2017 at 7:44am

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Harris first to explore run for governor since Malloy exit

Jonathan Harris, who resigned Monday as commissioner of consumer protection, intends Wednesday to become the first Democrat to open an exploratory committee for governor since Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced last week that he would not seek a third term in 2018.

Harris, 53, a former West Hartford mayor, state senator and executive director of the Democratic Party, said in an interview Tuesday he will file papers to become the second Democrat after Middletown Mayor Dan Drew to open an exploratory.

He will not be the last: Comptroller Kevin P. Lembo is seen as likely to make a similar move in coming weeks, though, like Harris, he would defer to Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman should she decide to seek the Democratic nomination for governor.

Wyman is expected by friends to take up to a month to decide if she wants to run.

“If she runs, I will not run for governor. I will be there. I will support her. I will help her,” Harris said.

Lembo, who says he is giving a run for governor “strong consideration, said he would not compete with Wyman, who was his boss when he was a deputy in the comptroller’s office.

With the exception of Drew, who has raised $106,000 and spent $73,000 since creating his exploratory committee on Jan. 12, Democratic contenders gave Malloy time to exit the race on his own schedule.

The governor’s early decision is a recognition of how Connecticut’s public financing program has changed politics: To qualify, a candidate must raise $250,000, accepting contributions of no more than $100.

“I do think the governor’s announcement last week will set off a chain reaction,” Roy Occhiogrosso, a former Malloy adviser, said earlier Tuesday.

By day’s end, Harris had gone public with his plans.

Chris Mattei, a former assistant U.S. attorney who successfully prosecuted former Gov. John G. Rowland in 2014 for conspiring with a congressional candidate to violate campaign finance laws, has been gauging support for his own run. Friends of state Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr., D-Branford, said Tuesday he also is still considering a run.

Harris said his strength as a candidate is a record of solving problems as a local mayor, a state senator and a commissioner whose purview included overseeing Connecticut’s medical marijuana program.

“I’m going to talk about all the positive things I’ve had the privilege of working with people on, going back to the days I was was mayor of West Hartford,” Harris said.

Those accomplishments, he said, include the bipartisan passage of a public-private partnership that led to Blue Back Square, a widely praised mixed-use project that brought new retail, housing and office space to West Hartford center.

As a state senator, he played a leading role in passage of a law requiring hospitals to provide rape victims with access to the emergency contraception drug, Plan B.

“In my experience, good policy tends to make good politics,” he said.

Harris, like several other potential Democratic candidates, can expect Republicans to tag him as a close associate of Malloy, one of the nation’s least popular governors.

Not only was Harris a member of the Malloy administration, he helped the governor’s re-election in 2014 as the executive director of the state Democratic Party. He held the post when the party was accused of fundraising violations.

The party eventually agreed to resolve the complaint with a $325,000 settlement.

Meanwhile, state Rep. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, announced Tuesday he is forming an exploratory committee for a possible race for secretary of the state.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, a Democrat, said she is considering seeking a third term.

By: CT Mirror, MARK PAZNIOKAS April 18, 2017

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Jonathan Harris of West Hartford Will Explore Run for Governor

Jonathan Harris, a former mayor of West Hartford, resigned as commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection on Monday, and on Tuesday said he will consider a run for governor.

The first question that many asked when

Jonathan Harris announced his resignation as commissioner of the Department of

Consumer Protection on Monday

was whether or not he planned to run for governor in 2018.

On Tuesday, Harris, a longtime resident of West Hartford, confirmed rumors that have been spreading for some time. On Wednesday he plans official action.

“I am filing to establish an exploratory committee for statewide office with the goal of exploring a run for governor,” Harris, 53, said in a Tuesday evening interview.

Harris has said publicly that he would not run against either Gov. Dannel P. Malloy – who had appointed him as a commissioner – or Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman. Malloy announced last Thursday that he will not seek reelection in 2018. Harris said that he has been speaking with Wyman about the race since last summer, but she has not yet made a decision.

Although Harris does not know what Wyman will do, he decided the timing was right for him to launch his exploratory committee, and concurrently to seek a different full time job. He said he remains committed to supporting Wyman should she decide to run.

“There were rumors of me running, and I wanted to be respectful and also didn’t want anyone to question my decision-making [as commissioner],” Harris said.

Leaving his job with the Department of Consumer Protection was tough, Harris said. “This was the best job I ever had, but it had a limit on it,” he said. Because he was a political appointee, Harris’ job would have ended in January 2019.

“I was looking at the next possibility, the next job, so my family could survive,” he said. One of those possibilities was returning to the practice of law, something he did for more than two decades but has not done full time for more than five years.

An opportunity arose with Feiner Wolfson LLC, a Hartford-based commercial law firm, and in addition to exploring a run for statewide office, Harris has immediate plans to join that firm.

If he becomes a candidate, Harris said he will build on his years of experience as West Hartford mayor, a state senator, deputy state treasurer, and Department of Consumer Protection commissioner.

“I look at this, and being governor is an incredibly tough job, and this is an incredibly tough time. There is a lot at stake,” Harris said.

The young and old are being squeezed, but he said that he sees hope and thinks he has the ability and experience to end the divisiveness and get people working together.

Harris said that retirees deserve to be able to continue living in Connecticut and have the same health care and benefits as their own parents had. His son, who is about to graduate from college, also deserves to have opportunities in state, and the grandchildren he expects to have some day also should be able to grow up in safe neighborhoods with good schools.

“I know I can do it because I’ve done it before,” Harris said of his ability to build consensus and solve significant problems.

Harris said that when he became West Hartford mayor in 2001 it was right after 9-11, a recession hit, and the budget was tight. “We were able to bring people together, to create solutions, downsize government to preserve schools and services.”

He said he was able to unify the community after a lawsuit alleged that rates at Cornerstone Aquatics Center discriminated against same sex couples. “I brought people together and listened,” he said and not only ended the discrimination, but ultimately helped gain approval for a rate structure that increased membership levels and brought in more money for the town.

Harris also noted that during his tenure as mayor, the Town Council overcame controversy and unanimously approved the public-private partnership that led to the development of Blue Back Square.

As a member of the general assembly, Harris has tackled tough issues like emergency contraception. He is proud of his role in crafting legislation that was acceptable to the Catholic Church and passed overwhelmingly by the legislature.

In his most recent role, Harris said he has streamlined the Department of Consumer Protection to do “much better with much less” through teamwork and use of technology.

Harris graduated from Hall High School in 1982, Brandeis University in 1986, and NYU School of Law in 1990.

“I’ve learned over the past 27 years that government has an important role to play in protecting citizens and providing core services. But it shouldn’t try to do everything because then it won’t do anything well,” Harris said. He likened the example to a “spork” – a combination spoon and fork that tries to be all things at once and is not really good at either function.

“I feel and understand the frustration and real challenges,” Harris said. He believes it’s important to be focused on what makes a difference in people’s lives and effect a “streamlined, effective, user-friendly government that focuses on priorities – that’s efficient, effective, and builds consensus so much more can be done.”

By changing the dynamic, discussion, and the way policy is made, Harris said, “I think we can work together to grow an innovative economy, to grow jobs today and for tomorrow.” His goal is to achieve a “more affordable economy where people throughout the state can afford to live, work, and retire.”

Harris believes coming from West Hartford – which with its diverse community is a microcosm of the state – is an asset. “This is a great, engaged population that cares about this community, the state, and making things better. I don’t know of another place where we have as much activism,” Harris said.

“I’m really excited about both the opportunity at the law firm and exploring the race for governor,” Harris said. He said it’s the right time in his life.

According to the Connecticut Mirror, in addition to Harris there are several other Democrats who are also on the road to establishing exploratory committees to run for statewide office.

By we-ha, Ronni Newton April 18, 2017

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West Hartford’s Jonathan Harris Steps Down as DCP Commissioner

Jonathan Harris resigned Monday from his position as commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Monday, with the official announcement from the office of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy indicating that Harris will “pursue other professional opportunities.”

Harris, 53, said Monday evening that he did not have any further announcements at this time. His name has recently surfaced on many lists of possible Democratic candidates for the 2018 governor’s race. Malloy announced last Thursday that he will not seek reelection in 2018.

Harris was asked about his plans following the governor’s announcement last week. According to the Hartford Courant, Harris said at the time that he had not made any final decisions about running, and “would not run if Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman opts to enter the race,” according to the Courant adding, “I committed [that] to myself, to the governor, the lieutenant governor a long time ago.”

In an official statement, Harris said Monday, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people and businesses of our great state as Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection. It has been extremely rewarding to work along-side so many dedicated and hardworking colleagues at DCP and our sister agencies. I’m confident that the good work we’ve accomplished together on behalf of Connecticut consumers and businesses will continue in the months and years ahead.”

Malloy, in a statement, thanked Harris for his advocacy on behalf of Connecticut residents and wished him good luck for the future. “During his time leading the Department of Consumer Protection, Jonathan has been diligent and effective protecting Connecticut consumers and businesses from unfair trade practices and unsafe products, while enforcing the federal and state laws that ensure a fair and regulated marketplace for all,” Malloy said.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman also officially thanked Harris in a statement. “His leadership has helped us strengthen our response to the opioid epidemic, navigate the legalization of medical marijuana, and address crumbling foundations in eastern Connecticut. He’s been a strong and thoughtful advocate for residents, and a dedicated partner in service of the state.”

Harris has been commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection since 2014, when he was appointed by Malloy. He also served as deputy treasurer under State Treasurer Denise Nappier, and as executive director of the Connecticut Democratic Party.

Harris, who has also practiced law in the private sector and operated a real estate and economic development company, previously served as State Senator in the 5th District, a position now occupied by Beth Bye. Before that he was mayor of West Hartford and a member of the Town Council.

DCP Deputy Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull will serve as acting commissioner, according to the announcement from the governor’s office.

By We-Ha.com, Ronni Newton, April 17, 2017

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Harris Steps Down From Consumer Protection

Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris resigned Monday in a letter to Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, just days after the governor announced he would not be seeking re-election in 2018.

Harris, 53, a former state senator and mayor, has expressed an interest in running for the Democratic nomination for governor. Stepping down from the executive branch post would be necessary to proceed with filing paperwork for a gubernatorial bid.

Harris was appointed to the Consumer Protection agency in December 2014 after helping lead the Connecticut Democratic Party through Malloy’s 2014 re-election campaign. Last summer, as part of a court settlement, the party agreed to pay a $325,000 fine to election regulators for using the party’s federal funds to pay for mailers supporting Malloy, who was a publicly financed candidate.

Harris, who has practiced law for more than 20 years, will be replaced by his deputy, Michelle H. Seagull. According to a press release from Malloy, Seagull will serve in the position of acting commissioner until a permanent successor is named.

Harris has indicated that he wouldn’t seek the Democratic nomination if Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman decides to run.

by Christine Stuart, Apr 17, 2017

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