Focus on Policies, Not People: A Better Path for Connecticut

Connecticut’s political debates are getting heated, and not in a good way. The recent resignation of Marissa Gillett, who chaired the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), really set things off.

State Representative Jaime Foster, representing parts of Ellington and East Windsor, says we need to talk policy, not personalities. She’s worried that when it comes to something as crucial as utility regulation, facts and solutions should matter more than personal attacks.

Find Your Ideal Getaway in Connecticut
Explore top-rated stays with no booking fees and instant confirmation. Your dream trip starts here!
Start Exploring Now

Gillett’s departure feels like a warning. She was a respected regulator, and her leaving shows what happens when corporate interests steer the conversation away from policy and toward character attacks.

A Troubling Loss for Connecticut Utility Oversight

Marissa Gillett brought a rare combination of engineering, legal, and regulatory skills to PURA. People saw her work as bold and fair, and she really seemed to care about Connecticut’s residents, whether in Hartford, New Haven, or Stamford.

Utility companies pushed back on her proposals for years. But when policy arguments didn’t go their way, they reportedly started targeting her personally instead.

The Human Toll of Targeted Campaigns

Rep. Foster points out that these attacks focused on Gillett’s credibility, not her ideas. That kind of pressure takes a toll, both emotionally and professionally.

She believes these campaigns don’t just hurt individuals—they damage the institutions too. Connecticut’s regulatory system just lost a leader who genuinely helped ratepayers in places like Norwalk and Waterbury.

Corporate Interests vs. Public Needs

Foster doesn’t hide her frustration. She thinks Gillett’s resignation exposes how some corporate players in the utility world put shareholder profits ahead of regular people in towns like Greenwich or Middletown.

When companies go after people instead of debating policy, it’s a bad sign. Honest, open discussion about rates and rules should matter more than winning at any cost.

The Need for an Expert-Led PURA Commission

Foster wants a new PURA Commission filled with a mix of professionals. She’d like to see:

Attorneys who really get energy law,
Forensic accountants who can pick apart financials,
Regulators who put consumers first,
Engineers who know the nuts and bolts of energy systems.

With real experts in charge, maybe decisions about rates and policies could finally be based on evidence and what’s good for the public, not just political maneuvering.

Refocusing Connecticut’s Political Debates

Foster wants to change the way Connecticut talks about big issues. She’s tired of personal attacks dominating the conversation, whether it’s about utilities, transportation in New Haven, or development in Bridgeport.

She argues that we need to stick to facts and real reforms. When we chase good people away with negativity, who’s left to do the work?

Protecting Public Servants from Smear Campaigns

Smear campaigns scare off folks who might otherwise serve. If people in Stamford, Danbury, or West Hartford see leaders getting dragged through the mud, why would they want to step up?

Foster says Connecticut can’t make real progress unless it protects its public servants from unfair attacks, while still holding them accountable the right way—through honest, policy-focused debate.

The Path Ahead for Connecticut

Connecticut’s in the midst of a shift in utility regulation leadership. There’s a real chance here to pick up lessons from Gillett’s time in office and the way she left.

Keeping electric and gas rates affordable in Hartford County and everywhere else isn’t just a technical puzzle. It also takes a political scene where people can actually argue ideas without getting personal.

Rep. Foster wants to see PURA strengthened with more experts. She’s also urging folks to protect public servants from toxic attacks.

Honestly, that’s a big deal. Connecticut’s future hinges on leaders who can handle the heat and still zero in on what really matters.

From Bridgeport’s busy blocks to Ellington’s quieter corners, people deserve a fair shot at policies that put them first—not just corporate profits.

Here is the source article for this story: Opinion: Put the focus where it should be

Discover Your Perfect Stay in Connecticut
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now