Marconi: Rell's grant could be better spent

In an open letter dated Nov. 9 to Gov. M. Jodi Rell, Rudy Marconi, Ridgefield first selectman and candidate for governor, questioned a $200,000 grant issued to his town in September.

The grant money would go toward the Babe Ruth ball field in Ridgefield, adding a press box and dugouts. In the letter, Marconi denounced Rell's decision to allocate funds for this purpose and questioned the Governor's spending and saving priorities.

"It's clear the $200,000 could be much better spent," the letter says. "For example, you cut $76,259 for an autism services project, $88,650 for Head Start and $29,909 for an elderly rental registry and counselors. Our grant alone could prevent these cuts."

Marconi also addressed Gov. Rell's choice to bond $20 million on "unnecessary" spending, including tennis courts, sidewalks and library expansions. The current economic conditions have placed governmental spending under increased scrutiny being scrutinized and consideration across the United States.

"Maybe it would have been better if you didn't spend the money in the first place," Marconi said in the letter.

Marconi also mentioned in the letter that representatives of Ridgefield never requested the grant.

Marconi concluded the letter by offering to provide Rell with a list compiled by Marconi as well as mayors and other first selectmen that would provide project ideas that "can make a difference" and address "real, pressing needs" of the state.

Marconi has questioned Rell's spending decisions before. When Moody's Investors Service, a financial analysis and research company, changed Connecticut's general obligation rating from "stable" to "negative" in October, Marconi issued a statement regarding the downgrade in the bond outlook.

"One of our governor's most important roles is to protect Connecticut's creditworthiness. Moody's announcement illustrates how Governor Rell's rudderless stewardship has put our financial ship at risk," said Marconi, according to his official Web site.

Marconi announced the formation of an exploratory committee for discussing his entry in the race for governor, to be one of five democrat gubernatorial candidates, on Oct. 5.