by Ryan McKeen
Here’s part 2 of my interview with Connecticut Attorney General Candidate, George Jepsen. Click here for Part 1 of the interview.
RM: When you speak with voters about issues involving the Attorney General’s office, what are they telling you?
GJ: They are telling me that Connecticut’s economy is hurting and that the state needs to do more to create jobs and a competitive business environment while continuing to protect consumers. We need to grow our economy. We are not going to solve Connecticut’s budget problems without job growth.
As Attorney General, I would advocate for more consistent application of our laws and regulations. We also need our elected officials to send out a clear message that business is welcome here and that Connecticut will work business, not against it, to keep jobs in the state. Third, we need to improve access to credit for small business. I have asked congressional leaders to give small businesses, the engine of our Connecticut economy, the same protection against abusive credit card practices now available to consumers. Fourth, we need to deal with high energy costs, which are driving businesses out of state. The Attorney General has a direct role in encouraging energy conservation. I support a state energy policy that increases investment in conservation and efficiency improvements. Reducing demand can push down electricity prices and help make our air cleaner. It would also allow us to keep more energy dollars here in Connecticut, where they will help drive the state’s economy, spur business and create jobs.
Balancing competing interests requires a true champion. Connecticut needs an Attorney General with the resources, skills and commitment to stand up and protect all Connecticut’s citizens. When laws are in conflict, we need someone who can understand all the ramifications of a position, the different public policies of the state and come up with a fair solution. With proper leadership, the Office of Attorney General really can be a force for positive change.
RM: From time to time, Attorney General Blumenthal has actually appeared in Court to argue cases. As Attorney General, will you argue cases in court?
GJ: I will do what is in the best interests of the people of Connecticut. If it means being in the courtroom, that’s where I’ll be. I’ve been a hands-on lawyer for more than 26 years and my practice has taken me into small-claims court, juvenile court, criminal court and civil court. I’ve taken cases before the Connecticut Supreme Court. I’ve been before local boards, state boards, participated in mediation and arbitration. As Attorney General, I will be heading a firm of excellent lawyers who ably represent the state’s interests in courtrooms across the state every day. But if a case presents itself where my presence will make a difference, most certainly I will be in the courtroom. One of my strengths, is I will be able to hit the ground running because I really know the law and how it works in Connecticut.