🔒Bronin’s time to lead | EH casino makes most sense

Luke Bronin's coronation was completed last week as the Hartford lawyer was officially crowned mayor of the Capital City.

The former Rhodes Scholar's victory came as no surprise, but, like he and all candidates who win an election typically say, “the hard work begins now.”

Bronin's first, and potentially most important task, will be filling out his administration. The top lieutenants he chooses to help run the city will have major influence on policy ideas and implementation and we recommend Bronin establish a committee of business, civic, religious, union and other city leaders to help him fill out his cabinet.

As we've seen, having competent leaders in key administrative posts can make or break an administration. For example, the Dillon Stadium debacle, in which a no-name developer with an extensive history of civil lawsuits was granted the rights to oversee a $40 million redevelopment project, caused city hall to lose more of the people's trust.

Bronin must not only work hard to untangle the Dillon Stadium mess, but also re-establish credibility in the mayor's office.

The tone on election night at the Real Art Ways, where Bronin's campaign camped out, was celebratory, but there was also a sense that the first-time mayor won't be greeted by much of a honeymoon period. Indeed, with budget talks set to get underway shortly after the new year, Bronin will have little time to bask in his victory, especially when another significant deficit awaits. Much of the low-hanging fruit to cut expenses or move around city funds has already been picked at in recent years, leaving incredibly tough decisions ahead.

Bronin's strong alliance with his former boss, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, bodes well for Hartford, because the city needs state legislative support to help rectify its problems.

Building a long-term sustainable budget and curbing Hartford's exorbitant commercial property tax rate remain top priorities for the business community, along with reducing poverty, gun violence and the education gap.

Bronin brings much hope to Hartford's city hall. Let's hope he delivers on his promises.

We don't believe a third Connecticut casino will be an answer to Connecticut's budget crisis, but if a new gambling hall is to be built in the state, it should be in East Hartford.

A casino at the former Showcase Cinemas property, just off the town's Silver Lane business corridor, makes the most sense to curtail gamblers from going to the MGM Springfield casino, which is currently under construction.

East Hartford's central location and access to Connecticut's major highways, particularly those that guide travelers to Springfield, makes the town a natural choice. But it's also the location that could leverage the most economic impact. The gaming facility, for example, would draw more traffic to support the proposed Outlet Shoppes at Rentschler Field, a long-delayed project that could revive a once-vibrant commercial strip that Pratt & Whitney and Rentschler Field now anchor.

In addition, vibrant East Hartford retail and gaming destinations would have a positive spillover effect on the Capital City, drawing more patrons to fill Hartford's bars and restaurants as well as sporting venues, including the new Dunkin' Donuts stadium and the XL Center.

Other towns interested in a casino, including East Windsor, could potentially make good gaming destinations. But they lack the central location and nexus to the Capital City that East Hartford offers.

Of course issues like increased traffic and crime are a concern, but East Hartford's potential offers the most upside.

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