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April 15, 2024

CT lawmakers urge DECD to recruit N. Carolina businesses in light of controversial gubernatorial candidate

Wikimedia Commons Mark Robinson, North Carolina’s lieutenant governor, is the state's Republican gubernatorial nominee.
By Andrew Larson

Democratic leaders in the General Assembly are asking the state Department of Economic and Community Development to reach out to businesses in North Carolina offering to help them relocate to Connecticut, in light of the southeastern state’s controversial gubernatorial candidate. 

The letter, sent to DECD Commissioner Daniel H. O'Keefe, targets the gubernatorial nomination of Republican Mark Robinson, currently North Carolina’s lieutenant governor, who has a "history of making inflammatory and divisive comments which should be alarming to North Carolinian businesses,” the letter states.

The letter cites a Vox article that describes Robinson as “off the rails even by MAGA standards,” saying he has “hurled hateful remarks at everyone from Michelle Obama to the survivors of the Parkland school shooting.” 

Also, Robinson has made antisemitic comments, called the LGBTQ community “filth,” threatened to use his AR-15 against the government if it “gets too big for its britches” and wants to outlaw all abortions, according to Vox.

“These remarks not only undermine the values of inclusivity and tolerance of our nation, but should also raise significant concerns about the business environment and social climate in North Carolina under potential leadership that condones or ignores such divisive rhetoric,” the letter states.

The letter, signed by Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and Sen. Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) urges O'Keefe to explore opportunities to attract North Carolina businesses to Connecticut – which “prides itself on its commitment to diversity, equality and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive while upholding ethical standards and respect for all.”

According to the letter, Connecticut “offers a strategic location, a skilled workforce, world-class educational institutions and a supportive business environment conducive to innovation growth.”

“By proactively reaching out to businesses in North Carolina, we can showcase the opportunities and advantages of investing in Connecticut while sending a clear message that our state stands firmly against bigotry and discrimination in all its forms,” the letter states.

A Raleigh, North Carolina TV station, WRAL, quoted the Robinson campaign in response to the Connecticut senators’ letter.

“Who cares what these northeastern liberals have to say?” campaign spokesman Mike Lonergan said. “Since they took control of Connecticut, Democrats raised taxes and spending, creating a parade of jobs and businesses packing up and leaving their state. They should stop with silly PR stunts like this and take a page from North Carolina conservatives’ book — cut taxes on families and businesses, reduce burdensome regulations and stop wasteful government spending.”

North Carolina has been ranked the best state for business in the United States for two years straight by CNBC. Connecticut ranks 31st.

However, according to WRAL, the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, which previously spent millions backing GOP candidates, said the extreme shift with the current Republican gubernatorial nominee marks "a startling warning of the looming threats to North Carolina’s business climate.”

O’Keefe said Monday that DECD and its partners at AdvanceCT are “in constant touch with businesses throughout the country, including North Carolina, and throughout the globe.”

He said there has been increased interest in Connecticut from businesses and individuals due to its improved fiscal position, being the fastest-growing economy in the region for two years straight, its high quality of life and being a safe place to raise children – “one where we will not take your rights away.”

Read the letter below:

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