Posted on 08/08/2025 11:09:58 AM PDT by Red Badger
The Democratic Governor of the deep blue state of Connecticut got himself caught up in a major scandal after it was revealed that he had approved a $440,000 annual salary for a “good friend” that was fully funded by taxpayer dollars, going on to defend that friend despite accusations against him of using taxpayer money to cover “lavish meals,” which drew the ire of a Republican senator.
For background, during a press conference in May 2025, State Sen. Stephen Harding (R-CT) called out his state’s Democratic Governor, Ned Lamont, for providing Terrence Cheng, chancellor of Connecticut State Colleges & Universities, with a lavish $440,000 annual salary paid for entirely by taxpayers. Cheng was later accused of overspending excessively on meals and alcohol, but the governor went on to defend him nevertheless.
Weighing in on Cheng’s, Sen. Harding said, “When you get a one-year extension on your position after using $27,000 of taxpayer money on lavish meals and travel and everything else, I would argue that any person, logical person, will look at that and say that person should no longer have a job on the taxpayer’s dime.”
Continuing, the senator said of Gov. Lamont’s apparent special treatment of Cheng, “And what we did is, in the dark of night, once again, we’ve extended a position and now giving that person a $440,000-year salary.” He added, “I don’t think any logical person would look at that [and say] that’s acceptable.”
Moreover, Sen. Harding said that Cheng’s treatment by the governor was not the only example of such corruption. He explained, “Time and time again, there have been back-room, shady deals, well-paid individuals getting padded. And frankly, when is someone going to get fired? At what point is someone going to get fired?” He added, “And it comes down to this governor. The governor doesn’t have the authority to do any of this stuff.”
Then, Sen. Harding asked, “At what point are we going to hold people accountable? I mean, it’s nice to be a nice guy, but at some point, you have to be. You have to make the hard decision for the people of this state.” He went on, “And when people are wasting the taxpayers’ money, the hard-earned money that they’re handing to the state of Connecticut, there have to be consequences. And it doesn’t seem like there’s any willingness on the part, at least of the governor, to do anything about these problems we’re facing right here.”
Notably, after Cheng was forced to step down from his position over accusations of lavish, excessive spending, Gov. Lamont defended him, saying, “Look, he’s been a good friend, he’s accomplished a lot there at Connecticut State.” The governor continued, “Applications are up, graduations are up, but we just thought it was time to make a change.”
Continuing, Gov. Lamont said of the situation with Cheng, “At a time where we’re trying to manage within our budget, obviously some of the spending was an issue.” He added, “But for me, much more important is the direction of Connecticut State, what it’s going to look like in 10 years. And we’ve made good progress over the last four years. We still have a way to go.”
Watch Gov. Lamont get called out by Sen. Harding:
VIDEO AT LINK...................
Could they be a couple of poofters?
Wonder if Blumenthal and Murphy are taking a cut of the proceeds???
Could they be a couple of poofters?“
Would it surprise anyone..no.
It’s good to be a Corruptocrat. It’s bad to get caught.
Gee, nothing about this on WTNH’s website. I wonder why?
Anything is possible....................
Cheng does rhyme with Wang.
Ka-Ching!..................
BTT
Right out of Plato’s Republic - It’s better to seem to be just while being unjust, helping yourself and your friends while cheating those who are weaker than you. The only trick in this being able to manage the seeming to be just while being a horrible Obama like figure.
Major Corruption = Democrats
They believe it’s a higher rank they received.
Didn’t Connecticut go bankrupt in 2019?
Morally or financially?.......................
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.