Mike Jarjura: Comptroller Candidate

Mike Jarjura got enough votes to qualify for the Democratic Primary, and petitioned for one, making him the challenger to Kevin Lembo, the party-endorsed candidate.

Mike Jarjura served five terms in the legislature before becoming the mayor of Waterbury where he administered the city’s financial turnaround after its collapse in 2001. He is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Bridgeport School of Law and holds a bachelor of science in management from Post College.

Mike Jarjua statement:

“My record as a public official speaks for itself in terms of being the best choice for state comptroller. When I became mayor of Waterbury in 2002, the city was faced with financial problems nearly identical to those crippling the State of Connecticut today.

While the state’s bond rating and other fiscal indicators continue to decline, Waterbury’s stability is increasing thanks to the reforms and honest budgeting implemented under my administration.

Most recently, the City of Waterbury received three bond-rating upgrades as the state saw its credit rating downgraded. The city’s pension liabilities are nearly fully funded, as the State of Connecticut continues to avoid the hard choices and honest talk about the liabilities that will hamper future generations. The work I did to guarantee that pension funding will save Waterbury taxpayers $130 million over the next 30 years.

For too long, state policy makers have avoided sounding the alarm bell the legislature and the governor’s office deferred expenses, only to find the bills coming due. In my career, I have never flinched from making the tough choices, which while not immediately popular, will serve the taxpayers of today and tomorrow for the benefit of our great State of Connecticut.

The duty of a comptroller only begins at minding the state’s checkbook. As the chief fiscal officer, a comptroller has the obligation to warn the taxpayers when there is danger ahead and to do everything possible to make sure the state’s financial decisions are wise and sensible. My record over 20 years in public and business life demonstrates that, with your support, I am up to that task.