Malloy in Davos - A Business Trip

Richie:  Did you bring me anything?

Rob:  No, Rich.  Uh, here’s a paperclip.

Richie: [studies it for a second]  YAY!


Listening in on a conference call between Governor Dannel Malloy and The Press yesterday gave me some new impressions of the business of journalism and  the process of the interview. A clear delineation could be heard between those seeking insight and information (AP reporter Sue Haigh) and antagonistic baiting (a bully who was mostly interested in his own voice).

Certainly the Governor is in Davos with CT Economic Development Commissioner Catherine Smith to talk turkey with possible investors in the form of companies relocating or rebuilding in the state. It is silly to see the trip as a ploy for his ambitions to higher office, but that is more funner for the readers. It is not like journalism is always used to inform the public.

My takeaways:

• Dan Malloy spoke specifically about a certain company with a potential of 1000 jobs in Connecticut. "Definitive & Detailed" conversations are taking place at Davos, according to the Governor. He specifically said that there are 22 companies looking at the possibility of growth in Connecticut. Some of these companies already have a presence in the state (expansion opportunities) while others are looking to move or start up a business. Nothing is finalized. Some companies have made proposals, not yet agreed to by Connecticut, and others will need to have proposals presented.
• Reference was made to a panel the Governor attended where they discussed microgrids. This could get interesting, as Dan Malloy is No Fan of United Illuminating or Connecticut Light & Power. Connecticut is not fully suited to windpower, unless we go into the Atlantic past New London, and there would be resistance (literally) to that sort of buildout. Fuel cell production of course is already being encouraged. It is Independence from The Grid which is intriguing. We have long called for 'Stiffening the Grid",which is a reinforcement of the existing infrastructure, but the Microgrid concept would probably create more jobs and, though more expensive at startup, provide long term benefits.

          From Wikipedia:

A microgrid is a localized grouping of electricity generation, energy storage, and loads that normally operates connected to a traditional centralized grid (macrogrid). This single point of common coupling with the macrogrid can be disconnected. The microgrid can then function autonomously.[...] The multiple dispersed generation sources and ability to isolate the microgrid from a larger network would provide highly reliable electric power. Byproduct heat from generation sources such as microturbines could be used for local process heating or space heating, allowing flexible trade off between the needs for heat and electric power.

Malloy's next stop: A Forum on "The New American Identity".

Loser du Jour: The reporter who asked for info on celebrity sightings: "Mick Jagger?" What a fool. Everyone knows that Keith Richards lives in Connecticut. You don't need to go to Switzerland to see a celebrity.

And Keith Richards is my favorite Beatle.