FAIRFIELD, Conn.— Connecticut's political landscape and the issues that color it are the subject of the latest book by Dr. Gary Rose, a professor of political science at Sacred Heart University for the past 24 years.
Rose's book, "Public Policy in Connecticut," published by Sacred Heart University Press, examines ten critical and complex policy issues, as determined by Rose based on his knowledge of the state legislature, issues he thinks require immediate attention from lawmakers.
He clusters issues into those that have broad implications for all Connecticut residents and those that affect specific population groups, for example, the state's poor.
The book features the writings of Rose in the Preface, Introduction and the chapter on political and policy challenges associated with the state's growing and ethnically diverse population. It also features contributed essays from nine of Rose's university colleagues, each crafting a chapter on their area of expertise: the state's economy, transportation system, policies, environmental challenges, ethics, healthcare, education, the state's aging population, prison overcrowding and recidivism, and sustaining a quality system of higher education.
They explore their issue and offer recommendations for solutions.
"Originally I was going to get lawmakers to write on the subjects, but I decided it would be better if it was a Sacred Heart University project, and work with academics instead of policy makers, who sometimes can be more objective and thorough. I didn't have to look far because we had experts right on campus in each of those policy fields," Rose said.
He said the book also is consistent with the university's mission, which has as one of its goals public concerns.
The chapter on ethics, written by Dr. Brian Stiltner, professor of religious studies, took on greater significance as former Gov. John Rowland came under fire for ethics violations during the time Rose and his team of experts were in the process of writing the text. Rowland was subsequently jailed for his role in a corruption scandal.
"None of these (political problems) will ever be resolved if we have unethical people in office," Rose said.
Stiltner said Rose's book provides a useful analysis of state issues and sensible, informed ideas about policy initiatives.
Stiltner said he was pleased to participate in a project with colleagues that don't usually collaborate across so many different disciplines.
"Ethics really infiltrates the other nine issues in the book...We've left public officials to make good decisions on our behalf and to be good stewards of our money, and when there are gifts and special privileges in either direction, usually both, that trust is broken," Stiltner said. "When there are tough laws that will dry up the money that greases the wheels, then we can focus on who are the best individuals to elect to office," he said.
Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Jennifer H. Mattei, highlights the ineffectiveness of existing environmental protection laws in her chapter and proposes innovative solutions for the improvement of the state's threatened environment.
Mattei said Rose's book provides a quick synopsis of the current challenges facing the state.
Dr. Lois Libby, a professor of education, addresses the two Connecticuts -- the haves and the have nots -- in her chapter on education. "I talk about the major gap between the students in our major cities and those in the rest of Connecticut," she said.
Libby said legislators who make decisions on educational funding will find Rose's book valuable as they work to meet the needs of urban students.
Rose credits his parents and President John F. Kennedy with inciting his interest in politics.
"I came from a politically active family and that's related, I'm sure, to my life-long passion for politics. My mother was the district leader for the Democratic Town Committee (in Cheshire, Conn.). Her activity, in particular, was my first experience with real grassroots campaigning, phone banks and political meetings," Rose said.
His father was a public servant, working as a municipal building inspector.
"One of the most important events that connected me directly to politics was a trip to New Haven for a multi-town Democratic motorcade, in which I was actually able to travel. We went down to see John Kennedy when he was campaigning on the town green in 1960. That I remember well. I was in fifth grade. I was right there and it was exciting," Rose said.
Rose did not remember exact comments from Kennedy's speech, but carried with him the overall tone of Kennedy's message, "the call to public service, serving causes greater than ones self. That was a catalyst for my activity...which was further stimulated when I was in the Army."
He was stationed for 19 months in Germany, which was divided at the time between East and West, one side capitalistic, free and Democratic and one side Communist, under guard and not free.
"Watching two people divided like that as a result of politics reinforced, in my view, how important politics is and how important it is for people to understand it, and it instilled in me this passion for teaching people the values of Democracy," Rose said.
"Public Policy in Connecticut" is Rose's sixth book -- three he edited, three are solo works -- and the third on Connecticut's politics. Previous publications include "Connecticut Politics at the Crossroads" (1992) and Connecticut Government at the Millennium" (2001).
The current book resulted from his 2001 textbook. "It was designed as a companion book to the Connecticut government textbook," Rose said.
"Public Policy in Connecticut" will be marketed as a textbook for Connecticut and other universities and for library reference shelves. Rose said he will also distribute copies to key lawmakers, including committee chairs, and Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
"It's a book that we're hoping will result in some response at the State Capital. It's not just an academic book. We're hoping it has practical applicability when it comes to policy-making. It's nice to teach this material and discuss it in the classroom but beyond that we are hoping the state legislature can use this book as a useful resource," Rose said.
Rose anticipates expanding the chapters of this book in year's to come to address other pressing issues, including terrorism, energy, public housing and election reform.
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