The administration of Gov. Ned Lamont has decided not to participate in President Donald Trump’s 16-day “Great American State Fair,” despite a late offer of $100,000 in private funding to underwrite a Connecticut pavilion.
Decision Made Before Funding Offer
According to Cathryn Vaulman, the governor’s spokeswoman, the decision was made before the funding offer was received. At least 10 states are not participating in the fair, including every New England state except New Hampshire.
RP Scelzo, a retired businessman and Republican, made the offer on behalf of 10 anonymous donors, each pledging $10,000. Scelzo acknowledged a political side to his offer, doubting that money was the Lamont administration’s only reason for skipping the Trump event.
Trump Opens the Fair
President Trump opened the fair with a speech that could have been delivered at a campaign rally, including jabs at his predecessor. The president referred to the event as a rally on social media and disputed media reports of the crowd’s size.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
