Boughton: State's Endorsement Of Amazon Pitch A 'Kiss Of Death'

DANBURY, CT — A lack of support from Hartford has not stopped Mayor Mark Boughton from trying to bring Amazon's new North American headquarters to the Hat City. Danbury submitted an request for proposal (RFP) to the e-commerce giant in attempt to attract its HQ2 facility, despite Gov. Dannel Mallloy backing pitches from Hartford and Stamford.

Amazon's HQ2 would inject millions into the economy of a state embroiled in its longest-ever budget impasse. Corporations such as General Electric and Aetna have jumped ship, resulting in a gloomy outlook for the state's economic future.

"Based on what the state has done, their endorsement of a proposal is the kiss of death," Boughton said in an interview with Patch."I wouldn't look at them to be any experts on where the best spot is for Amazon."

Amazon officials seek a new home with more than one million residents, a business-friendly environment, urban and suburban locations, a close proximity to an international airport, have direct access to mass transit, and be able to expand the headquarters to as much as 8-million square feet in the next decade.

The new headquarters is expected to bring over 50,000 high-paying jobs to its new home.

While the city may have recently been named the best small city to do business in Connecticut by Wallethub, Danbury falls short on some items on the wish list. Namely, the population, where Amazon seeks a city of over one million residents and one within 45 minutes of an international airport.

Boughton argues the Greater Danbury area draws on the resources of Putnam County, NY, and lower Fairfield County. The eight-term mayor stepped out of the box in selling Danbury to Amazon. The city made a video highlighting its strengths, and Boughton included a plaque with a key and the words "Welcome Home!" inscribed along with the RFP.

"We believe Western Connecticut is the only place in Connecticut to start a business," Boughton said. "If you are going to start a business, here is the place."

Amazon's announcement of its HQ2 plans released the floodgates of pitches from communities large and small across the United States, with politicians bending over backwards to try and win the thousands of high-paying jobs. Despite the volume of pitches, Boughton's tactics are gaining attention. He appeared on the Fox Business show "Mornings With Maria" Thursday morning to discuss the city's pitch, and the city's video has been featured in national publications such as the New York Times.

However, the odds remain stacked against the city and the state for attracting one of the world's most powerful companies. The city's mayoral election also quickly approaches in November, with Boughton seeking a record ninth term. His opponents argue his focus should be elsewhere.

With odds long, Boughton hopes efforts put into an Amazon pitch might attract other companies to the Hat City if CEO Jeff Bezos does not choose Danbury as his tech giant's new home.

"This is probably akin to hitting the Powerball," Boughton said. "We certainly are realistic about that. There is an opportunity here. The Connecticut drag is hurting us and may kill our application, but this is an opportunity to strut our stuff."

Image: Jessica Hill/Associated Press