the Informer

Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell will not be seeking re-election in 2010. She announced her decision on Nov. 9. Rell has served as the 87th governor of Connecticut and the first female Republican governor. She took over the position of governor after Gov. John Rowland resigned from office.

Rell gave a simple explanation for why she will not be running for a re-election "But at some point you know inside that it is time to begin a new chapter in life. It was 25 years ago this month that I was first elected to office. Ten years as a state representative from Brookfield. Ten years as lieutenant governor. Five years thus far as governor. It's time."

Much of the speech was spent reminiscing over her first days in office, when she took over amidst the scandal of Rowland. "We had been through much and we needed a new start, a renewed sense of faith in public officials and a recommitment to integrity in our government," she explained. "Working together, we steadied our state and we passed landmark ethics reform and campaign finance reform legislation. I am very, very proud of that."

She called one specific open house where her resolve to serve as citizen governor was complimented. "I finally kicked off my heels and stood in my stocking feet greeting people," Rell explained. "I'll never forget the woman who said, while looking at my feet, 'That's why we like you – you're normal; you're like us.' That was the highest compliment she could have given me."

During her terms in office, Rell has issued 33 executive orders, many dealing with transparency of government, making the state more environmentally friendly and creating committees to protect the integrity of the state.

According to her biography on ct.gov, some of her accomplishments while in office include the Charter Oak Health Plan, which allows uninsured adults to acquire coverage, helping to save the Groton/New London Submarine Base from impending closure, improving the state transportation systems and strongly supporting legislation for $100 million for stem cell research.

In her speech, Rell mentioned several milestones in her accomplishments: the first voluntarily passed civil unions bill in the United States, the new charter schools and supplies for current schools, improvements to the state universities, new equipment and staff for the state troopers and improved programs for Veterans.

When it comes to the University of Hartford, Rell attended the opening ceremony of the Handel Performing Arts Center. The State, under the direction of Rell, funded $6.5 million of the construction, most of the funds going towards clearing the site and preparing brown field redevelopment. Those funds helped make the construction and opening of the Handel Center possible.

In her announcement on giving the state funding to the Handel Center, Rell said, "This will be a major community resource. It will draw people to the neighborhood and will serve as an important catalyst for economic development. Hartford's Upper Albany Avenue will become a richer cultural corridor, flanked on one end by the Performing Arts Center and on the other by The Artists Collective and its acclaimed community arts programs."

During her speech at the Handel Center, Rell relayed her pride in the University and the center planners saying, "You looked at a used car lot and said you could do it."

Rell has enjoyed every minute of being the governor of Connecticut. She explained, "I love being governor and I love the people of Connecticut. The challenges of the job have been – and continue to be – many; the rewards incalculable."

She has also received the support of the people of Connecticut in a trying time in her own life. During her terms in office, Rell fought, and beat, breast cancer, with the support of thousands of citizens who she recalls sent cards and prayers.

Connecticut has had a Republican governor since 1990, making it almost 20 years since a Democrat has served in the position.

With Rell not running for re-election, this could leave the door open for a Democrat to step in. Connecticut traditionally leans Democrat, especially in the recent presidential elections.

However, Republicans have had a strong hold on the highest office in the state. It is too early to tell what way the state will vote, but it is likely that the 2010 elections will be strong battle between the Republicans and the Democrats to win the gubernatorial race.

Rell ended her speech with a reminder that her term in office is not yet over. "I need their continued support and understanding and their prayers for the next 14 months. I still have a lot of governing to do – a lot of difficult issues to face in these tough economic times. I will not be a candidate – but I am the governor and the work continues. Thank you."