HAMDEN–Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey, the Democratic representative of Hamden, announced on Monday that he will not be seeking re-election.
Sharkey, 54, has served in the state Legislature for 16 years and as speaker for four years. He recently completed negotiations on a $19.7 billion budget that eliminates a $960 million deficit.
Here is a statement from Sharkey on his announcement:
It has been my honor and privilege to represent Hamden, the best community in Connecticut, for the last 16 years. I’m proud of all we accomplished together, such as passing the strongest gun safety law in the country, repealing the death penalty, and taking significant steps toward regionalizing local government to save taxpayers money.
But in some ways I’m more proud of the things we accomplished that don’t always make it into the newspapers. The laws that we passed that were originally suggested by my constituents when I ran into them in the post office or the grocery store, like tattoo licensing and tree cutting regulations. The things that made real differences in the lives of Hamden families are what I am proudest of as I retire from public service.
Gov. Dan Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, both Democrats, also released statements on Sharkey’s decision.
Malloy’s statement:
Throughout his time in office, Brendan Sharkey has been devoted to not only the people of Hamden, but to all citizens throughout Connecticut. He has been a tireless champion on many issues, most notably helping cities and towns reduce costs and save taxpayer dollars through regional coordination of services. I thank him for his service to our state, and wish him and his wife Diane the very best.
Wyman’s statement:
I want to thank the Speaker for his dedicated leadership and his tireless commitment to Connecticut. I’ve known Brendan for a long time – he has been a thoughtful legislator and a public servant who is working hard for his constituents and the betterment of the whole state. I consider him a dear friend and will miss seeing him in the halls of the Capitol.
