Governor Rell Will Swear In Llodra, Newly Elected Officials

By John Voket

Governor M. Jodi Rell is scheduled to make Newtown one of her first last stops as Connecticut’s Governor. She comes to Newtown on Monday, November 23, to swear in newly elected First Selectman Pat Llodra, her running mate Will Rodgers, and other local newly elected and reelected officials whose terms begin December 1.

News of Governor Rell’s participation in Newtown’s swearing-in event came two days ahead of the announcement that she will not be seeking re-election next November.

According to Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia, the ceremony is being planned for Newtown Municipal Center at 10 am. Plans are also in the works for a post-event reception.

State Representative DebraLee Hovey, who represents one voting district in Newtown as well as all of Monroe, told The Newtown Bee that she sent word to the governor on election night, as soon as she saw the final vote outcomes.

“The minute I saw the final results I sent a text through her chief of staff inviting her to come,” Rep Hovey said. “The governor realizes this will be an important event, and a way she can come out and celebrate Newtown and all the new [elected officials].”

Besides extending her appreciation to Rep Hovey, Mrs Llodra said the governor’s appearance takes an already significant event for herself and the community up a few notches.

“The swearing-in ceremony has been special to me as a sort of celebration and affirmation of my role and responsibility to serve with honor and to join with others being sworn in a mutual leadership effort,” Mrs Llodra said. “Having Governor Rell officiate further elevates the significance of the event and of the responsibility that comes with being an elected official.”

Republican Selectman-elect Will Rodgers said, in his memory, this is the first time the governor has ever come to Newtown to participate in this type of event.

“I think I speak for Pat, as well as Moira and I, that we are thrilled and honored,” Mr Rodgers said, referring to Mrs Llodra and his wife, who won the town’s probate judge seat on November 3 and was sworn into office the following morning.

“This is quite a feather in Newtown’s cap,” Mr Rodgers said. “I hope all our elected officials, regardless of their political affiliation, appreciate what a great honor it is to have the governor participating and celebrating with us in this way.”

Rep Hovey said she understands that Gov Rell knows Mrs Llodra and appreciates the first selectman-elect’s candor.

“I know she appreciates Pat’s inclusiveness and her [pledge of] transparency,” Rep Hovey said. “This election represents a new chapter, and the coming term will bring new and unprecedented challenges. So it will be nice to have everyone start out on a positive and optimistic note with the governor.”

Speaking to The Newtown Bee following the decision to not seek another term, Newtown State Rep Christopher Lyddy said he was pleased to see Governor Rell putting Newtown at the top of her to-do list.

“Our community should be grateful to have such a high profile figure in our state government visit,” Rep Lyddy said in an email reply for comment. “I am sure Governor Rell will take the opportunity to visit many communities across the state as she retires from her post in state government. I am grateful that she chose to make Newtown one of her stops.”

Rep Lyddy said as Newtown celebrates its incoming administration, residents should “also applaud our outgoing Governor’s many years of service to our state. I trust Newtown will give her a warm welcome.”