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Former Governor Jodi Rell Visits Westminster
Former Gov. Jodi Rell gave a presentation to Westminster students and faculty Sept. 17 about her political career in Connecticut serving as state representative, lieutenant governor and governor.
She was invited to Westminster by Sixth Former Maeve DeFronzo, who serves as president of the student club Girls of Today, Women of Tomorrow (GOTWOT), which aims to inspire young women in the school community to grow and to become strong women. “GOTWOT believes that the best source of inspiration for this comes from strong women who have come before us,” said Maeve. “Jodi Rell is definitely a woman of stature who skillfully led our state, while also fulfilling the roles of wife, mother and grandmother.”
Guests in the audience included Connecticut State Representative John Hampton, Simsbury First Selectman Lisa Heavner and Simsbury Selectman Michael Paine.
During her remarks, Rell recalled how she was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1984 and continued to serve in that position until she was elected lieutenant governor in 1995 to serve alongside former Gov. John Rowland. When Rowland resigned as governor in 2004, she stepped into that role and became the second female to hold the office in the state’s history. She was re-elected in the 2006 Connecticut gubernatorial election, serving out the term but deciding not to seek another term.
Rell shared how she was asked by Rowland to serve on the ticket as lieutenant governor and the challenges in assuming the governorship on 10 days notice when he resigned. “It was a “whirlwind,” she said. “The people of Connecticut at that time wanted confidence in their leader.” She also talked about her breast cancer diagnosis while in office and how important it was to her to give an address to the Connecticut General Assembly days after surgery. “I needed to show people I was O.K.,” she said.
She spoke about the significance of maintaining good relationships, setting priorities and building consensus. When asked what she is most proud of during her tenure as governor, she said it was saving the Naval Submarine Base in Groton. “That was the best example of Republicans and Democrats working together,” she said. “We did our homework, and we prevailed.”
Currently, Rell enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and serving on some boards of directors.
After her formal presentation, members of the audience asked her numerous questions about her career. “I very much enjoyed public service,” she emphasized. She advised students who might be considering public service to “get involved and stay informed.” She told them it is about what they can do to help get out the vote or serve the public. “Get to know the issues and what they mean to you,” she said.
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