Governor John Rowland's Resignation Address

June 21 2004
Good evening and thank you for joining us this evening.

As you know, Patty and I have made a decision that we believe is not only in the best interest of our family, but in the best interest of the State of Connecticut as well.

The months leading to this decision have been difficult for all of us.

Effective at noon on July 1st, I will officially step down as Governor and pass this honor to Lt. Governor Jodi Rell, who is a very fine, capable and experienced public servant.

She shares many of the hopes and dreams that brought this administration to a third term, and I know you will work with her during this transition.

Tonight is both a beginning and an end for me.

I first ran for public office 24 years ago because I learned at the kitchen table in the Rowland household that you should always try to give something back to the community - whether it was volunteer service, being active in your school, or running for public office.

I am thankful to my family for instilling in me the principle that public service to others is a noble cause.

My political journey has brought me from the Connecticut State House, to the United States Congress and to the Governor's Office.

It has been an incredible, fulfilling journey - with a simple goal . . . to help and serve the people of Connecticut.

And it is the people of Connecticut that I thank for giving me this privilege.

Throughout these years I have never forgotten what the people of Connecticut have given me. I can only hope that when all is said and done - when the dust settles and time casts light on our time in office - that the people will see what I tried to give back.

Through times of prosperity and times of recession, through times of tragedy and times of celebration - we have made much progress together.

It has been an incredible honor and I am pleased to have served you.

I am proud that there is new life in our cities - especially in Hartford, Waterbury, Bridgeport, New Haven, and New London. There is new life, new business, and new opportunity.

What an enormous privilege to work with so many outstanding mayors, business people, local elected officials, clergy, volunteers and not for profit agencies - all focused on making their communities better - all striving to prove that the good in society will prevail against the bad.

This has been my motivation over the last 10 years - to lead this great state to even greater expectations and to achieve our fullest potential. And we are indeed on the right path.

I hope there have been times when I made you all proud, or made you all smile, or at least, piqued your interest in this wonderful phenomenon called government.

It has been especially gratifying to me to work with my colleagues in Connecticut state government.

Our constitutional officers, the men and women of the state legislature, and all the fine members of our judiciary - all from different backgrounds, demographics and political parties - working together for the betterment of our state.

I hope you take as much pride as I do in all that we have accomplished.

The future may be a bit uncertain for our family, but I do know that whatever the future holds, I have been blessed with wonderful family and friends.

Those of you who have had the privilege to know my wife will understand why she is the love of my life.

She has represented the office of First Lady with grace and dignity, has stood by my side with unfailing faith and love, and I am proud of the good will and good works she has brought to our citizens.

Patty and I, as well as our children, are looking forward to a new chapter in our lives.

Even in these most difficult times, I realize how fortunate my life has been.

I am truly thankful to all of our staff members, our security detail, Commissioners, and family and friends gathered with us today.

We have lived and worked together over the past 10 years and we can never repay the incredible loyalty, kindness, and dedicated work you have brought to our family and this administration.

Patty and I would also like to thank the thousands of people across our state that have sent us countless letters of support, given us words of encouragement, and prayed with us over these past months and years.

Please know that your thoughts and prayers have been a source of strength for all of us.

An ancient proverb says:
"We make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."

There comes a time in everyone's life when you realize that it is time to take a new path.

This is our time.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Governor.

God Bless you all, and God Bless the great state of Connecticut.

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