State Rep.'s Retirement Opens Door for Election of Windsor Resident

Just one week after in a voting district, State Representative Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey, who has represented Hartford residents at the Capitol for 20 years, announced she will retire.

Kirkley-Bey's announcement marks the end of an era and the mark of a new day for Windsor residents, who now have the opportunity to elect someone from the town without having to face a seasoned incumbent.

Kirkley-Bey announced Thursday that .

“I have truly enjoyed—and been honored—representing Hartford at the Capitol since I was first sworn into office in January of 1993, but I will not seek re-election next year. After finally getting the opportunity to serve under a Democratic governor—I decided I could finally retire,” said Kirkley-Bey said alongside Governor Dannel P. Malloy, ConnecticutPlus.com reported.

In 1981, Windsor was carved into three House districts, and has not held a majority in any of its voting districts since then.

The redrawing of district lines, which were voted on and approved on November 30, maintained Windsor's current house districts (15, 60, 61), but extended Hartford's fifth district into the southern end of town, giving Windsor its fourth house district and a majority.

Following the State Reapportionment Commission's decision to give Windsor a majority, Mayor Don Trinks said he is excited about the prospect of Windsor voters having "a feeling of more control in the Capitol.

"I think they'll feel like their vote is going to matter," he said.