December 11, 2008

REP. GODFREY APPOINTED DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

State Representative Bob Godfrey (D-Danbury) was appointed Thursday by incoming Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) to serve as his Deputy Speaker for the next two-year term of the state legislature.

The Deputy Speaker is responsible for assisting the Speaker of the House in presiding over the House during it debates and for leading the majority party in its agenda. Godfrey had previously served in this key role for the past four years under James Amann, the outgoing Speaker of the House who did not seek re-election this year.

"The choice of Bob Godfrey as my Deputy Speaker was an easy one," explained Donovan. "He is considered to be one of the most knowledgeable people at the State Capitol for his expertise in the area of legislative rules and procedures and is very well respected among our colleagues. The work he previously accomplished in this position provided a great service not only for the people of his district but for the General Assembly as a whole and I thank him for accepting the role again."

"I am grateful to the incoming Speaker for being able to serve in this important position," said Godfrey, who has been representing the 110th Assembly District of Danbury since 1989. "Our state and the entire country face many challenges right now, and I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues at tackling these issues."

The entire membership of the General Assembly will be sworn into office on January 7 at the State Capitol in Hartford during the opening day ceremony of the 2009 Session.

Incoming Speaker Christopher Donovan announcing Rep. Godfrey's appointment
to Deputy Speaker of the House.