Al Paolillo

Today, Senator Looney made a big announcement - after nearly 50 years, he has made the decision to retire. I want to truly celebrate and thank Senator Looney for his 46 years of service to the State of Connecticut and the General Assembly. In doing so, he becomes the longest-serving senate majority leader and senate president in state history.

Marty is a friend, mentor, trusted advisor, and my state senator. We have all been blessed by his leadership, thoughtfulness and the humility with which he served over nearly a half-century of dedicated service. His contributions to the residents of the state of Connecticut, New Haven and Hamden, are lasting and immeasurable.

Senator Looney's passion for public service and for his constituents is unmatched. I also want to thank his extraordinary family, his wife Ellen, his son Michael, and his three grandchildren, for all the time that they sacrificed in allowing Senator Looney to share his extraordinary knowledge and talents with us all these years. I wish Marty and Ellen health, happiness, and many more great memories in their next chapter in life.

It truly has been an honor to have partnered for a decade with Marty as his state representative. We are all better for his service and although he is irreplaceable, we must all do our best to live up to the exemplary standard that he set.