Milford's State Representative Roy Retiring From Legislature

State Rep. Richard Roy (D-Milford) has decided not to seek re-election following the completion of his 10th term at the conclusion of 2012.

Roy’s decision follows the release of new House district lines which left him outside the 119th district he currently serves. Roy, the House Chair of the Environment Committee, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1992.

“My wife and I have been discussing the possibility of not running again for many months,” Roy said. “The results of the redistricting effort just made my decision easier.”

Redrawn House districts lines have Roy residing outside the newly configured 119th district come January 2013. The new district will be comprised of a section of northcentral Milford and a portion of Orange.

Some of the important issues highlighting Roy’s career include:  

• Establishing Connecticut’s ban on cell phone use/texting while driving
• Prohibiting the use of pesticides on school property
• Banning BPA from baby bottles and receipts
• Zero tolerance for under age drinkers who then drive
• The effort to label GMO (genetically modified) products in the state

“Dick Roy has served the people of his 119^th District with distinction for 20 years,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden).

“He has made important contributions to Connecticut as chair of the legislature’s Environment Committee, and he has worked tirelessly with legislators from across the country to set policy and direction on issues involving agriculture, the environment and energy. His professional and effective presence will be missed in Hartford.”

"I have had the pleasure of working with Representative Roy for four terms. He has served with distinction and always kept the best interests of his constituents, our community and Connecticut foremost is his mind,” said state Rep. Paul Davis (D-Milford, Orange, West Haven). “His leadership and dedication will be missed by our Milford delegation and the entire legislature."

“I have known Dick for many years and was fortunate to work with him in the legislature. His experience and encouragement helped me and inspired me tremendously during my freshman year.  He is a true professional and hard working individual whom I had the opportunity to work with on several issues on the Environment Committee. I will surely miss him in the legislature and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” state Rep. Kim Rose (D-Milford) stated.

Roy plans to spend more time with his family and grandchildren and will continue advocating for environmental causes, specifically the fight against toxic chemicals.

“The chemical industry needs to change the way it does business and develop less toxic products,” Roy said. “I will continue to fight that fight on behalf of Connecticut residents.”