Former Stamford Representative Rodney Pratt Has Died At 68

STAMFORD, CT — Rodney Pratt, a former member of the Stamford Board of Representatives, has died. He was 68.

Pratt was first elected to the Board of Representatives in 2014 in the 9th District. He stepped down recently, and the board voted to approve Kindrea Walston to take his place earlier this month. Pratt also served as a constable.

Over the years, Pratt played an integral part in various projects and legislation in Stamford. He helped with calling for renovations of Lione Park, Boxer Square and Carolina Road. He also advocated for traffic improvements throughout the 5th and 9th Districts, and worked to implement a new residential parking program.

Over his tenure, Pratt was elected as the Majority Leader by his colleagues in the Democratic Caucus, and served as a chair for two separate committees.

"I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Representative Pratt. His kindness and service to our community extended across his district where he was committed to helping others and improving the lives of Stamford residents," said Mayor Caroline Simmons in a statement from her office. "I always enjoyed speaking with him about the issues facing our city and seeing his passion for raising awareness for those issues, whether it was public safety, investments in our parks, or improving quality of life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues during this difficult time."

According to the posted agenda for next week's meeting, the Board of Representatives had planned to honor Pratt with a resolution. The resolution was first submitted in March by Rep. Jeffrey Stella, the other representative in the 9th district.

"Representative Pratt was instrumental in the passage of multiple pieces of major legislation, including ordinances that had a demonstrable positive effect on public safety, city parks and transportation," the resolution says. "Representative Pratt has distinguished himself beyond politics, serving his community as a city constable and strong supporter of youth sports... The City of Stamford is a better place because of Representative Pratt’s service, and his leadership in city affairs has had a real, definitive and positive impact on the lives and life quality of Stamford residents and taxpayers."