State Senator Eileen M. Daily (D-Westbrook) today announced her intention to retire from the General Assembly upon completion of her current term. Senator Daily has prepared a letter for political allies, supporters, and delegates to next week's 33rd Senatorial District nominating convention explaining she will not stand for re-election this year.

Senator Daily has represented the towns and residents of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook in the State Senate since 1993. Senator Daily is a former first selectman of Westbrook and prior to that served on its Board of Education.

"Replacement and renewal are integral to the revitalization of any institution," Senator Daily said. "In the past year holding office has become more physically demanding for me and it would be difficult to initiate a re-election campaign. I've been diagnosed with cancer, endured chemotherapy and associated treatment, and am presently recuperating from a broken ankle.

"During the last weeks of this session I was challenged to maintain the pace required at the Capitol. As I review my 20-year tenure and consider the future, I've settled on this plan with complete confidence that it's time for another voice to speak for this district," Senator Daily said. "I am also literally blessed with a loving husband and family—Jim and I eagerly look forward to spending more time with our children and grandchildren."

While in office Senator Daily co-authored breakthrough legislation creating the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), through which grants are available for large-scale public works projects that might be otherwise unaffordable for small towns. Senator Daily also co-authored legislation creating a fund for open space acquisition statewide, and was instrumental in preserving many acres of open space in her district.

Senator Daily identified completion of several short and long-term projects among the many gratifying instances of bringing state resources to bear in her district:

• Sediment detention and ice control in a federal/state Salmon River Flood Control Project.

• Inclusion of the beautiful Eight Mile River Watershed within the national Wild and Scenic River program.

• A comprehensive, federal/state dredging project for the Westbrook harbor, announced earlier this spring, to begin next fall.

• Acquisition of property in Haddam for new athletic and recreational fields.

• Grants to 33rd District towns through STEAP for infrastructure improvement.

"Connecticut's 33rd Senatorial District is home to some of the most beautiful natural treasures our state has to share and its voters have repeatedly given me the distinction and decidedly good fortune to advocate for this area all this time," Senator Daily said. "Nevertheless, the day-to-day opportunity I've had to serve and help constituents overshadows successful completion of these public works projects and policy initiatives."

Senator Daily said her office remains open and available, as always, to help municipal government officials and constituents.