Political Quotes

“Bill Ratchford was a giant in Connecticut politics. He served as Speaker of the House in the State legislature. As a former State legislator myself, I saw firsthand the legacy that he left behind in terms of a civil but progressive agenda that he advanced in the State of Connecticut, which, as a Member of Congress for three terms, he continued that work, again, particularly focusing on the emerging issues of the aging in our country, which as a demographic is growing. He was really just someone with great vision in terms of the need to make sure that we had a society that was prepared to deal with those issues. Mr. Speaker, as we grapple with the challenge of civil discourse in our democracy, Bill Ratchford, in my opinion, is the perfect, almost iconic example of what a legislator and a public servant ought to be. He cared deeply about the issues that he campaigned and advocated for, but he also was someone who studiously respected his opposition and believed passionately in civil discourse and debate. Again, I think that legacy, probably above all, is the most powerful one that he leaves behind us; and, frankly, we would all do well to follow his outstanding example.”