It was hard to tell exactly what state Comptroller Nancy Wyman would do as she left the Capitol quickly Monday to avoid reporter’s questions about her political future. But on Tuesday she made it clear in a press release that she will not be participating in this year’s game of political musical chairs. Wyman will run for re-election to her current position. That means that state Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-Ledyard, will end his exploratory campaign for comptroller.
“As I’ve made my way around the state speaking to fellow Democrats, I’ve made it clear that if Nancy decided to seek another term I would step aside,” Reynolds said. “Nancy Wyman has been a stellar State Comptroller and a courageous and often lone voice on issues of fiscal responsibility. Connecticut is lucky to have the benefit of her continued leadership,” he added.
The press release on Wyman’s re-election campaign is below:
“Our state faces enormous economic challenges that require government to respond with unprecedented decisiveness, creativity and compassion, and I look forward to doing just that on behalf of our taxpayers,” Wyman said. “I believe I can best serve the citizens of our great state by continuing to help Connecticut emerge from this downturn and lay the foundation for long-term recovery and prosperity.”
Wyman has brought openness and common sense to the budgeting process, implemented stricter accounting of state finances, and fought to increase the balance in the Rainy Day Fund as protection against tax increases. She also has overseen the complete modernization of the computer system that runs the state’s core financial operations – greatly increasing the ability to track government spending.
In the area of health care, Wyman’s recommendation evolved into the landmark HUSKY health insurance plan that covers more than 300,000 children and their families. She was recently named Co-Chair of the SustiNet board of directors, which is charged with designing a plan to provide affordable health insurance to small businesses, municipalities and individuals.
“I am honored that Connecticut voters have four times elected me to be their voice at the table of state government,” Wyman said, “and I am more eager than ever to live up to their support by working to make life better for all of our families.”
Wyman has received myriad awards for her work as Comptroller, including recognition of her leadership from the Connecticut Federation of Business & Professional Women, the Connecticut State Medical Society, the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, the Council of Small Towns and the Connecticut Coalition of Police & Corrections Officers.
Comptroller Wyman also has been involved for years in events seeking to raise funds for breast cancer research, and as spokeswoman for the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Red Ribbon holiday campaign. She has served as Chairwoman of the American Heart Association’s Greater Hartford Heart Walk, and of the National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut’s annual gala.
In 2007, Wyman sought private donations to create the Wall of Honor tribute in the State Capitol to the Connecticut men and women in the U.S Armed Forces who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Prior to her election as State Comptroller, Wyman served as State Representative (1987-1995) from the 53rd District. She was House Chairperson of the Education Committee and Chairperson of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Elementary and Secondary Education.
While a legislator, Wyman was noted for her work in the area of public education and was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Connecticut Education Association. From 1979-1987, Comptroller Wyman served on the Tolland Board of Education and was Vice-Chairperson for four of those years.
Wyman and her husband, Michael, have lived in Tolland since 1973. They have two daughters and sons-in-law; Stacey and Steve Papa and Meryl and Bill Baldwin, and five grandchildren; Taylor, Lindsey, Kyle, Max and Sydney.