Sen. John McKinney Honored for State Servicee
May 8, 2014“I believe public service is a noble calling.”
Outgoing Sen. Minority Leader John McKinney on May 7 was honored at the State Capitol by his fellow state legislators on the final day of the 2014 Connecticut General Assembly’s legislative session.
Sen. McKinney has served 16 years in the General Assembly, representing Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport. He was elected Minority Leader of the Senate in 2007.
“Being a public servant and being able to help people has been such a rewarding experience,” Sen. McKinney said. “I hope to always be a servant for others and to try to make Connecticut a better place in any way I can. I believe public service is a noble calling.”
“John is a statesman and a great leader,” Sen. Len Fasano (R-North Haven) said. “He will go on to do great things.”
“John truly cares about Connecticut residents,” Sen. Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) said. “His warmth, his ready smile, compassion and empathy are genuine. His love of people has enhanced his work here in the legislature. John has demonstrated true leadership and a giving heart. He has made us all extraordinarily proud.”
“We have not always agreed, but John McKinney has always respected my views on public policy issues,” Sen. John Kissel (R-Enfield). “John has always fought for the underdog. He has always fought to do good for those in need. He has used his time here in the legislature to make an incredible difference in people’s lives. He has led by example, and he has been someone we have looked to for guidance and inspiration.”
“John fears no one when it comes to doing the right thing,” Sen. Jason Welch (R-Bristol) said. “He has been an amazing mentor to me. I am proud to call him my friend.”
“John has inspired us, as his fellow legislators, to achieve excellence and to craft common sense legislation,” Sen. Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) said. “It has been a pleasure to serve with him and to learn from him.”
In the Senate, Sen. McKinney has fought to lower taxes, grow the economy and eliminate wasteful government spending. In the tradition of his father, the late Congressman Stewart B. McKinney, John has been at the forefront of state efforts to preserve and protect the environment, increase access to affordable housing and end homelessness. He helped author and pass Jessica’s Law for Connecticut establishing strong mandatory minimum jail sentences for convicted child sex offenders and online child predators. He has also led efforts to improve indoor air quality regulations for public schools.
Sen. McKinney lives in Fairfield with his three children, Matthew, Graysen, and Kate.