Governor: Secretary of State Resigning “a tremendous loss for the people of Connecticut.”
Office of Governor Ned Lamont: Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement regarding the announcement made today by Secretary of the State Denise Merrill that she intends to resign from her elected office effective at noon on Thursday, June 30, 2022:
“Denise Merrill is a dear friend to me, and her exit from public service is a tremendous loss for the people of Connecticut. Denise has had a long history of serving the public good in Connecticut and has become one of the most respected secretaries of state in the country. I am proud to have partnered with her on our collected efforts to increase access to voter registration, increase access to casting a ballot, increase election transparency, and streamline the way businesses interact with our state government. It can’t go without noting that our most recent statewide election resulted in the highest number of registered voters casting ballots in our state’s history, which is a credit to Denise’s efforts to encourage voter participation. Denise has delivered results, and our state is stronger because of her efforts. My prayers are with her and her family, and I thank her for everything she has given to Connecticut.”
As required by state statute, when the legislature is not in session the responsibility to fill a vacancy for a constitutional officer falls to the governor. That appointee serves the remainder of the constitutional officer’s term. Governor Lamont will announce an appointment soon.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 10; State Positivity Rate 8.67 %
The State Department of Public Health reported 10 more cases in Westport over the past day. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 8.67% while State hospitalizations remained at 245 patients.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,265 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 37 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 8.67% [up from 8.13%]
State COVID-19 Hospitalizations: 245 patients
Mary Ann Baldwin, 78, Died; Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club Member
Mary Ann Baldwin, a fifty-two-year resident of Ridgefield died on June 22, 2022. She passed away comfortably at home with her husband holding her hand.
Mary Ann was born on January 29, 1944, to Michael Sudzina and Elizabeth (Gregus) Sudzina in Perth Amboy, NJ. She grew up in Metuchen, NJ and graduated from Michigan State University and subsequently received a master's degree from Fairfield University. She married Dr. Randall Baldwin in 1966 and had two children: Geoffrey and Matthew. She was the proud grandmother of Sarah, Nathaniel, Lindsey, and Abigail. She is also survived by a brother, Michael R. Sudzina and two favorite nieces: Christine Shutt and Susan Brandon.
Mary Ann loved the Town of Ridgefield and was very active in town affairs. Among her many positions were nine years of service on the Board of Education, including four years as Chairman. In 1991, she took the responsibility of Director of Social Services for the town. She served in that capacity until her retirement in 2010. Mary Ann and Randall were also members of the Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club for over forty years. She was a faithful member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church; 353 Main Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.
Mary Ann may be remembered with a gift to the Ridgefield Social Services Emergency Fund or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which were her favorite charities. Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.