Sawyer to end 22-year career in CT House

House Republican Caucus

State Rep. Pamela Z. Sawyer, R-Bolton, will not seek a 12th term.

After 22 years representing Connecticut’s 55^th District in the state House of Representatives, Bolton Republican Pamela Z. Sawyer announced Tuesday that she won’t seek a 12th term.

“I am deeply grateful for the great support I have been given by the wonderful folks in the 55th District over the last 22 years,” said Sawyer, whose district includes Andover, Hebron and Marlborough. “I will miss seeing so many of them at the many events I have enjoyed – watching, eating, shopping, and hugging! I have other challenges I am ready to pursue as well as having an evening or two home with my family.”

Sawyer devoted much of her tenure to reducing the devastating vehicle crash and death rate on U.S. Route 6 between Bolton and Columbia, working with multiple state and federal agencies and legislators, governors and other officials to establish various reforms.

The Bolton lawmaker also spearheaded successful passage in 2000 of what became known as the “Safe Havens” law – a measure to assist distressed mothers at risk of abandoning newborn children.

Since the law took effect, 22 infants have been left safely at hospitals by mothers who could not care for the children.

Sawyer also worked to secure funding for the Connecticut Aero Tech program at Brainard Airport. The school offers a certificate program for aircraft maintenance, providing the skills needed to get jobs along the Connecticut aviation corridor.

A vocal advocate for new rules to prohibit nonessential legislative debates between midnight and 6 a.m., Sawyer has a 100 percent voting record in 21 of her 22 years.