Whereas, Representative William Dyson was first elected in 1976 to serve in the Connecticut General Assembly as the Representative from the 94^th District, encompassing a section of New Haven; and

Whereas, Representative Dyson served as the Assistant Majority Leader and was, at the time of his retirement, the longest serving member of the Connecticut General Assembly’s House of Representatives; and

Whereas, during his 32 years at the Capitol, Representative Dyson made quite an impact on New Haven and the entire State through his tireless efforts for social justice and his just, fair-minded approach to tackling issues; and

Whereas, Connecticut legislators and citizens will remember Representative Dyson for his commitment to his constituents, his efforts as Chair of the Appropriations Committee, as a member of the Human Services Committee and for working to improve the quality of life for all Connecticut residents; and

Whereas, in addition to his many responsibilities as a state legislator, Representative Dyson served as the Vice Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the National Black Caucus and States Legislators; and

WHEREAS, Representative Dyson is an accomplished individual whom we wish much health, happiness and continued success in his retirement from the Connecticut General Assembly, and are glad that he calls Connecticut home; now

Therefore, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, in recognition of the countless contributions Representative Dyson has made to the State of Connecticut, do hereby officially proclaim February 19, 2009, as

representative william dyson day

in the State of Connecticut.  I thank and congratulate Representative Dyson for his enthusiasm, leadership and vision and wish him all the best in the future.