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Council Member Sends Flowers

By DANIEL E. GOREN, Courant Staff Writer

November 08, 2007

Hartford's youngest newly elected city council member has followed through on his first campaign promise.

Matthew D. Ritter, son of former House Speaker Thomas D. Ritter, sent a dozen roses to Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Wednesday in an effort to improve the city's sometimes testy relationship with the state of Connecticut.

Ritter, 25, had pledged to send the flowers during a debate last week. The governor's office confirmed receipt of the flowers Wednesday.

A note accompanied the flowers:

"We look forward to working with you on behalf of the residents of the city of Hartford. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. Best Wishes, Matt Ritter."

The governor's husband, Lou Rell, underwent surgery on Election Day to remove a small cancerous growth on his esophagus. He is expected to remain in the hospital for a week to 10 days.

"We keep our promises," Ritter said Wednesday, speaking on behalf of the city council. The first-time candidate emerged as the council's top vote-winner Tuesday, capturing more ballots than Mayor Eddie A. Perez, who was re-elected with 49 percent of the vote in a six-person race.

Joining Ritter on the new council will be fellow endorsed Democrats James Boucher, Kenneth Kennedy Jr., Pedro Segarra, Calixto Torres and rJo Winch. Republican Veronica Airey-Wilson and two members of the Working Families Party, Luis Cotto and Larry Deutsch, were also elected from the crowded field of 23 candidates.