During his seven terms in the state House, Rep. T.R. Rowe of Trumbull never served in a majority caucus.
But on Monday, as part of an annual tradition, the veteran Republican lawmaker got to stand atop the chamber’s podium and take over the role of speaker.
And while he was supposed to lead a debate on state probate courts, he presided over kind words – and good-natured ribbing – about his 14-year career from both sides of the aisle.
“You believe firmly in your convictions, your faith, your family, your constituency, your profession, but you carry out all those things with a sense of humor, your ability to laugh at yourself and it’s never done in a threatening way, but always in an effective way,” said House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk.
“As you often reminded everyone, there is no Trumbull without T.R.,” Cafero concluded.
Rowe, a lawyer who is the father of four, is not running for re-election but is seeking his local probate judgeship for Trumbull, Easton and Monroe.
“It’s been an honor to serve Trumbull and the state of Connecticut for the last 14 years,” Rowe said. “We certainly don’t always get it right in this chamber and as a member of the minority I can testify to that. This is a hard-working chamber filled with many good people of good will.”
While accepting praise from both Democrats and Republicans for his good-natured ability to work in a bipartisan manner, Rep. Themis Klarides, R-Derby, who sits next to him, threw a barb.
“Do we really need probate judges, Mr. Speaker?” Klarides said. The bill passed unanimously and the 151-member chamber gave Rowe a standing ovation.