Comptroller Kevin Lembo will step down at the end of the month.

By Hugh McQuaid, CTNewsJunkie.com

Citing a worsening medical condition, State Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced Friday he will step down from his position at the end of this month, roughly a year before the end of his current term.

First elected to the comptroller post in 2010, Lembo, a Democrat, has for a decade been the state’s only gay constitutional officer. As comptroller, he managed the pay of the state’s workforce and health care benefits. He has been a leading advocate for a public health insurance option in Connecticut as well as transparency in state expenditures.

In a mid-day press release Friday, Lembo said it had been an honor to serve in state government.

Comptroller Kevin Lembo. Photo credit: Christine Stuart (CTNewsJunkie file photo)

“Over ten years ago, voters took a chance on a gay, vegetarian nerd that had never run for office in his life,” Lembo said. “I’ve worked every day since to represent this office with honesty, integrity, and a focus on the common good. Even now, I love the work that I do and the people I work with. Unfortunately, my health simply won’t allow me to continue to serve.”

His decision to step down was made in consultation with a team of doctors with respect to a “serious and debilitating cardiac condition that has recently been worsening in intensity and severity,” according to the press release.

Given the timing of the resignation, Gov. Ned Lamont will name a replacement for the remainder of Lembo’s term. An election will be held for a new comptroller next November.

In a statement, Lamont said he received the news with “incredible sadness.” He said Lembo had fought to bring financial stability to the state and increase access to health care.

“He has looked out for the vulnerable his entire life,” Lamont said. “Throughout his three terms in office, he has truly made an impact, and Connecticut stands in a much stronger position today because of it.”

Lembo explored a possible run for governor in 2017, but ultimately opted to seek another term as comptroller. Prior to his election to that post, Lembo was the state’s health care advocate.

Democratic State Chair Nancy DiNardo called Lembo’s resignation a “huge loss to the state.”

“He came here from New York and jumped into public service as the state’s first Health Care Advocate and for the past 11 years as Comptroller, fighting for transparency, smart budgeting and health care,” DiNardo said. “Kevin is a colleague and a friend and his voice will be greatly missed in the public arena. We wish him the very best as he focuses on his health.”

Republished with permission from CTNewsJunkie.com, all rights reserved.

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