Gov. Dannel Malloy is nominating a former Waterford state representative to oversee Connecticut's Department on Aging.
Elizabeth "Betsy" Ritter served five terms representing Waterford and Montville. Over the years, she was appointed deputy speaker of the House and was a co-chairman of the General Assembly's Public Health Committee. She lost a run for the state Senate in November.
Malloy said Wednesday that Ritter will help the administration meet the needs of Connecticut's growing elderly population.
As a lawmaker, Ritter supported legislation allowing physicians to prescribe medication to help terminally ill patients end their lives. Malloy, who has expressed some concerns about such legislation, said the issue did not come up during his conversations with Ritter about the aging commissioner job.
Ritter will earn $125,000. Her nomination requires legislative confirmation.
