Reprinted from The Trumbull Times © Copyright 2009
August 6, 2009

By Donald Eng

Former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift will be in Trumbull on Saturday, making a ampaign swing on behalf of Timothy Herbst, the Republican nominee for first selectman. Swift will be the featured speaker at a fund-raiser at the home of Jack and Suzanne Testani from 2 to 5 p.m. She will deliver brief remarks about 3 p.m.

"I have known Gov. Swift since I was student body president at Trinity College," said Herbst, who was present when Swift took her oath of office. Swift also is a graduate of Trinity College.

Swift’s political career began in 1990 when she won a seat on the Massachusetts State Senate at age 25. Eight years later she became lieutenant governor with Gov. Paul Cellucci.

She ascended to governor on April 10, 2001 when Cellucci resigned to become ambassador to Canada. A month later she became the first sitting governor to give birth when she delivered twin girls. Swift remained on the job, even chairing a meeting of the Governor’s Council from her hospital bed.

Prior to her terms as lieutenant governor and governor, she served as a state senator, an executive with the Massachusetts Port Authority and as the consumer affairs secretary. While in the Senate, she was active in education reform issues and passage of the Education Reform Act of 1993.

Since leaving office, Swift founded and is a principal with the consulting firm of WNP Consulting LLC, providing expertise in education services, equity and investments, strategic consultation and professional presentations.

She is a frequent lecturer on leadership and the role of women in public service. For additional information on the Swift fund-raiser or to attend, call Loretta Chory at 258-0510.