Rep. Gwyn Green, D-Golden, has become the latest state lawmaker to tender her resignation, citing health concerns and a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren.
“I don’t know how I’m going to leave you. I really don’t,” Green told her House colleagues today in an emotional speech. “I will miss you. I will laugh at my memories.”
Green garnered a reputation at the Capitol for impassioned speeches about protecting children from sexual predators and preventing abuse of disabled adults, among other topics. Her pursuits earned her the nickname “the fighting granny.”
Her resignation will be effective June 1, she said.
House Minority Leader Mike May, who briefly retired from the House before rescinding that resignation earlier this year, lauded Green from the podium.
“Thank you for the battles, the passion you bring here,” May said. “I hope your resignation is as long and successful as mine was.”
Rep. Anne McGihon and Sens. Peter Groff and Jennifer Veiga, all Denver Democrats, also are departing the General Assembly early. Two others, Rep. Karen Middleton, D-Aurora, and Sen. Jim Isgar, D-Hesperus, are seeking jobs with the federal government.
