William O'Neill

William Atchison O'Neill (August 11, 1930 – November 24, 2007) was a twentieth century U.S. political figure, most notably as Governor of Connecticut from 1980 to 1991. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut in 1978 on a Democratic ticket along with Governor Ella Grasso. When Grasso resigned for health reasons in December 1980, O'Neill became Governor. O'Neill was elected to a full term in 1982 and re-ele... more

William Atchison O'Neill (August 11, 1930 – November 24, 2007) was a twentieth century U.S. political figure, most notably as Governor of Connecticut from 1980 to 1991. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut in 1978 on a Democratic ticket along with Governor Ella Grasso. When Grasso resigned for health reasons in December 1980, O'Neill became Governor. O'Neill was elected to a full term in 1982 and re-elected in 1986. Prior to serving as Lieutenant Governor O'Neill served as the state representative from East Hampton, Connecticut, where he owned a restaurant. O'Neill benefited from the economic boom Connecticut enjoyed during the 1980s when the state's job growth was at a recent historic peak. The state enjoyed large budget surpluses in this era. His large re-election victory in 1986 over Lowell Weicker ally Julie Belaga had an effect on the state legislature, which gained large majorities of liberal Democrats eager to expand state government,... less