The following opinion essay was submitted by Matt Smith, a former Ward 9 alder who has worked as a mayoral staffer for Mayor John DeStefano and an economic development staffer for Mayor Toni Harp. Smith is a current resident of the 92nd state house district. The Connecticut political sphere felt a seismic shift this week with the announcement that State Sen. and President Pro Tempore Martin (Marty) Looney will retire. Well wishes and tributes ce…