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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E47]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF DANIEL STEWARD
______
HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Daniel
Steward on his recent retirement from a remarkable fourteen-year career
as first selectman for the town of Waterford, Connecticut. This tenure
makes Dan the longest serving first selectman since the founding of the
town in 1801 and ensures his legacy will last forever.
Dan was born and raised in Waterford and worked in the southeastern
Connecticut region his entire adult life. He honed his managerial
skills at Southern New England Telephone Company where he worked for
twenty-eight years and then spent another three years as supervisor in
information technologies at Dominion Energy's Millstone Power Plant,
Connecticut's largest electrical energy producer. While still employed
in the private sector, he began his impressive career of public service
working to improve the town's public schools, first as president of the
Parent Teacher Organization, and then when he transitioned to the
Waterford board of education where he rose to the position of chair. In
2005, the people of Waterford elected Dan as their First Selectman, and
he hit the ground running. This win was especially significant for
Waterford, as they now had the leadership of one of their own, a true
Lancer. This first-hand knowledge proved crucial for the growth and
success of the town. Not only did Dan make structural improvements such
as building five new schools; he also paid close attention to the
individual problems of Waterford's residents. Dan's vested interest in
the town enabled him to connect with everyone as his peer. He took the
concerns of his constituents personally; his biggest gripe with the job
being only that ``he wanted to make everyone happy.''
During his time as first selectman it became obvious that Dan had a
gift for strong leadership and embracing change, something he knew all
too well. His own father sold their family's dairy farm to developers
who would go on to build the local Lowe's hardware store, giving Dan
personal experience with the cyclical economies of small towns. When
Dominion Energy's Millstone Power Station, a backbone of the current
economy, was renegotiating with the state, Dan remained a fierce
advocate for Waterford. Dan's personal knowledge of the company gave
him a unique and well-rounded perspective to facilitate a sustainable,
long-term plan for its continued operation.
As the Congressman for Waterford during the bulk of Dan's tenure, I
had the pleasure of working with him and the town on a number issues,
such as the memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Vietnam hero and
U.S. Army Captain Arnie Holm, a beloved son of Waterford, the
development of a long term dredging plan for eastern Long Island Sound,
and the recapitalization of the New England Central Railroad, to name
just a few. I found Dan to be extremely thoughtful and positive, always
focused on the big picture of making southeastern Connecticut's future
strong and healthy. Although we are from different political parties,
he approached the job of governing from a non-political, practical
point of view which I believe is a refreshing example elected officials
at every level of government should follow.
Dan's presence will be sorely missed at Town Hall, although he has
certainly earned this next, hopefully more restful chapter that I'm
sure he will spend with his wife, Kathy, his four daughters, and his
nine grandchildren. Luckily, Waterford residents won't have to look far
as he will still support the community by going door to door for the
census. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in
thanking Dan for his service and congratulating him on his retirement.
____________________