[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S8053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         THE DEAN OF STATE PLANNERS DAN VARIN WILL SOON RETIRE

 Mr. PELL. Mr. President, Daniel W. Varin today announced his 
own plans for retirement, in one of the quietest, most unobtrusive ways 
imaginable, after more than 30 years of service directing the State of 
Rhode Island's planning effort.
  Dan Varin, who has been acknowledged nationally a dean of State 
planning officials, announced his own plans quietly at the end of an 
otherwise ordinary State Planning Council meeting in Rhode Island, 
under the agenda item of ``other business.''
  Throughout his 30 years, he has brought an unusual ability to his 
position. He perceives the implications of numbers, statistics, and 
trends, in a word, he has foresight. He has remained committed to a 
larger view of things, exercising his gift of seeing the interrelation 
of issues.
  He has been a wonderful, dedicated proponent of comprehensive, 
areawide planning. He has looked to the future, and worked long hours. 
He has been available in crises, and brought a great knowledge of how 
governmental systems work to resolving vexing problems for State and 
local government.
  In the winds of change, and squalls of politics, Dan Varin has been a 
steadying sail of calm reason. He has been a navigator of great value 
on a stormy sea.
  He has an awesome knowledge of State and Federal programs, and those 
of us in the Federal Government are indebted to him. Much of what we do 
relies on State action to secure its realization. With Dan Varin's 
guidance, many things were done well in Rhode Island.
  To say that my office and I will miss him deeply is an 
understatement. All that really can be said is, ``Thank you, and best 
wishes for a truly well-earned retirement.''


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