[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 98 (Thursday, June 15, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S8518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 RETIREMENT OF RICHARD A. GIESSER, CHAIRMAN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS PORT 
                               AUTHORITY

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Richard A. 
Giesser as he leaves office after 10 years as chairman of the 
Massachusetts Port Authority.
  Mr. President, I have known Dick Giesser as a friend and adviser for 
many years. He is one of those all-too-rare individuals who balanced a 
successful career in business with a deep commitment to public service. 
I have no doubt that his service to the public will continue long 
beyond his tenure at the Massachusetts Port Authority.
  Dick Giesser will be remembered, not only as the longest serving 
chairman of the port authority, but as a chairman who worked tirelessly 
to build MassPort's strength while providing safe and efficient service 
to the public. Under his leadership MassPort put the highest premium on 
safety, building inclined runway safety ramps at Logan International 
Airport and developing state-of-the-art fire and rescue facilities.
  Mr. Giesser was a key architect of the Logan Airport modernization 
plan, now known as Logan 2000, which will enable Logan Airport to meet 
the ever-increasing demands of the regional integration into the global 
economy.
  In the meantime, Dick Giesser kept faith with communities surrounding 
Logan Airport, by pioneering noise rules that alleviate the impact of 
air traffic over East Boston and Winthrop. He was instrumental as well 
in providing MassPort's support to the adjoining city of Chelsea so 
that Chelsea could climb back from bankruptcy and regain its fiscal 
stability.
  Under Dick Giesser's guidance in MassPort became an important 
promoter of New England companies in international trade. During his 
tenure the authority hosted the successful Sail Boston exhibition, 
which showcased Boston Harbor and Massachusetts to the world, and with 
his leadership MassPort launched a broad effort to restore marine-
related industries to the harbor.
  Dick Giesser is proud that the Massachusetts Port Authority achieved 
a AA bond rating for the first time during his tenure. I am sure he is 
even prouder that he leaves MassPort a stronger agency, capable of 
meeting the demands of the 21st century without turning its back on its 
neighbors.
  Mr. President, once again, I salute Richard Giesser for his service 
to MassPort, to Massachusetts, and to New England. He exemplifies the 
importance of public service, but beyond that, he is a friend, and I 
join with my colleagues and the people of Massachusetts and New England 
in wishing him well.


                          ____________________