[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RICHARD C. LEE ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY MARCH 14, 1996

                                 ______


                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 1996

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker: On March 12, 1996 the Honorable Richard C. 
Lee celebrated his 80th birthday. Today he is being honored by Albertus 
Magnus College. It is with tremendous pleasure that I rise today to 
salute this incredible individual, who means so much to me and has 
contributed so much to the city of New Haven.
  Dick's dedication to the city of New Haven is illustrated by a 
lifetime of public service. His career began as a reporter and later a 
wire editor for the New Haven Journal Courier. He later became editor 
of the Yale News Digest and director of the Yale University News 
Bureau. Dick then went on to a career as a public servant. After twice 
running and losing, he became New Haven's youngest mayor in 1953. He 
served for 6 years, longer than any mayor since.
  There was an historic dimension to Dick Lee's administration. During 
his tenure as mayor, he was deeply involved with and dedicated to 
issues of urban renewal. He initiated an economic revitalization plan, 
marking a turning point in New Haven's history. He was particularly 
interested in the human side of urban redevelopment. He incorporated 
community outreach into the public school system, and added staff to 
the public schools to facilitate relationships between faculty members 
and students, and developed job training programs. He also served as 
president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Dick's success in New Haven 
and solid reputation led to his becoming the principal adviser on urban 
affairs during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, where he led 
the way for similar programs throughout the country.
  After retiring as mayor, Dick continued to serve his community by 
serving as executive director of the United Way of Greater New Haven 
from 1975 to 1980. Dick's later achievements include an appointment to 
the Committee on Judicial Review in 1976 and chairing the State Library 
Board from 1984 till 1986. In 1987 he was appointed to the Judicial 
Review Council. He later joined Union Trust as the chairman's 
representative in New Haven.
  On a personal and political level, the DeLauro and Lee families have 
been close for years. I witnessed firsthand his knowledge, insight, and 
caring for the New Haven community. My mother, Luisa DeLauro, served on 
the Board of Aldermen under Dick's administration. I fondly remember 
Dick's relationship with my father, Ted DeLauro. They were great 
friends and worked together on numerous projects for the betterment of 
the New Haven community. Throughout my life, Dick has been both a 
mentor and a friend to me.
  On September 13, 1987, Dick was inducted into the Knights of St. 
Gregory, a papal honor for ``exemplary conduct as a citizen living up 
to his full measure of influence and creativity in the community.'' It 
is exactly this commitment to community that distinguishes the life of 
Richard Lee and it is with great pleasure that I commend him for a 
lifetime of achievement and service to our community. I join his wife 
Ellen, his children, Sally, David, and Tara, and his many friends and 
family members in wishing Dick's a very happy 80 birthday.

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