[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 39 (Monday, April 7, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2794-S2795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BERNARD NEVILLE

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a true 
public servant and a dear friend, Bernard Neville of Cromwell, CT.
  Bernie was honored this past Saturday as the Democrat of the Year by 
the Cromwell Democratic Town Committee, for his nearly 25 years of 
service as Cromwell's town clerk and treasurer. I join all the 
residents of Cromwell in congratulating and honoring Bernie on his 
impressive record of achievement.

[[Page S2795]]

  Over the past 30 years, Bernie has also been a loyal and faithful 
Democrat. He's not only served as chairman of the town committee, but 
several times worked as cocoordinator of Congresswoman Barbara 
Kennelly's election campaign. Most of all, he s been an invaluable 
asset in energizing and registering Democratic voters.
  The fact is, public servants like Bernard Neville serve as the 
backbone of our democracy. They don't receive much attention, but they 
are truly an essential element of our representative government.
  You don't often see them on Sunday talk shows or on the front page of 
the New York Times, Washington Post, or Hartford Courant. They're not 
much interested in partisanship or political maneuvering. But, on a 
local level they ensure that public services are provided and local tax 
dollars are spent wisely.
  For the past 25 years, Bernie ensured that town elections ran 
smoothly, citizen petitions and lawsuits were filed correctly, local 
funds were shrewdly invested and Cromwell's government was working for 
the benefit of its citizens. In that time, he's done his job with 
professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to serving the 
people of Cromwell.
  I congratulate and thank him for his efforts.
  I am also pleased to note that even at 83 years young, he plans to 
continue working toward his degree at Trinity College, where he is 
majoring in history. I wish Bernie the best of luck in all his future 
endeavors and congratulate him again on this wonderful honor.

                          ____________________