[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8625-S8626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DAVID L. CINI

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, any town in America can find somebody 
to run their local government. But few cities ever have a leader whose 
courage, hope, and humor serve to inspire others to expect more from 
themselves and their community. East Lyme was fortunate enough to know 
one of these leaders--David L. Cini. Mr. Cini served as East Lyme's 
first selectman since 1989, and, sadly, he died earlier this month at 
the age of 60.
  Eight years ago, I attended a political rally for David Cini that was 
held in a vacant lot behind a beauty salon in the small town of 
Niantic, CT, which is part of East Lyme. Also in attendance at this 
rally were Senator Joe Lieberman, Congressman Sam Gejdenson, and a host 
of other local dignitaries. Upon realizing that there were two U.S. 
Senators, a Congressman, and many other elected officials in attendance 
at this rally, I asked aloud, ``Why are all of these important people 
gathered behind a beauty salon

[[Page S8626]]

in Niantic?'' David Cini quickly stood up and responded, ``Because 
Niantic is the center of the universe, and I am going to be the first 
selectman.''
  For David Cini, Niantic and East Lyme was the center of the universe, 
and he really loved and took pride in this town and its people. One 
time, David cut short a week-long vacation in Florida to come back to 
East Lyme. He said that East Lyme was the best place to live and work 
so why leave? Mr. Cini loved the city of East Lyme and his primary 
concern as first selectman was improving the quality of life for these 
people.
  But while David Cini was completely committed to the people of East 
Lyme, he also recognized that the interests of one town are often 
connected to the interests of neighboring communities. He worked 
tirelessly to see that the towns in southeastern Connecticut worked 
together to preserve prosperity in the region. Mr. Cini was 
instrumental in the formation of the Council of Governments, which is 
comprised of the chief executive officers of 20 southeastern 
Connecticut towns, and he served as the council's first chairman.
  Throughout his tenure as East Lyme's top official, Mr. Cini had to 
overcome various health problems, but he always maintained a positive 
attitude, and you never saw him without a smile on his face. David was 
always too concerned with the welfare of others to dwell on his own 
personal interests.
  When you ask his friends what they will remember most about David 
Cini, they all mention his sense of humor. He was frequently seen 
joking with workers at Town Hall, and with his modest and unassuming 
manner, he could always make people laugh and put them at ease.
  His humor will be missed in Town Hall, and so will his leadership. 
David Cini was known and respected by his colleagues in politics, but, 
more important, he was admired by the people that he was elected to 
represent.
  He is survived by his wife Sally, seven siblings, five children, and 
four grandchildren. I extend my heartfelt condolences to them 
all.

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