[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE, SENATOR ROBERT D. WETMORE

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 1997

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
valuable Massachusetts State legislator, Senator Robert D. Wetmore. On 
September 28, 1997, colleagues, family, and friends will gather to 
toast Senator Wetmore's distinguished career in the Massachusetts 
General Court. Allow me to inaugurate this celebration early by 
introducing Senator Wetmore and his accomplishments to this House.
  Robert Wetmore dedicated his entire career toward serving others. 
Even before his 32 years in elected office, he committed himself to his 
colleagues as a head lineman for the Massachusetts Electric Co. and by 
presiding over the local union. In 1965, he first entered the 
Massachusetts General Court as a State representative. In addition to 
his participation on several standing committees, the combination of 
his innovativeness, foresight, and abilities, allowed him to steer 
several new initiatives. Among these are his participation on the 
Bicentennial Commission and the Special Commission on Bike Paths. His 
leadership in identifying the effects of growth patterns on the quality 
of life in the commonwealth placed him on the vanguard of proactive 
government by foreseeing issues and precluding problems.
  In 1977, Mr. Wetmore entered the Massachusetts senate. He would 
continue to serve the people of the Worcester, Hampton, Hampshire, and 
Franklin districts, and the institution, for 10 terms. Beyond chairing 
and vice-chairing several standing committees, he continued to identify 
new areas of specialization and organize committees to address these 
issues.
  Senator Wetmore subscribes to one of life's lessons that I hold dear 
to my own heart: It is not enough to leave a place the way you found 
it--you should leave it better. Were a person only to strive for this 
in private life, it would undoubtedly win other's trust and praise. 
When someone such as Robert Wetmore makes this his public mission in 
the General Court, everyone in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts reaps 
the benefits. As a lifelong Massachusetts resident, I too, owe Senator 
Wetmore a debt of gratitude.
  I ask all the Members of this House to join me in recognizing this 
dedicated public servant.

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