[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 152 (Thursday, November 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2329-E2330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF DAVE KELLY FROM ALLIEDSIGNAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 12, 1998

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dave Kelly a 
dedicated employee of the Stratford Army Engine Plant, and the devoted 
President of the United Auto Workers Local 1010, who retired on August 
1, 1998. Dave is a wonderful friend, and it gives me great pleasure to 
acknowledge his years of leadership and service to his fellow workers, 
and to his community.
  Since he began working at AlliedSignal in 1959, and since he first 
committed himself as a union representative in 1966, Dave has stood up 
for the fundamental rights of his fellow employees--fair pay, health 
coverage, and a secure transition to new jobs and bright futures. His 
extraordinary work and dedication in carrying out his duties as 
President of Local 1010 will certainly have a lasting impact on the 
hard working men and women throughout Connecticut whom he served.
  Dave stood side-by-side with me in the night to prevent the closing 
of the Stratford Army Engine Plant where thousands of exceptional 
engines were built to power our military's helicopters, jets, boats and 
tanks. When defense budgets shrunk with the end of the Cold War, Dave 
negotiated a contract to make the plant more efficient and 
competitive--to give Stratford a chance for the future. When the Army 
put the plant on the base closure list, Dave joined together with his 
fellow employees and community leaders to fight the decision. When 
AlliedSignal turned its back on Connecticut and pulled out to move its 
operations to Phoenix, Dave continued to fight on severance pay, 
extended medical coverage, and educational assistance promised by 
AlliedSignal to its former employees.
  Dave has also distinguished himself as a leader in his community, 
serving under Governors Grasso and O'Neill as the Budget Commissioner 
for the Commission for Drug and Alcohol Abuse for 15 years. He is also 
committed to lifelong learning, ultimately earning his master's degree 
from Yale University in 1989.

[[Page E2330]]

  Dave's distinguished career has been a great source of pride. His 
dedication and determination to improve the lives of the hard working 
families of Stratford will be his lasting legacy. The members of Local 
1010 and the community of Stratford have all benefitted from his 
unwavering commitment. For this, we join with his wife, Susan, their 
children, David, Margaret, Laura, Paige and Ryan, and his grandson John 
in offering him our lasting gratitude and congratulations on his 
retirement.

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