[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 154 (Thursday, November 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMENDING ROBERT GRANATO FOR HIS SERVICE TO STONINGTON, CT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 1999

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Robert Granato 
for his years of service to citizens in Stonington, CT. Bob's life-long 
dedication to public service is a model for all Americans.
  Bob Granato began serving his country and community in the Army 
during the Korean War. After graduating from Boston University, Bob 
began a career as a counselor at Thames Valley Technical College in 
Norwich, CT. Over the next two decades, Bob helped thousands of 
students of all ages to determine their career path and to improve 
their skills in order to remain competitive in a changing economy.
  After his retirement in 1989, Bob was appointed to the Planning and 
Zoning Commission in Stonington. For the next eight and one-half years, 
Bob served the community as a member and Chairman of the Commission. 
During this period, he helped the community to address and, ultimately 
overcome, significant economic changes which gripped all of 
southeastern Connecticut as the defense industry down-sized after the 
cold war. In a recent article in the Westerly Sun, Bob spoke about the 
challenges and responsibilities associated with leadership as Chairman 
of the Commission. He spoke of the mundane, but essential 
responsibility of maintaining order during a crowded hearing as well as 
the more weighty issue of bearing ultimate responsibility for the 
Commission's decisions. Bob recognized these responsibilities and 
confronted them head on.
  Over the years, Bob and his wife, Carol, have been strong supporters 
of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, a multi-faceted social service 
agency that provides humanitarian services to residents of the region. 
This effort is another example of Bob's commitment to the community.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob Granato is a public servant in every sense of the 
world. I know he will continue to serve long after his recent 
``retirement.''

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