[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 45 (Tuesday, April 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        COMMENDING JAMES SPELLMAN, SR. OF PAWCATUCK, CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 11, 2000

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, today I commend Mr. James Spellman, Sr. 
of Pawcatuck, Connecticut for more than five decades of public service 
on behalf of his Town, State and Country. On April 28, Mr. Spellman 
will mark his 80th birthday.
  Mr. Spellman has dedicated the better part of his adult life in roles 
assisting the residents of his community and beyond. He served as a 
member of the Board of Education between 1948 and 1953. From 1955 and 
1961, he was Judge on the Stonington Town Court. In 1961, Mr. Spellman 
was elected to his initial term as First Selectman. He would be 
reelected to this position successively for another 11-terms until he 
stepped down in 1985. His long tenure is a testament to the excellence 
of his service which was marked by innovation, foresight and a balanced 
stewardship of Town affairs.
  During those years, the Town of Stonington went through a period of 
considerable growth, adding three new schools, a police station and a 
significant amount of public infrastructure necessary to serve a 
growing population and to respond to economic development fueled by the 
tourism industry. Throughout his career as Chief Elected Official and 
Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Spellman was known for his concern 
for all segments of the community, his willingness to respond to 
constituent needs at all times of the day and night, and his sincerity 
in pursuing the duties of the office.
  Jim Spellman has also served his nation in a number of capacities. He 
was in the Navy in the Pacific during World War II. He was a member of 
the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission for nearly 15 years. In 
this assignment, he worked to ensure that the region's fishery 
resources would be healthy for existing and future generations of 
fishermen from Stonington and throughout southeastern Connecticut.
  Mr. Speaker, James Spellman, Sr. has a record of service to his 
community that few will ever equal. Although he no longer holds formal 
positions on boards or commissions, he continues to remain active in 
the community offering his bountiful experience and energy to help 
Stonington in the Twenty First Century. I joint citizens in Stonington 
in wishing him all the best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________