[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 128 (Tuesday, November 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2015-E2016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO TIMOTHY BATES AS HE RECEIVES THE WILLIAM CRAWFORD 
                      DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2006

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
join the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce as they honor a 
special member of our community and my friend of many years, Timothy 
Bates. Tonight, Tim will be honored with the prestigious William 
Crawford Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his 
contributions, which have not only improved the quality of life in the 
region, but have also enriched the lives of his neighbors.
  William Crawford, the former president and general manager of the 
Southeastern Connecticut Broadcasting Company, was not only a dedicated 
member of the Chamber, he was well known for his philanthropic efforts 
on behalf of his community. It is in this spirit that the William 
Crawford Distinguished Service Award is bestowed. Tim, an attorney with 
the esteemed law firm of Robinson & Cole, has made a difference in his 
community through both his professional and volunteer efforts--
exemplifying the very best of what we believe a community member should 
be.
  In a career that has spanned more than three decades, Tim has focused 
his career on land use, real estate, and municipal law--an area of 
critical importance to small communities like those found in 
Connecticut. He is a member and past chairman of the Planning and 
Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association as well as the state 
chair of the International Municipal Lawyers Association. Tim's 
expertise is often sought our by fellow bar members as well as by local 
planning and zoning officials. He has also made presentations to the 
American Planning Association on right to farm, nonconforming uses, and 
review of recent Supreme Court cases regarding land use law, 
Communities struggle to balance the competing interests of expansion 
and growth with maintaining the unique character of the region. Tim's 
work and expertise in these areas have proven invaluable to cities and 
towns throughout eastern Connecticut.
  Beyond his professional commitments, Tim has also devoted countless 
hours to local service organizations. He has been a member and 
continues to serve on the Board of Directors for such organizations as 
Connecticut Legal Services, the Garde Arts Center, the Mystic Community 
Center, the Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut and Family 
Services of Southeastern Connecticut. Tim and his wife, Deborah, also 
volunteer every summer as counselors in Pioneer Camp at Camp Wightman 
in North Stonington, Connecticut. Through his efforts on behalf of 
these and many other organizations, Tim has quietly touched the lives 
of thousands. I have often

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said that our communities would not be the same without the efforts of 
volunteers and this is certainly true of the generosity, compassion, 
and philanthropy Tim has demonstrated over a lifetime of good work.
  Tim does all this together with Debbie and their children, 
strengthening his family and community. These are special, warm people 
with an infectious spirit that cannot help but do good wherever they 
live. That is why I still cherish our work together.
  I cannot think of an individual who better exemplifies the spirit of 
the William Crawford Distinguished Service Award. I am proud to stand 
today to join Deborah, his children, Nathaniel, David, and Catherine, 
as well as the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, family, friends 
and colleagues in extending my heart-felt congratulations to my good 
friend Timothy Bates on this very special occasion. His many 
contributions, both professional and volunteer, have left an indelible 
mark on the communities and families of eastern Connecticut and a 
legacy that will inspire many for generations to come.

                          ____________________