[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E499-E500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO DONALD A. LOWE FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE TOWN OF CLINTON, 
                             MASSACHUSETTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2009

  Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear 
friend and dedicated public servant who has made an extraordinary 
contribution to the quality of life in his beloved hometown of Clinton, 
Massachusetts. Tomorrow marks the last day Donald A. Lowe will serve as 
Director of Community and Economic Development for the Town of Clinton. 
I look forward to attending a celebration in Don's honor tomorrow night 
at the Old Timer Restaurant so that I can personally thank and 
congratulate him for his remarkable service. However, I did not want to 
miss the opportunity to also publicly recognize this rare and special 
individual on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. I readily 
acknowledge that the tribute paid to him by this esteemed body pales in 
comparison to the honor he will receive just two short weeks from now 
as a recipient of the prestigious shillelagh award from Clinton's 
Leprechaun Society. Nonetheless, I am pleased to offer these remarks 
just the same.
  Affectionately known by many of his friends, colleagues and fellow 
Clintonians simply as `Donnie', this man has earned the respect and 
admiration of an entire community. Don's tireless devotion to improving 
the educational system, social services and economic vitality of this 
unique and wonderful town is a powerful testament to the difference one 
man can make. As a former member and chairman of the Clinton School 
Committee, Don was a forceful advocate for children insisting on 
nothing less than the finest facilities, best educational programs and 
highest academic standards. His tenure on the school committee is 
widely remembered for the thoughtful manner with which he approached 
the many challenges facing the school system at that time and the 
professionalism with which he discharged his duties.
  Years later as Director of Community and Economic Development, Don 
was largely responsible for advancing Clinton's downtown revitalization 
through his relentless pursuit of competitive grant funding. The growth 
and expansion of NYPRO, Clinton's largest employer, benefited 
enormously from his skillful leadership. In fact, all business 
enterprises--large and small--found an eager and enthusiastic champion 
in Don Lowe these past seven years. His previous experience in the hi-
tech sector brought an invaluable dimension to the role of local 
government in spurring economic development and job creation. 
Similarly, low and moderate income homeowners seeking help from the 
town received compassionate and capable assistance from Don. His 
volunteer service as a member of the board of directors for the 
Wachusett Health Education

[[Page E500]]

Action Team (WHEAT) and his long involvement with the Clinton Exchange 
Club and Polish American Veterans are just a few examples of the 
breadth of his extraordinary civic engagement.
  Madam Speaker, all of us in public life routinely rely on the advice 
of loyal friends and trusted advisors. I will forever be grateful to 
Don Lowe for his unfailing friendship and good counsel as a colleague 
in government throughout my career in congress. However, I am just as 
grateful that while he is leaving his position with the Town of 
Clinton, Don will remain in public service as the newly appointed 
Administrator for the Town of Bolton. Now more than ever, we as a 
nation and as a commonwealth need professionals like him in municipal 
government to help steer us through these uncertain economic times. 
Bolton will soon be in the steady hands of one of the most talented and 
devoted public servants I have ever known. On behalf of the U.S. House 
of Representatives, I want to extend to Don and his wife, Liz, our very 
best wishes for continued good health, happiness and success with 
heartfelt appreciation for all you have accomplished for the good 
people of Clinton, Massachusetts. You are a credit to your family and 
your community and make us all very proud.

                          ____________________