[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E840-E841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN TRIBUTE OF DENNIS POPP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2011

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dennis 
Popp, who is stepping down after 12 years of distinguished service as 
Mayor of the city of Groton, Connecticut.
  Dennis began his career at the submarine maker Electric Boat, where 
he worked as a pipe welder for 3 years before being promoted to 
supervisor for another 20 years. Dennis capped his career at EB by 
serving as a draftsman for his final 3 years.
  Dennis took his breadth of experience at building and supervising the 
production of some of the world's most advanced machines and translated 
his skill set to the world of politics and governance. Just as I fell 
short in my first effort in running for Congress, Dennis also just 
missed in his first effort to win the Mayor's office in Groton. But 
with determination honed like the steel of Electric Boat, Dennis went 
back at it again and won the election for Mayor of the city of Groton 
in 1999.
  Immediately upon taking the reins of city government, Mayor Popp 
worked to repair city relations with neighboring towns, which had 
frayed in recent years. Elevating the city's leadership in regional 
issues, Dennis held positions of Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary of the 
Southeastern Council of Governments throughout his tenure.
  Mayor Popp will be remembered most of all by his constituents for his 
tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for the city he loves. 
Dennis kept taxes level for 12 years and decreased the mill rate while 
improving city services. Mayor Popp led Groton Utilities' expansion 
into telecommunications, television, and internet service while 
strengthening the local community with responsive, neighborhood 
customer service.
  Dennis went on to win reelection five times, running unopposed on 
several occasions as a testament to his support from residents across 
the city and from both political parties. His record of leadership for 
his city will be remembered years after he leaves office and includes 
expanding regional water sales and revenue for the city; resuscitating 
the summer recreation program at West Side; leading an expansion of the 
Pequot Health Center; improving public safety through increased 
firefighter positions; acquiring additional watershed land to protect 
the water supply; installing barriers on 1-95 over the reservoir to 
protect water quality; and supporting the installation of three 
flagpoles at Fort Griswold Battlefield Park.
  Dennis has advocated tirelessly for the needs of Groton, and I have 
valued his counsel as I prioritized the city's requests in my work in 
Congress. I have been proud to collaborate with Mayor Popp in 
delivering Federal

[[Page E841]]

support for fire department equipment, Justice Department support for 
police hiring and crime prevention, and new, critical investments to 
strengthen the position of the subase for the future.
  Even outside of his elected office, Dennis has served as a pillar in 
the Groton community. Dennis will continue to be active with the local 
Eagle Scout program, at the Bill Library, in helping U.S. Subvets 
Groton Base, and in his local church.
  Groton will not be the same after Mayor Popp's exit, but the city can 
look fondly back on the leadership of its favorite ``Popp Daddy.'' I 
know that his wife Karen will welcome this retirement as an opportunity 
to spend more time together and open up a new chapter in their lives. I 
also know that our friendship will endure even after Dennis leaves 
office. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting a true man of Groton 
and for Groton--Dennis Popp.

                          ____________________