[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 152 (Friday, November 30, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S7302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING JIM SPELLMAN

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to one of 
Connecticut's most dedicated and admired public officials, former 
Stonington first selectman, James Spellman, Sr., who passed away at the 
age of 92.
  Mr. Spellman's legacy of public service is remarkable. Elected 12 
times over a span of 24 years, he made history as Stonington's longest 
serving first selectman. And he retired as Connecticut's longest 
serving municipal executive. At age 80, he received a rare, lifetime 
public service award from the town of Stonington. His lasting impact 
will be measured by the local landmarks erected under his leadership 
that will endure for generations.
  As first selectman, Mr. Spellman was an expert manager during a time 
of tremendous growth, and he guided historic development in 
infrastructure. Most especially, he oversaw construction of the portion 
of Interstate 95 connecting Stonington with the rest of the State and 
east coast, and the development of several schools and shared 
recreational spaces. Mr. Spellman always stayed true to the core values 
of his hometown. Born and raised in the area, he considered the town 
his family.
  Mr. Spellman's loved ones are quick to point out he never asked for--
or expected--a local namesake. In fact, town officials quickly chose to 
dedicate Spellman Drive at a time when Mr. Spellman was physically 
unable to decline the honor while hospitalized.
  His work was his life and his job was his personal pride. In this 
way, one of his shining accomplishments--the preservation of the 
Stonington Town Dock and commercial fishing for Stonington--is both 
personal and public. He was a courageous and highly decorated veteran 
of the U.S. Navy during World War II, and he led deliberately, kindly, 
and with stellar intuition.
  In addition to his leadership of town hall, Mr. Spellman chaired the 
Water Pollution Control Authority and guided the creation of an 
intermunicipal sewage system. He also donated his time serving on the 
school board, and volunteering with the Pawcatuck Fire Department, the 
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the Connecticut 
Judicial Selection Commission. In 1955, he was one of the first 
Connecticut residents to be given a real-estate brokerage license, and 
from 1956 to 1961 was appointed by then-Governor Abraham Ribicoff as 
judge of the Stonington Town Court--the only appointee without a law 
degree.
  Even in retirement, Mr. Spellman demonstrated his truly heartfelt 
care and concern for Stonington. He was generous with sage advice for 
local leaders throughout Connecticut, checking in frequently at town 
hall, and writing to the local newspaper.
  Mr. Spellman was deservedly proud of all his family, including his 
son Steve, a friend and former colleague in the State senate. He will 
be missed for his caring courage, sense of humor, and good heart. A 
true statesman, he will never be forgotten.

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