[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 173 (Tuesday, December 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING MAYOR BETSY PATERSON UPON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2015

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mansfield, 
Connecticut's 16-year mayor, Betsy Paterson upon her retirement. For 
nearly two decades, Betsy has provided rock-solid leadership for her 
town and her community, serving the residents of Mansfield with her 
know-how and forward-thinking initiatives.
  Starting in 2007, Betsy led her town through a landmark reinvestment 
campaign. Working with the Mansfield Downtown Partnership to secure 
millions in state and federal funding. Betsy and the town embarked on 
an historic downtown improvement project that delivered to Mansfield 
residents and to the flagship University of Connecticut located in 
Storrs, additional open space, economic development and improved 
transportation. Betsy's leadership leveraged federal infrastructure 
investment with outstanding private sector development to leave a long-
lasting impact on the town's business development and livability and a 
huge enhancement to UConn's ability to draw the ``best and brightest'' 
to its mission. Today, Storrs Center serves as an important 
transportation and economic hub that fuels a lively community and 
reflects Betsy's vision and determination.
  In addition to her Mayoral duties, Betsy has served on the board of 
the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, as a member of the Presidential 
Search Committee at the University of Connecticut, and on the Mansfield 
Democratic Town Committee and the Mansfield Historical Society.
  Betsy has been a terrific friend and colleague during her time as 
Mayor. Although her leadership will be missed in the Mayor's office, I 
am confident that her deep involvement in the future of Mansfield will 
not end with her retirement. I ask my colleagues to please join me in 
thanking Betsy for her lifetime of service to Mansfield and eastern 
Connecticut.

                          ____________________