[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING WILLIE FRITZ FOR HIS DECADE OF LEADERSHIP AS FIRST SELECTMAN 
                             OF CLINTON, CT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2016

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to thank a public servant 
from Clinton, Connecticut who has served his community with distinction 
for more than ten years. Mr. William ``Willie'' Fritz, First Selectman 
since 2005, spent his decade of tenure leading the town into improved 
financial and physical shape, and constantly making himself accessible 
to town residents. Willie's public service started in Clinton local 
government in 2000, when he served on the Public Works and Planning and 
Zoning Commissions and immediately displayed a knack for putting the 
town's needs into action.
  After his election as first selectman in 2005, Willie championed the 
needs of the people of Clinton. His legacy is visible in the beautiful 
buildings and public spaces around town. These efforts resulted in 
numerous state grants for the Main Street streetscape, the renovation 
of the Town Dock uplands, and a modern multi-use turf field at the 
Indian River Recreation Complex. Each of these spaces and the value 
they provide to the Clinton community is a testament to Willie's 
achievements as a local leader.
  One of Willie's noteworthy achievements was in managing the 
renovation of the Andrews Memorial Town Hall. After two decades of 
inattention, the hall's magnificient architecture required urgent 
repairs and adjustments. Willie secured vital funds from the state 
Commission on Historic Preservation, and utlimately restored the hall 
to its former glory. The beloved building, which houses offices, 
meeting rooms, a kitchen and auditorium, is now fit for use by the 
community, and is a destination for architecture historians and 
students.
  Willie has also had a hand in the construction of the new Morgan High 
School, and in bringing new senior housing to Clinton. As Willie has 
said ``Nobody is more hands-on than a first selectman in a smaller 
town.'' Willie has been an exemplary town leader; responsive to his 
neighbors, forward-thinking in his vision for the town, and full of 
energy. His extraordinary career for some of us is not too surprising. 
After all, his mother Mary Fritz is a legendary State Representative in 
the Connecticut General Assembly, representing the towns of Cheshire 
and Wallingford. I not only served with Mary during my time as a State 
Representative, but sat next to her on the House Floor. She has the 
same commitment to the public interest as her son, and the State of 
Connecticut has benefitted greatly from the Fritz legacy.
  I truly believe that Willie's work for the people of our state is not 
done and hope he will find new ways to contribute to the public good. I 
ask my colleagues to please join me in thanking Willie for his many 
years of service as First Selectman in Clinton, and in wishing him well 
in the years to come.

                          ____________________