[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 194 (Wednesday, November 29, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1619-E1620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID STARR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 29, 2017

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize David Starr, the longtime president of the Republican Company 
in Springfield, Massachusetts for receiving the Massachusetts 
Governor's Award in the Humanities. A national figure in the field of 
journalism, David's influence and impact on the media and arts in 
western Massachusetts and beyond for more than seven decades makes him 
an ideal recipient for this prestigious honor. In my opinion, no one 
deserves this recognition more.
  Throughout his extraordinary life, David has always been passionate 
about journalism and the newspaper business. His career began at age 
12, when he started delivering the Long Island Press. Even then he was 
reading more than ten newspapers a day. At 17, he became one of the 
youngest editors of the Queen College newspaper in New York. After 
serving his country with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War 
II, David returned to journalism where he would begin his lifelong 
association with the Newhouse family. He did every job well and quickly 
rose through the ranks. The skill he displayed as a reporter, 
publisher, and eventually president, led him to have a successful 
career as the longest-serving news executive at the Advance 
Publications Newspaper Group, formerly known as Newhouse Publications. 
His leadership in the newsroom, particularly at the Springfield 
Republican, helped him win a well-deserved reputation as a giant in the 
industry.
  I first met David in 1977, and few people have consistently done more 
to improve the quality of life in the Pioneer Valley. He has worked 
tirelessly to make western Massachusetts a better place to live, work, 
and raise a family. He was pivotal in the 1980s and 1990s in 
revitalizing downtown Springfield by encouraging the public and private 
sectors to work together for the progress of the city. David was a 
critical part of the city's renaissance. Successful projects like the 
Monarch Building, the Sheraton Hotel and One Financial Plaza all 
happened on his watch. He had a vision for our community and it was 
realized. Additionally, he was the founder of several organizations to 
promote economic and cultural development including Springfield 
Business Friends

[[Page E1620]]

of the Arts, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and the 
Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts. His enthusiastic 
support of the Springfield Symphony and WGBY is legendary.
  Mr. Speaker, David Starr has spent decades listening to people and 
writing their stories. He was a mentor to a generation of young 
reporters just starting their careers in journalism and seeking sound 
advice and guidance. His good work and philanthropy informed the people 
of western Massachusetts and helped make their lives better. With his 
lovely wife Peggy by his side, they remain a truly formidable team. For 
the past 40 years I have been proud to call David Starr my friend and 
honored to be a small part of his incredible journey. On behalf of the 
United States of America, I congratulate him on receiving this 
important award in Humanities. It is a fitting tribute to a remarkable 
man.

                          ____________________