[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E47]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF DANIEL STEWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 16, 2020

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Daniel 
Steward on his recent retirement from a remarkable fourteen-year career 
as first selectman for the town of Waterford, Connecticut. This tenure 
makes Dan the longest serving first selectman since the founding of the 
town in 1801 and ensures his legacy will last forever.
  Dan was born and raised in Waterford and worked in the southeastern 
Connecticut region his entire adult life. He honed his managerial 
skills at Southern New England Telephone Company where he worked for 
twenty-eight years and then spent another three years as supervisor in 
information technologies at Dominion Energy's Millstone Power Plant, 
Connecticut's largest electrical energy producer. While still employed 
in the private sector, he began his impressive career of public service 
working to improve the town's public schools, first as president of the 
Parent Teacher Organization, and then when he transitioned to the 
Waterford board of education where he rose to the position of chair. In 
2005, the people of Waterford elected Dan as their First Selectman, and 
he hit the ground running. This win was especially significant for 
Waterford, as they now had the leadership of one of their own, a true 
Lancer. This first-hand knowledge proved crucial for the growth and 
success of the town. Not only did Dan make structural improvements such 
as building five new schools; he also paid close attention to the 
individual problems of Waterford's residents. Dan's vested interest in 
the town enabled him to connect with everyone as his peer. He took the 
concerns of his constituents personally; his biggest gripe with the job 
being only that ``he wanted to make everyone happy.''
  During his time as first selectman it became obvious that Dan had a 
gift for strong leadership and embracing change, something he knew all 
too well. His own father sold their family's dairy farm to developers 
who would go on to build the local Lowe's hardware store, giving Dan 
personal experience with the cyclical economies of small towns. When 
Dominion Energy's Millstone Power Station, a backbone of the current 
economy, was renegotiating with the state, Dan remained a fierce 
advocate for Waterford. Dan's personal knowledge of the company gave 
him a unique and well-rounded perspective to facilitate a sustainable, 
long-term plan for its continued operation.
  As the Congressman for Waterford during the bulk of Dan's tenure, I 
had the pleasure of working with him and the town on a number issues, 
such as the memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Vietnam hero and 
U.S. Army Captain Arnie Holm, a beloved son of Waterford, the 
development of a long term dredging plan for eastern Long Island Sound, 
and the recapitalization of the New England Central Railroad, to name 
just a few. I found Dan to be extremely thoughtful and positive, always 
focused on the big picture of making southeastern Connecticut's future 
strong and healthy. Although we are from different political parties, 
he approached the job of governing from a non-political, practical 
point of view which I believe is a refreshing example elected officials 
at every level of government should follow.
  Dan's presence will be sorely missed at Town Hall, although he has 
certainly earned this next, hopefully more restful chapter that I'm 
sure he will spend with his wife, Kathy, his four daughters, and his 
nine grandchildren. Luckily, Waterford residents won't have to look far 
as he will still support the community by going door to door for the 
census. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in 
thanking Dan for his service and congratulating him on his retirement.

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