[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24256]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE HONORABLE WILLIAM R. DYSON FOR HIS OUTSTANDING PUBLIC 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to join the 
New Haven Democratic Town Committee and all of those gathered this 
evening in paying tribute to one of New Haven's most outstanding public 
servants and my good friend, State Representative William R. Dyson. 
After 32 years of dedicated service, Bill has decided to step down as 
State Representative from Connecticut's 94th Assembly District. This 
evening, friends, family, community leaders, and colleagues extend our 
deepest thanks and appreciation to Bill as he brings his career in 
state government to an end.
  Visionary, community leader, activist, teacher, advocate, mentor, and 
friend are just some of the descriptions one could use for Bill Dyson. 
He is one of those rare individuals who has dedicated a lifetime to 
public service. As an educator and one of Connecticut's most respected 
lawmakers, Bill has been a powerful voice in the State legislature as 
well as in the New Haven Public School system.
  In the more than 3 decades that Bill served in Connecticut's House of 
Representatives, Bill has served on a variety of committees and 
caucuses including many years as the chairman of the Appropriations 
Committee. He has been a champion of the arts, securing funding which 
has helped New Haven's rich arts community to flourish and is perhaps 
best known for his leadership on issues dealing with children, ex-
offenders and the mentally ill as his work on their behalf has 
translated into meaningful public policy.
  During his tenure he was often the strong voice of reason in what at 
times could be a chaotic session. I have no doubt that his colleagues 
will long remember his booming voice--commanding their attention and 
calling for common sense dialogue. His straight-forward, no nonsense 
attitude garnered him the respect of his colleagues and constituents 
alike. Bill is a reflection of all that we hope our political leaders 
will be and his presence at the Capitol will certainly be missed.
  I must also take this opportunity to thank Bill for his many years of 
special friendship--one which harkens back to my own service in city 
government. Bill is an extraordinary man whose impact on our community 
and our public policy cannot be understated. He has left an indelible 
mark and a legacy--both political and personal--that is sure to inspire 
many generations to come.
  It is for these reasons and countless more that I am honored to stand 
today to pay tribute to my dear friend, the Honorable William R. Dyson, 
as he is recognized by the New Haven community for his outstanding 
contributions. He is one-of-a-kind and I wish him many more years of 
health and happiness as he enjoys his retirement.

                          ____________________