[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21153]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            ROBERT T. CONNOR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2009

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge, congratulate 
and celebrate the life of former Staten Island Borough President Robert 
T. Connor, Sr.
  For over fifty years, Robert Connor served his country and his 
community through the military and our civic institutions. From the 
United States Navy, to the Central Intelligence Agency to Borough Hall, 
Robert Connor could always be found protecting and promoting the 
interests of the United States and Staten Island.
  After attending Boston College and the U.S. Naval Academy, he was 
commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy in November 1940 and served on 
active duty throughout WWII, seeing action in both the Pacific and the 
Atlantic Theatres.
  After the war, Connor entered the Central Intelligence Agency as an 
Operations Officer and was stationed at headquarters in Washington, DC 
and on foreign assignment. Following his CIA duty, Connor worked in the 
maritime industry in New York Harbor and other North Atlantic ports.
  Returning home, Robert Connor first ran for public office in 1962. 
Although he was narrowly defeated in his bid for Staten Island's 
Congressional seat, he would never again be defeated in an election. 
The following year, he was elected as Councilman-At-Large to the New 
York City Council. From that position, Connor was a tireless advocate 
for improving the piers and harbors in the Port of New York.
  In 1965, Connor was elected as Borough President of Staten Island, a 
position he held until 1977. Connor's tenure was marked by his 
commitment prudent management of government expenses and fiscal 
conservatism. He was dedicated to serving the people of New York, 
placing that goal ahead of any partisan ideology. Connor believed that 
neither political party had a monopoly on good ideas, and he was able 
to serve his constituents through close personal friendships with both 
Democratic and Republican elected officials.
  In 1977 Robert Connor again returned to Washington, accepting an 
appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy from President 
Carter. He served into the administration of President Reagan, 
primarily representing the Secretary of the Navy on visits to ships and 
stations throughout the world.
  Although he left Washington in 1981, Robert Connor never lost 
interest in public service. He continued to advocate for maritime 
interests through various consulting jobs including the Port Authority 
of New York and New Jersey and Barber Steamship Lines in Annapolis, MD. 
While there, he volunteered as a coach of the Naval Academy Sailing 
Squadron.
  Robert Connor dedicated his life to helping others without ever 
asking anyone for anything in return. I am honored to stand here today 
to both recognize and honor the life of Robert T. Connor, Sr.

                          ____________________