In Honor of Daniel Steward

Floor Speech

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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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