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“IN TRIBUTE OF DENNIS POPP” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E840-E841 on May 10, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN TRIBUTE OF DENNIS POPP
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HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dennis Popp, who is stepping down after 12 years of distinguished service as Mayor of the city of Groton, Connecticut.
Dennis began his career at the submarine maker Electric Boat, where he worked as a pipe welder for 3 years before being promoted to supervisor for another 20 years. Dennis capped his career at EB by serving as a draftsman for his final 3 years.
Dennis took his breadth of experience at building and supervising the production of some of the world's most advanced machines and translated his skill set to the world of politics and governance. Just as I fell short in my first effort in running for Congress, Dennis also just missed in his first effort to win the Mayor's office in Groton. But with determination honed like the steel of Electric Boat, Dennis went back at it again and won the election for Mayor of the city of Groton in 1999.
Immediately upon taking the reins of city government, Mayor Popp worked to repair city relations with neighboring towns, which had frayed in recent years. Elevating the city's leadership in regional issues, Dennis held positions of Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Southeastern Council of Governments throughout his tenure.
Mayor Popp will be remembered most of all by his constituents for his tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for the city he loves. Dennis kept taxes level for 12 years and decreased the mill rate while improving city services. Mayor Popp led Groton Utilities' expansion into telecommunications, television, and internet service while strengthening the local community with responsive, neighborhood customer service.
Dennis went on to win reelection five times, running unopposed on several occasions as a testament to his support from residents across the city and from both political parties. His record of leadership for his city will be remembered years after he leaves office and includes expanding regional water sales and revenue for the city; resuscitating the summer recreation program at West Side; leading an expansion of the Pequot Health Center; improving public safety through increased firefighter positions; acquiring additional watershed land to protect the water supply; installing barriers on 1-95 over the reservoir to protect water quality; and supporting the installation of three flagpoles at Fort Griswold Battlefield Park.
Dennis has advocated tirelessly for the needs of Groton, and I have valued his counsel as I prioritized the city's requests in my work in Congress. I have been proud to collaborate with Mayor Popp in delivering Federal support for fire department equipment, Justice Department support for police hiring and crime prevention, and new, critical investments to strengthen the position of the subase for the future.
Even outside of his elected office, Dennis has served as a pillar in the Groton community. Dennis will continue to be active with the local Eagle Scout program, at the Bill Library, in helping U.S. Subvets Groton Base, and in his local church.
Groton will not be the same after Mayor Popp's exit, but the city can look fondly back on the leadership of its favorite ``Popp Daddy.'' I know that his wife Karen will welcome this retirement as an opportunity to spend more time together and open up a new chapter in their lives. I also know that our friendship will endure even after Dennis leaves office. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting a true man of Groton and for Groton--Dennis Popp.
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