The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF STEVEN MATTSON
______
HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 11, 2022
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of a longtime public servant, Steven Mattson of Lyme, Connecticut. Steven officially retired from his role as First Selectman of Lyme on July 5, 2022, given the end of the town's fiscal year. Initially appointed in 2017, Steven has dutifully filled the role of Lyme's highest official for three elected terms.
Steven has served the town of Lyme in multiple capacities for 27 years since he first moved with his family to Connecticut in 1996. This not only includes his tenure as First Selectman, but also an additional 17 years on the Board of Selectmen as well as positions on just about every other board and commission available in town. A small enclave of Connecticut and the larger New England region, with a local population hovering around 2,300, municipalities like Lyme rely on the leadership example set by Steven, who has acted as a knowledgeful public steward who could be trusted to advocate for the town's long-standing interests. He and the small but effective team at Lyme townhall have kept the municipal government operating like a well-oiled machine, working sharply to keep the community in strong financial shape without having to ask more of its constituents, and enhancing the locality's capacity for financial planning.
A bipartisan figure in the town of Lyme, Steven's impact has reached beyond administering the basic duties of a municipal government. Under his tenure as both Selectman and First Selectman, Lyme has been led by a watchful eye and bolstered by extensive financial planning, undergone a successful referendum toward the reconstruction of its school system, enhanced communications between the townhall and the public at large and experienced invaluable infrastructure improvements. Within the community, there is also a weighted value toward expanding the conservation of the town's small, historic, and environmental culture through its own public trusts and open spaces which Steven has undoubtedly continuously supported. In June 2022, Sustainable CT, a Statewide organization that uplifts inclusive, resilient and efficient municipal governance, recognized the leadership of Lyme and bestowed the town with its bronze certification. Clearly, the town of Lyme has benefitted from Steven's leadership.
Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure and an honor to represent constituents like Steven and his wife Maddy, who have committed a significant portion of their lives to the underappreciated necessity that is responsible governance. I had a chance to see his devotion to his family back in 2014, when his daughter Carly worked on one of my election campaigns. She, like her parents, is a personable, public-
spirited citizen who did fantastic work interacting with coworkers and voters. Her parents were extremely proud of her efforts, which were a great reflection of their values and empathy for people. As Steven retires to appreciate more time with his family, his longstanding presence in the public eye of the Lyme community will be sorely missed. And though the void left behind by his departure will be difficult to fill, it is worth emphasizing the impact of his legacy and great standing in which he leaves the town of Lyme. To that end, Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Steven Mattson's personal contributions to the town's future and congratulating him on his well-earned retirement.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 113(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 113(2)
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up