The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-01-11

reserve by giving 8 pint of his blood.
 Mayor Scully was man who found 1t difficult to refuse invita- tions and, until war came, he was out at least several nights each week attending a dinner or an inc stallation of officers or some special program by organizations ranging from neighborhood groups to city, wide associations. Even after the coming of war he attended every possible public function that he could.
 Even before becoming mayor, he had appeared on committees of the General Assembly on behalf of Wa terbury bills. After becoming chief executive, he did not hesitate to make personal appearances before legislative committees to urge ap- proval of legislation which he be- ieved would benefit the commun- ity. Two years ago, in the face of early Republican opposition. he was able to win General Assembly ap- proval of new bond issue for iln- provement and enlargement of Wa terbury's water supply system when he showed that the bond issue was part of an integrated long-range financial plan which would free the city of bonded debt within gen. eration.
 Impressed Committees
 The mayor impressed legislative committees by his directness and his candor. He made simple pres- entation of facts, leaving the deci- sion for the committee to make. How well he succeeded is attested by the fact that all administration sponsored legislation was adopted by the 1941 general assembly.
 With all his regular and self-im- posed duties, the mayor found time for occasional relaxation. He play ed golf regularly during the sum- mer at hte municipal golf course. He was an ardent follower of ama- teur and scholastic sports and maintained through the years his membership in the Washington Hill A. o. He was a past exalted ruler of the Waterbury Lodge of Elks, a member of Sheridan Council, Knights of Columbus, and the Holy Name Society of St. Margaret's church. He was also a member of the Waterbury Bar Association, Corporal Coyle Post, A..:erican Le- zion and the 40 and 8. He was an honorary member of many organ nations.
 During Vincent Scully's term of office, Waterbury's financial affairs were placed on a firner basis than ever before. The city piled up big surpluses last year and the year before, and will probably have the biggest surplus in its history when final figures for 1922 are compiled. Interest rates on temporary loans in anticipation of taxes were at near-record lows as the city's standing improved.
 Seated in his chair at the city hall. with his favorite Connecticut cigar in his mouth, Vincent Scully was at once the delight and despair of political reporters. Remarkably adroit in lodging questions, he was master at changing the subject when some matter came up which he did not wish to discuss at the time. Efforts to return to the sub- ject would bring only a slow smile and occasionally the comment: You fellows are paid to write the news; all you have to do is get the news"
 "No Comment"
 Nevertheless, often in the midst of a routine press conference, the mayor would let drop some impor- tant news. just as easily and cas- ually as if he were saying No conn ment". His eyes would dance as the newspapermen sought to draw him out, and that 1t would be studied unccncern that he gave them the details they wanted.
 It was only q few weeks ago that. as quietly and careiessly as usual. he told reporters he would run again this fall if the war were still going on. He did not make any de rect statement to that efIect, but newsmen knew, after years of ex- perience with him, what it was that he was really saying.
 The subject came up when he was questioned about reports that he was planning to resign the mayoralty to take an important post with Q local factory.
 ''If you want to-" he said. you may say that have no intentions of leaving this ofilco for any pri- vate job, either any that has been offered or that may De offered As renortsrs prodded him with