The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-01-11

had seemed hopeless, Vincent Scully at once took the aggressive and he led one of the most brilliantly conducted campaigns in the mel1l- ory of political observers. He chal- lenged the Republican party and its candidates to bring forth any issues which they wished; he spoke in every section of the city. in front parlors and in big halls; he spoke over the radio many times, and he issued many statements to the newspapers. Let the people of Wa 'terbury decide" he said.
 The people of Waterbury decided, in that fall of 1899, and elected Vincent Scully and his whole ticket. His margin over Charles Foster, Republican, was over 1,700.
 Emphatic Approval
 After a successful two-year ad- ministration, he went before the electorate again in 1941. This time, the voters gave him most emphat- ic endorsement, electing him by 8 plurality of more than 5000 over Patrick M. Perriello, Republican. He began his second term last Jan- uary.
 His political stature had so in creased, as the state learned of his ability and achievements, that this fall the Democratic leaders of the state offered the nomination for attorney general. He refused, saying that he had a job to do in Water bury, a job that he wanted to conl- plete. He held to his refusal, des- pite pleas and pressure.
 Refused Nominations
 Earlier, late in 1941 and early in 1922, he had refused to become a candidate for Congressman from the fifth district, though assured of the nomination.
 From the day he took office, Vim cent Scully made civilian defense his principal preoccupation aside from his regular duties. Under his di- rection, the Waterbury Defense Council was formed and began op- erating, destined to become a model for the whole state. Day after day, night after night, he attended or ganization meetings; he prevailed on important leaders in industry, retail trade and civic life to devote their efforts and the facilities of their or ganizations to civilian defense.
 City Was Ready
 This was all long before Pearl Harbor and long before a state of national emergency had been pro- claimed. Thus, Waterbury was ready when the Japs made their attack in Hawaii and the city'S civilian de- fense services were able to go im- medaitely on a 24-hour a day basis.
 With the coming of war, he re- doubled his efforts on behalf of de- fense. Night after night he visited district and zone headquarters, making observations and giving cas- ual suggestions.
 During blackouts he not only vis- ited defense centers but strolled about the streets to observe the ef- feet of the tests and to chat with wardens on their observations.
 From the day that the Selective Service act went into effect, there was not a contingent which left the city for army camps which did not go without personal farewell from Vincent Scully. Rain or shine, he was invariably on hand at the rail- road station to urge the new sol- diers to write home often, to feel free to consult with their chaplains and to do their best to carry on the mission entrusted to them.
 The War Bond sales campaign found him an ardent ally, and he gave freely of his time and effort to have Waterburians buy more and more bonds and stamps. All war campaigns likewise found his ready and enthusiastic support.
 Only few weeks ago he opened a campaign here for blood plasm