Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Gary Sargent. Mr. Sargent served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Supervisor for the Town of Charlotte. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Sargent served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Sargent is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Gary Sargent. Mr. Sargent served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Supervisor for the Town of Charlotte. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Sargent served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Sargent is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. David Prince. Mr. Prince served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Village Justice in the Village of Fredonia. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Prince served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Prince is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Ms. Priscilla Penfold. Ms. Penfold served her constituency faithfully and justly during her tenure as a member of the Dunkirk Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Penfold served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the entire way. I have no doubt that her kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms. Penfold is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to her today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I am here today to honor the appointment of Mr. John J. Hurley as the 24th President of Canisius College. Hurley, a 1978 alumnus who previously served as the college's executive vice president and vice president for college relations, will be the first lay president in Canisius' 140-year history. A native of Buffalo, John graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Kenmore and received a Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude in English and history from Canisius College in 1978. Upon graduation from Canisius, John won a full fellowship to the Notre Dame Law School from which he earned a juris doctor degree in 1981. He served as an associate in the Chicago law firm of Keck, Mahin & Cate from 1981-1984 before returning to Buffalo in 1984 to take a position as an associate (1984-1988) and then partner (1989-1997) at Phillips, Lytle LLP. In 1997, John accepted Father Cooke's offer to become the college's vice president for college relations and general counsel. Since 1997, he has been the senior development and external relations officer responsible for capital campaigns, planned and annual giving programs, grant services, all external and media relations, alumni relations and college publications. In 2007, Hurley was promoted to the position of executive vice president and took on the additional responsibilities for the coordination of the college's senior leadership team, strategic planning, integrated marketing, and legal and compliance issues. Today, John Hurley succeeds the Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., who is retiring after a 17-year presidency. It is my pleasure today to distinguish the unprecedented appointment of John J. Hurley. In recognition of his role as the first lay president of Canisius College, I congratulate John and wish him success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Gary Mucha as he prepares to retire as Senior Vice President of Integration, Information Management and Performance Excellence for BAE Systems. A native of Buffalo, NY, Mr. Mucha has over 40 years of distinguished experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry including 30 years of general management line operations experience and over 12 years of Corporate Executive Management responsibilities for BAE Systems. As a senior leader in the company during a period of significant growth, he successfully led the integration of over 20 corporate acquisitions. He has also had primary responsiblility for a number of critical functional areas, to include Information Management; Information Assurance; Business Performance Measurement; Safety, Health and Environmental Policy Regulations; Business Continuity; Property and Real Estate; and Strategic Procurement. As a recognized subject matter expert in his field, Mr. Mucha has made many speaking and lecturing appearances on behalf of BAE Systems at both private and public venues. Most recently, this included speeches at Georgetown University and the University of Tennessee as well as the keynote addresses at the Defense Manufacturing Conference and the Governor of Virginia Global Supply Conference. In all that he has done, Mr. Mucha has demonstrated both a passion for business excellence and an effective translation of his values and views through his work and appearances in both academia and the public and private sectors during his diverse career. Indeed, his high standards and dedication to excellence exemplify the work ethic and commitment to country of his hometown and all of Western New York. As a result of his commitment to both the growth and development of future business leaders within the organization, Mr. Mucha often accepted mentoring roles within BAE Systems. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of this outstanding industry leader. I congratulate and thank Gary Mucha for his many years of service to this nation and wish him a happy retirement.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Ms. Marsha Painter. Ms. Painter served her constituency faithfully and justly during her tenure as the Ellicott Town Assessor. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Painter served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the entire way. I have no doubt that her kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms. Painter is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to her today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Samuel Ognibene. Mr. Ognibene served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Ellicott Town Justice. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Ognibene served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Ognibene is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Todd Nelson. Mr. Nelson served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Kiantone Town Justice. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Nelson served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Nelson is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, regrettably, during a series of votes last Thursday I missed rollcall vote 219. I would have voted ``yea.'' I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2194, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act, and would have joined my colleagues in instructing conferees to insist on the strong provisions in the House-passed bill.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. James Muscato. Mr. Muscato served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Dunkirk City Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Muscato served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Muscato is one of those people, and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Donald Michalak. Mr. Michalak served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Villenova Town Attorney. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Michalak served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Michalak is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Fedora McIntyre. Mr. McIntyre served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Portland Tax Collector. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. McIntyre served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. McIntyre is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the commitment to service of Ms. Karyn Porempski, the serving Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary for 2009/2010. During her time as Department President, Karyn has worked tirelessly to assist our veterans and communities throughout New York. The Department Presidents Project, which she oversees, is divided into two programs. The first, the Creative Arts, New York project, works to incorporate the arts into Veterans Affairs recreational therapy programs. The project raises funds to purchase medals, certificates, program books, and art supplies, and allows veterans to enter their work into a national competition. The second of Karyn's projects is designed to provide help for veterans of the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The project works alongside the Veterans Administration to provide much needed services that might otherwise fall through the cracks because of red tape or budgetary constraints. The funds she raises for this project will help to provide transportation, grocery cards, and refreshments for group events. Karyn is expected to raise an impressive $50,000 in funding for these projects. These donations did not come easily, but instead are the result of many trips throughout New York. Karyn's enthusiasm and commitment to the American Legion extends throughout her family as well. Her husband Joseph is a past Post Commander and District Commander. Karyn's two daughters Holly and Tracey are members of the Auxiliary, her granddaughters Rebecca and Jenna are junior members, and her grandson Jared is a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Her father, sister, and, until recently, mother were also members of the American Legion; Karyn lost her mother this past year. Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow Members to join me in recognizing Ms. Karyn Porempski for her over forty years of service to the American Legion Auxiliary, our veterans, and western New York.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Dennis Lewis. Mr. Lewis served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Charlotte Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Lewis served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Lewis is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Ms. Diane Lawson. Ms. Lawson served her constituency faithfully and justly during her tenure as the Ripley Town Assessor. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Lawson served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the entire way. I have no doubt that her kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms. Lawson is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise in tribute to her today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. John Kohler. Mr. Kohler served his constituency faithfully and just during his tenure as the Hannover Town Justice. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Kohler served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Kohler is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many accomplishments of Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J. Since becoming President of Buffalo's Canisius College in 1993, Rev. Cooke has steadily advanced everything from the school's faculty to its residence halls, making Canisius into the distinguished institution it is today. Rev. Cooke began his Presidency at Canisius with the mantra, ``nothing less than quality would be acceptable.'' He has certainly followed through on these words. During his time at Canisius, Rev. Cooke has restored and enhanced the school's residence halls, Old Main and Lyons Hall, as well as its award-winning Montante Cultural Center. He began a 17 month, $22 million upgrade of Canisius' technological resources, creating more than 50 state-of-the-art classrooms. Rev. Cooke's dedication to excellence extends far beyond Canisius' facilities; not only did he raise the school's academic standards, Rev. Cooke also increased Canisius' applicant pool outside of Western New York and offered additional merit-based aid and scholarship assistance to the most qualified students. He dedicated himself to hiring the best possible faculty and, over the past decade, has increased the number of courses taught by full-time faculty while decreasing Canisius' student- to-faculty ratio. Rev. Cooke's successes have meant so much for Canisius College; however the benefits of his work have extended to the surrounding community as well. Through his win-win approach to community relations Rev. Cooke helped to establish a partnership with Fannie Mae and Hunt Real Estate, creating the Employer Assisted Housing Program which provides incentives for college employees to buy homes close to campus. His efforts to preserve historic campus buildings have invigorated the surrounding community while an increase in policing efforts have made the campus and neighboring communities a safer place. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Rev. Cooke for his copious achievements. His work as an educator, innovator, and leader has bettered not only Canisius College but all of Western New York as well.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated service of Ms. Carol A. Meissner. In her 32 years of service to the Town of Evans, Ms. Meissner has helped to advance many important initiatives and has tirelessly served her community. As Evans Town Clerk she helped modernize the Clerks office and improved both efficiency and quality of service. She served two terms as the president of the Erie County Town Clerk's Association and she was honored as the New York State Town Clerk of the year in 2001. Ms. Meissner's service to her community goes well above her role as Town Clerk. She also has been active in local schools, working to register graduating seniors and teaching younger students about the value of being an engaged citizen. Working with local youth is a passion of Ms. Meissner's, she sponsors a youth baseball and soccer team, and she is a guest reader at her local elementary school. In addition to serving the young adults of her community Ms. Meissner also serves honorably as a member of The Town of Evans Volunteer Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary. Throughout her years of service Ms. Meissner has had an impact on countless projects and programs, and she has assuredly made her community a better place. For her service she has received Certificates of Appreciation from the Town of Evans Lions Club, and The Future Business Leaders of America. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Ms. Carol A. Meissner for her dedication to her community. She is an excellent role model for the young adults she works with, a leader for her fellow community members, and a shinning example of what it means to be a public servant. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Carol Meissner on her retirement from the Town of Evans Office of the Clerk.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Ms. June Kent. Ms. Kent served her constituency faithfully and justly during her tenure as a member of the Ellington Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Kent served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the entire way. I have no doubt that her kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms. Kent is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of her today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Stephen Keefe. Mr. Keefe served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Chautauqua County Legislature, serving district 25. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Keefe served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Keefe is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patrick R. Byrne, the 2010 Honorary Chairman of the 38th Annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon being held at the Buffalo Irish Center this March 12th. Pat's Irish roots certainly run deep; his father Mike is a native of County Offaly while his mother Maureen hails from County Limerick. The Byrnes were incredibly involved in Buffalo's Irish American community, helping to establish the St. Patrick's Irish American Club as well as the Gaelic American Athletic Association of Buffalo--now the Buffalo Irish Center. Pat himself has continued this great tradition as a steadfast supporter of the Buffalo Irish Center. The extensive list of his community involvements includes being the President of M.P.B. Travel and the Byrne Agency. He is also a member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals as well as the Golden Key Society. Pat has served as a trustee for the Orchard Park School District, President of the Upstate Chapter of the American Society of Travel Agents, and President of the Buffalo Chapter of Scalp and Blade. He and his wife Darlene reside in Orchard Park. The St. Patrick's Day Luncheon is a time to celebrate all of Western New York's businesses, community members, government leaders, and friends. It is a wonderful Buffalo tradition that I am proud to be a part of. I ask my fellow Members to join me in recognizing Pat for his chairmanship of the St. Patrick's Day Luncheon and his many contributions to the Buffalo community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Jack Jones Jr. Mr. Jones served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Supervisor for the Town of Carroll. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Jones served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Jones is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Donald Johnston. Mr. Johnston served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Ripley Town Justice. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Johnston served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Johnston is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Wally Huckno. Mr. Huckno served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Chautauqua County Legislature, serving district 10. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Huckno served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Huckno is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise in tribute to him today.