Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Santine Faraci Catalino on her 100th birthday on April 13, 2008. 100 years is quite an accomplishment! Santine Catalino has lived an extraordinary life. As a child, Santine worked countless hours on her family's fruit farm. During World War II, she was a welder in a defense plant. For 30 years she managed the family construction business. A fantastic cook, she lives in her own home, and attended bingo three times a week with her younger sister, who is 94, until just three years ago. Santine is sharp as a tack. She enjoys family around her and telling stories of her youth. Santine attributes her longevity to eating freshly prepared food all her life, a great deal of chocolate, and never drinking. She even quit smoking 50 years ago! Madam Speaker, please join with me in congratulating Santine Catalino on her extraordinary 100 years. I wish her many more wonderful years with her family.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Cummins Engine for the production of their millionth engine. For many years Cummins Engine has provided quality employment to hundreds of residents in the Chautauqua County area. We have seen this company grow and continue to prosper for many years. Cummins Engine is a global power leader. It is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. With a headquarters in Columbus Indiana, they serve customers in more than 160 countries. They also boast a network of 550 company owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins employs more than 28,000 employees worldwide and as of 2004 reported sales of $8.4 billion. The Jamestown Engine Plant, one of Cummins largest manufacturing facilities. It is responsible for manufacturing heavy duty engines (ISM 11 liters and ISX 15 liters), and machine components. The plant produces an average of 400 engines every day. It was also recognized as the 2004 Business of the Year. For the production of their one millionth engine I am proud and honored to celebrate with this wonderful company. Chautauqua County is blessed to have such strong employers with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Cummins Engine is one of those businesses and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise to honor them today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Evelyn Pizarro on over 30 years as a devoted educator and community organizer in Buffalo, NY. A well known advocate for the Hispanic community, Evelyn's commitment to education and her community should be an inspiration to us all. Evelyn was the oldest of six children born to Angel and Illuminada Munoz, immigrants who came to Buffalo in the late forties to work on the farms. She graduated cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1974 with a B.S. in elementary education and received masters in both early childhood education and education administration from Buffalo State College. Evelyn was in the educational system for over 26 years when she was appointed principal of Early Childhood Center #12 on August 22, 1990. She was the first Hispanic female principal in the City of Buffalo. In 1991 she was appointed principal of Community School #77, where she remained for nine years before becoming principal of D'Youville Porter Campus School #3. She retired on January 15, 2008. Evelyn has always been involved with her community in such organizations as Hispanics United of Buffalo, the Bilingual Advisory Board, WNY Hispanic & Friends Civic Association, Hispanics Women's League, Pueblo Buffalo T.V., and served with Galloping Gourmet of the Hispanic Community for seven years. She has also been served on the Board of Directors of the Health Systems Agency of Buffalo and has been involved with Buffalo Prep Program and Calle 7 Puppet Company. She founded ``Tainas 74'' Hispanic Women's Softball team and served on the Buffalo Erie County Library Board, the Board of Belmont Housing and Project Flight. Madam Speaker, I applaud Evelyn's commitment to her community and congratulate her on her recent retirement. I know that you join with me in wishing Evelyn, her husband of 32 years, Jose, and their entire family the very best of luck and Godspeed in the years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I want to thank the sponsor of this bill, Mr. Welch, from Vermont. Madam Speaker, I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of House Resolution 1020. Thanks to advances in modern technology, many American soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have lived through events that would have previously cost them their lives. Of the 1.6 million servicemembers that have been deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom, in Operation Iraqi Freedom since September, 2001, more than 30,000 have been wounded in battle. The numbers are staggering, but we are here today to acknowledge that these wounded warriors are not just statistics; they are men and women from across the country who have faced unique situations and struggles, and they have individual stories to tell. Last summer I had the honor to meet a young man from my district who was injured in a roadside bomb explosion in Iraq that killed three other soldiers riding in the same HUMVEE. He suffered extensive injuries, including a broken back and elbow, and underwent two surgeries at a hospital in Germany before being transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Quick reaction by the medics meant that instead of being paralyzed, he can now walk again, but only after extensive surgeries and painful rehabilitation. This young man is actually a lucky one. He was able to recover with the help of a caring family and a supportive wife. There are many others that are not as fortunate, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the best physical and emotional support possible. Over the last year, Congress has taken many steps to enhance the quality of care of our veterans, including passing the largest increase in veterans' health funding in history, but there is still more to be done. With this legislation, we do a simple but necessary thing; we take a moment to thank the men and women of the Armed Services who have been wounded in the line of duty and for their service and their sacrifice. I urge my colleagues to support passage of House Resolution 1020.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Michael Cropp on receiving the Western New York and Finger Lakes Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 2008 ``Service to Mankind'' Award. Dr. Michael Cropp was honored at the 16th Annual Diamond Ball on Saturday, February 23, 2008. Dr. Cropp is a brilliant example of commitment and devotion to one's community and fellowman. Dr. Cropp serves as the president and chief executive officer of Independent Health. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Brown University and MBA from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2003. A board-certified family physician, he has worked in medicine and led health systems for over 30 years. His dedicated work and leadership have served several partners in western New York including Millard Fillmore Health System in Buffalo, United Way, the March of Dimes, Camp Good Days, and Special Times. Dr. Cropp acts as chairman of the Pursuing Perfecting, P2, collaborative of western New York, which addresses breast cancer and heart disease, and serves on the boards of the National Federation for Just Communities, the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, the Elizabeth Pierce Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired, and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. His service is far-reaching and has powerfully touched the lives of patients, families, and their communities. Dr. Cropp's work should inspire us all to serve our communities and fellow man with dedicated hearts and committed lives. I am proud to congratulate Dr. Cropp for this great honor, and wish him and his family the very best.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the years of faithful public service of John Foss, retiring Supervisor of the Town of Marilla. Madam Speaker, John Foss is a lot of things, and a lot of adjectives describe him well. Intelligent, committed and focused on the continued growth and improvement of his hometown, John Foss labored hard on behalf of his constituents, and he has the results to show for it. I have had the pleasure of knowing John way back to the mid-1990s, when as a candidate for the New York State Assembly, John welcomed me to Marilla and introduced me to dozens of his neighbors--local residents and farmers with concerns about the agricultural industry in Erie County and New York State. John's friendship was critical to me in those days and his steadfast support for our efforts to revitalize the economy of Erie County and Western New York remain important to this very day. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring the public service career of retiring Marilla Town Supervisor John Foss, and join me in wishing John and his entire family the very best of good luck and Godspeed as they embark upon this new chapter of their lives, active in the public affairs of the town of Marilla, but outside the formal role of Supervisor. Congratulations, John, on a job very well done.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the public career of Craig Hicks. As a councilman to the Town of West Seneca, a thriving community of 46,000 hard-working residents, Craig spent a great deal of time protecting their ideals and values. During his tenure the town continued its rich heritage and continues to develop into a town of great commercial growth, providing a kind atmosphere to live, work and raise a family. This remained possible as a result of all of the hard work of the town's public officials, and Craig's efforts as a member of the town board demonstrate that commitment. Madam Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in extending appreciation to Craig Hicks for his dedicated service and commitment to his community. We wish Craig and his entire family only the very best of health and happiness long in the future.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor James J. Jankowiak, who concluded decades of faithful public service by serving one year as Supervisor of the most populous town in the 27th Congressional District, the great town of Cheektowaga. Jim Jankowiak is, above almost anything else, a man of the people. Jim is a regular guy who worked hard, loved his family and his community, and did everything he could to give back to that community he loved so well. From his career beginnings in the highway garage to his career as the most effective Parks Commissioner in the history of Erie County government, Jim Jankowiak consistently led by example, and the taxpayers of each respective jurisdiction within which he served were better for it. Jim's service on the local level--first as Chairman of the town's Democratic Committee and later as a Councilman and finally Supervisor, demonstrates clearly his love for the town in which he lived his life. Where I come from--in South Buffalo, NY--we like to say that we're a community of neighborhoods; South Cheektowaga is no different. Differentiated as it is by parishes or by fire districts, it's still a collection of neighborhoods, and Jim Jankowiak is, at heart, a kid from the neighborhood--and he never forgot from whence he came. That's high praise. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring and congratulating Jim Jankowiak upon the conclusion of his official service to the taxpayers of the town of Cheektowaga. I know that you join me and the rest of our colleagues in wishing Jim, his wife Donna and their entire family the very best of good luck and Godspeed in the months and years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Christopher Osmanski, retiring councilman from the great town of West Seneca. I have known Chris and his family for many years and I am proud to honor his dedication to effective public service for the residents of the Town of West Seneca. Few public officials love their town the way in which Christopher Osmanski does, and his public acts have always had the intention of making life in the town of West Seneca better for those so fortunate enough to live there. While Chris's official service has come to an end, it is a virtual certainty that he will remain active in local civic affairs. That is a good thing, for the town of West Seneca is better for the active public service of individuals like Christopher Osmanski. I want to thank you, Madam Speaker, for offering me this opportunity to honor the public service of retiring Town of West Seneca Councilman Christopher Osmanski, and I hope that you will join me in offering to Mr. Osmanski this Congress's best wishes of good fortune and Godspeed in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of an outstanding Western New Yorker. On November 19, 2007 a beloved husband and loving father entered into rest. Carl DiPietro lived a very full life filled with love of family and friends. Carl leaves behind a long lasting legacy that stretches from his days in the Navy to the dedication and loyalty he demonstrated each and everyday with his family, at his business or throughout the community. Mr. DiPietro was a proud business owner of Sparkle Cleaners, a dry cleaning business located in Amherst, NY. It was said that Mr. DiPietro treated patrons and employees alike as family. A hardworking man, Carl was skilled in his craft and was characterized by his children as an ``All American Dad'' whose love knew no end. A man who cultivated his many interests, Carl loved music and enjoyed playing the guitar; he was an avid photographer and restored antiques. Amidst his varied interests and passion to explore them, his family remained the most important part of his life. Carl DiPietro was a good and decent man and will always be remembered for his friendly demeanor, his terrific sense of humor and his care free spirit. His strength, courage, strong religious faith accompanied by a will to survive kept him going through the difficult times. When someone you love passes on, pain remains for those left behind. May Carl's wife Elaine, his daughters Linda, Judy, and Donna, his sons Carl and David, grandchildren, extended family and friends continue to live out Carl's memory with love, purpose and fulfillment in their own lives. Madam Speaker, I am thankful that you have allowed me the opportunity to honor the life of Carl DiPietro and remember the many contributions he made throughout the Western New York community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and memory of Carl DiPietro here today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the illustrious public career of one of western New York's most dedicated and hard working public servants--the Dean of the Cheektowaga Town Board, its longest serving member, Councilman Thomas M. Johnson, Jr. Many years ago, the Buffalo News once referred to another public official with a reputation for energetic representation of his constituents as ``indefatigable.'' Untiring. Unrelenting. Unfaltering. These and so many other adjectives only begin to describe the manner in which Tom Johnson served his constituents, and the town he loves so dearly. Since my very first days in service as a Member of the House, Tom has been an advocate for countless projects within Cheektowaga, and for the betterment of the people who live there. I am proud to serve in public office alongside people of the caliber of Tom Johnson, and I am prouder still to call Tom my friend. I have taken the liberty, Madam Speaker, of including within this extension excerpts from an article recently published in the Buffalo News that chronicles Tom's career and his plans to ``retire''--with that word intentionally left in quotation marks. Tom will never truly retire from serving the town he so dearly loves, and all of us in elective office owe a great debt of gratitude to Tom for his service and his dedication to the people in his community. Tom, on behalf of the entirety of the House of Representatives, let me wish you, Barbara and your entire family the very best of luck and Godspeed. Cheektowaga Icon Johnson Learning The Word ``Retire'' (By Thomas J. Dolan) Cheektowaga's longest-serving Town Board member, Thomas M. Johnson Jr., is stepping down after three decades in office, but you wouldn't know it to see him. With just days to go before his term ends, Johnson, 66, is as restless as ever. He's showing up for work sessions at Town Hall, popping in at community meetings and appearing at all manner of ceremonies and events, just as he has done through much of his career. ``He gets involved in practically everything. He goes to all the meetings. He gets involved with various groups,'' said Thomas J. Adamczak, supervisor of town inspectors. Whether it's the Cheektowaga Community Symphony Orchestra, a ceremony honoring veterans, a planning session to restock walleye in Cayuga Creek or a discussion of storm-drainage problems, Johnson has been a force in town affairs for decades. He has left his stamp on a wide variety of projects, from the Walden Galleria shopping mall to the town's new bike path, now under construction. Johnson's 30 years on the board easily qualify him as Cheektowaga's longest-serving lawmaker, said Supervisor-elect Mary F. Holtz, the town historian. ``Nobody else even comes close,'' Holtz said after checking her records. And few town officials have made a greater impact than Johnson, observers say. ``Tom is a true institution in Cheektowaga,'' said Eric L. Recoon, vice president of development for Benderson Development Co. Recoon, who has frequently negotiated with Johnson regarding Benderson projects, gave this assessment: ``Tom probably has, in his own way, done more for the town than almost anybody. He's so passionate about his town, and he was really tireless in his efforts to do what he feels would benefit the Town of Cheektowaga.'' And while many politicians show up at public meetings to earn some ``face time,'' Johnson comes armed with questions, talking points and often documents to back them up. It's not long before he's deep in the debate--or taking over the meeting, as some critics would describe it. Recoon, who has dealt with Johnson for more than a decade, said: ``He's incredibly frank. He's very straightforward, and he is candid--sometimes not in a fashion that you want him to be. But you know what? You always know where you stand with him.'' Johnson, an engineer and retired manager for Goodyear- Dunlop Tire Corp., recalls buying a house on Meadowlawn Road in the early 1970s and then learning that--instead of being used for housing, as real estate agents had assured him--the large lot behind his home would be developed as a shopping mall. As a result, Johnson helped form the Depew-Cheektowaga Home Association, which grew to more than 700 members. And, through most of his political career, he has kept close ties with Cheektowaga's homeowners' and taxpayers' associations. His list of honors and awards--many of them from community groups--fill more than a page. But after more than 32 years on the political stage, Johnson says he is retiring to spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren, Natalie, 7, and Eric, 5. It's difficult to imagine him no longer being active in town affairs, especially since he believes strongly in having citizens take part in government. ``What we need more than anything else is participatory government,'' he said. ``For my mind, government that is closest to the people is best.''

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mark Cavalcoli, a longtime public servant whose retirement at the end of this year will mark the close of a distinguished career in elective office that has spanned nearly two and a half decades. Mark began his public service as a biology teacher, working 33 years at Frontier Central High School before retiring in 1997. In 1983 Mark was first elected to serve on the Hamburg Town Board, where he worked to improve and protect Hamburg's unique character. Throughout his tenure the Councilman was deeply involved in waterfront development, greenspace preservation, regional cooperation, and local master planning. A natural negotiator and leader, Mark acted as the liaison between the town board and several departments and also functioned at Deputy Supervisor for 15 years. Of all the great accomplishments, one of Councilman Cavalcoli's proudest is working to provide public water to nearly 300 homes not connected to water lines and severely restricted in their water use. Despite his deep involvement on the town board and his commitment to his wife and two children, Mark still found time to further serve his community as a member of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, PTAs for Frontier and Hamburg High Schools and as the Chairman of the Eighteen Mile Creek Preservation Committee. In 2007, Mark Cavalcoli chose not to run for re-election and instead will spend time traveling with Anne, his wife of 45 years. The Town of Hamburg is a better place because of Councilman Mark Cavalcoli's years of dedication. This community is fortunate to have benefited from his leadership, and I am grateful, Madam Speaker, that you have allowed me this opportunity to commemorate his service here today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Town of Evans councilwoman Kathleen Bartus for her years of tireless service to the residents of the town of Evans. A longtime town resident and a leader within her community, Kathy's commitment to others stretched far beyond the scope of her position in town government and rested its hand on a passionate soul and loving heart. A wife, mother of three and a longtime business and community activist in Evans, Kathy's commitment to her community is rivaled by few. While she'll be missed on the town board in a formal capacity, Kathy will never be more than a phone call away, in a manner that will no doubt comfort those continuing to serve. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the achievements of Kathleen Bartus upon the occasion of her retirement as a member of the Evans Town Board. I know that you join with me in wishing Kathy, her husband Robert and their entire family the very best of good luck and Godspeed in the years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the public career and personal sacrifices of Joel A. Giambra, who, on December 31, 2007, concluded more than two decades of continuous elective public service with the end of his second and final term as Erie County Executive. Joel faced challenges throughout his career, and most particularly throughout his two terms as County Executive. Hit with a cancer diagnosis before taking the oath of office as County Executive, Joel faced that challenge and many, many more with a sense of commitment and--most especially--aplomb that inspired many to heed his advice to quit smoking. Joel and I had the pleasure--and I do mean that it was a pleasure--to serve together as members of the Buffalo Common Council. My time serving alongside Joel was brief, but we were part of a new majority caucus on the council that was thoughtful, deliberative and served as an important check and balance on the office of the Mayor. Following Joel's service on the Common Council, he distinguished himself as Buffalo City Comptroller, administering a large department of city government charged with important day to day functions in city life. Joel's election as County Executive in 1999 was challenging at its start and was controversial almost throughout. Joel fought the fights he believed were worth fighting and never ducked a challenge. Joel rightly brought to the forefront the issues of overlapping governmental services and the need for county and local governments in Western New York to develop new strategies to collaborate and save taxpayer dollars. While Joel's efforts certainly could not be termed a complete success, he is widely and appropriately credited for bringing these issues to the forefront, and his efforts have paved the way for succeeding elected officials to find new and innovative ways to collaborate and consolidate services in the future. As I indicated, Joel's eight years as County Executive had its share of ups and downs, but while some questioned the policies Joel implemented, no one could question his commitment to the community that he lives in and loves so much. From meetings in Albany to Washington, DC and to points abroad, during his years as County Executive, Buffalo and Western New York had no more dedicated ambassador than Joel Giambra. Joel is now entering a new chapter of his professional life and we wish him good luck and Godspeed in his future endeavors, and Madam Speaker, I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to recognize Joel's public career.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments and public service career of Carla Fuller, councilwoman from the Town of Sardinia, upon her retirement from active public service as a member of the Town Board. Sardinia is among the smallest towns in my congressional district and sometimes, Madam Speaker, that makes for the most difficult service in public office. Because everyone in a small town seems to know everyone else, the decisions made in government often have a oversized impact upon the very people that you represent. It is that very challenge that makes the service of people like Carla Fuller all the more substantial. Carla served as a diligent, thoughtful and respectful representative of the people during her years on the town board. While she will retire from active service on the town board at the end of this year, I have little doubt that Carla will remain dedicated to Sardinia and to its residents for many years to come. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have had this opportunity to honor Carla's service to the Town of Sardinia and am certain that you join me and the rest of our colleagues in wishing Carla and her entire family the best of luck and Godspeed in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor a respected jurist, a dedicated public servant and a trusted friend of this community upon the occasion of his retirement from the New York State Appellate Court Division. Madam Speaker, I want to call to the House's attention the outstanding record of public service of Justice Jerome C. Gorski. Judge Gorski received his law degree from Georgetown University in 1962 and was admitted to practice later that year. He initially practiced in Buffalo, concentrating on negligence, products liability litigation, and labor relations related work. From 1973 until 1980, he served as law clerk to Judge James L. Kane, first in County Court and later in Supreme Court. In the past, Justice Gorski served a clerkship under renowned U.S. District Court Judge John J. Sirica. Initially elected to the Supreme Court in the late 1980s, Judge Gorski's judicial career culminated in his appointment to serve on the Supreme Court's Appellate Division for the Fourth Department in 2001. Judge Gorski received the Outstanding Jurist Award from the Erie County Bar Association in 1998, and the 2000 Award of Merit. Judge Gorski is a part of a revered family in Western New York. Judge Gorski's father, the late Chester Gorski, and his brother Dennis, each had outstanding careers in public service, and each were, in the past, candidates for the congressional seat that I am fortunate to occupy today. Imbued within the Gorski family is an innate commitment to the community that is Buffalo and Western New York, and all of our residents are better for the tremendous commitment to public service demonstrated by the Gorski family. Madam Speaker, in recognition of and in gratitude for his service, leadership and patriotism, I ask that this honorable body join me in honoring Justice Jerome Gorski upon the occasion of his retirement, and wish he and his family the very best of health and happiness in the months and years ahead.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an outstanding citizen of Buffalo and Western New York, John Michael Granville, an American diplomat who devoted his life to promoting peace through his humanitarian work in the continent of Africa. John Granville worked for the United States Agency for International Development in Sudan. He was fatally shot on New Year's Day after attending a party at the British Embassy in Khartoum. His driver was also killed. His sudden passing is a great shock to all of us, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. In this senseless tragedy, we lost a man of peace and purpose, a man who dedicated himself to serving people that most of us will never know in a place we will never visit. John's love for Africa, its culture, its people was nurtured during his years of service there. His most recent work involved distributing radios to people in the southern part of Sudan to support his agency's broadcasting initiative in the region which was recovering from 21 years of civil war. The goal was to prepare southern Sudan for elections in 2009 and a possible referendum on independence in 2011. Before joining the United States Agency for International Development, John served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon where he helped build the first school in a rural village there. In my capacity as a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, I have traveled to Sudan. I have seen firsthand how important the work of peacemakers like John is to the people in these war-torn regions. John knew the dangers he faced, and he went anyway, with dignity and conviction. Such was his commitment to serve the people of Africa. John Granville was a thoughtful and honorable man who was deeply loved by his family, friends and the community in my hometown of South Buffalo, New York. We are proud to salute John and honor him for his lasting service to our Nation and for the important humanitarian work that he was doing in Africa. John was a graduate of Canisius High School and Fordham University and earned a master's degree in international development from Clark University. A memorial scholarship has been established at Canisius High School in his memory as family, friends and classmates want to make sure that he is never forgotten. We know John will be missed beyond measure by his loving mother, Jane; his beloved sister, Katie; and brother-in-law, Sean; his loving nieces, Carolina, Julia, Hanna and Molly; and nephew, Matthew; his extended family and dear friends. I take the liberty of honoring John's life and legacy by including the statement issued by his family shortly after his death, and it read's: ``John's life was a celebration of love, hope and peace. He will be missed by many people throughout the world whose lives were touched and made better because of his care.'' Everyone who knew and was influenced by John will mourn his loss in their own way. I will do my part to honor John's memory by calling upon the administration to strengthen its efforts to protect American diplomats serving overseas and to help end the genocide in Darfur and to bring peace and reconciliation to the Sudan. Mr. Speaker, on this night, this solemn and peaceful night in our Nation's capital, a neighborhood grieves because a family from that neighborhood grieves. Our neighborhood and family grieve the loss of a young, courageous man of peace and reconciliation. And Mr. Speaker, as we have lost a great young man doing God's work, tonight our Nation grieves with them.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call to the House's attention the dedicated public service of Raymond Hubert, upon the occasion of his retirement from active service as a member of the Concord Town Board. A well respected leader in the community and staunch advocate for his Town, Ray Hubert has effectively represented his community and has consistently held an open hear to the concerns and ideas of his constituents. Ray's commitment to fellow citizens and taxpayers has been most noteworthy, and his work represents a lasting contribution to our community. The Town of Concord has been doubly blessed by the Hubert family. Ray's wife Mary served for several years as a Town Justice. Their sacrifice in making the choice to serve their community in this way must be an inspiration to all who serve in public office. Madam Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in expressing appreciation to Ray Hubert for his years of dedicated service and commitment to his community. We wish Ray and Mary and their entire family only the very best of health and happiness long in the future.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the public career of one of the Town of Boston's most revered leaders, Town Councilman Dennis Mead. For twelve years, Dennis faithfully represented the Town of Boston, serving with unwavering work ethic and a steadfast commitment to his town's progress. Dennis served honorably as the voice of the people of his community and his service has been a model for others to follow. Although Dennis will no longer serve on the Boston Town Board come January 1, 2008, there can be no question that his heart lies in his hometown, and his commitment to the town's future will remain steadfast. Madam Speaker, I want to thank you for this opportunity to Dennis Mead in this manner, and I know that you join me and the rest of our colleagues in wishing Dennis the best of luck and Godspeed in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, as you well know, the fire service remains among the most well respected and revered groups of individuals within communities throughout the United States. The volunteer fire service, moreover, represents groups of individuals within particular communities who, of their own volition, choose to protect and serve their home communities, putting their lives on the line toward the betterment and safety of their hometowns. Today, Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the personal sacrifice of a member of one of the best known and most respected fire companies in my congressional district--the Doyle Hose Fire Company in the town of Cheektowaga. I rise to honor Edward A. Tokasz, who this year will celebrate his 70th anniversary as an active member of Doyle Hose. A little less than 2 months past his 18th birthday, Ed joined up with Doyle on February 2, 1938, and from that day forward has honorably and competently served as a dedicated member of the company. Ed served in many positions within Doyle, including assistant chief, president, vice president, and sergeant at arms. In particular, in perhaps his most amazing statistic, Ed served as Treasurer for nearly 60 years. Ed's service to our community set an example for others to follow. Ed's son, Paul Tokasz, began his career as a schoolteacher, and served in several governmental positions before his election to the New York State Assembly in 1988. Paul would eventually rise to serve as majority leader, and I served with Paul in the legislature for 6 years. Undoubtedly, it was Ed's influence that led Paul and many others into public service. Madam Speaker, it is not often that a Member of the House has the opportunity to honor someone for 70 years of active service in any vocation, much less a vocation as critical to one's community as the fire service. That is why I am asking that you join with me and with all of our colleagues in congratulating Ed Tokasz for his long service to our community, and I know that you and all of our colleagues join me in wishing Ed and his family nothing but the very best of luck and Godspeed in the months and years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an outstanding citizen of Buffalo and Western New York, John Michael Granville, an American diplomat who devoted his adult life to promoting peace through his foreign aid and humanitarian work in Africa. John Granville, who worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development (US AID) in Sudan, was fatally shot after attending a party at the British Embassy in Khartoum. His sudden passing is a great shock to us all and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time. In this senseless tragedy, we lost a man of peace and purpose, a man who had dedicated himself to making the world a better place for others. John Granville was a thoughtful and honorable man who was deeply loved by his family, friends and the community. Born and raised in my hometown of Buffalo, NY, John Granville was an outstanding young man. We are proud to salute John and honor him for his lasting service to our nation and to countries abroad and for the important humanitarian work he was doing in Africa. John was a graduate of Canisius High School, Fordham University and held a Master's degree in International Development from Clark University. The John M. Granville '93 Memorial Scholarship has been established at his high school alma mater in his memory as family; friends and classmates want to make sure he will never be forgotten. Before joining USAID, John served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon, where he helped build the first school in a rural village. His love for Africa and the people of Africa was realized during his years of service there. John's most recent work involved distributing radios to people in the southern part of Sudan to maximize the effect of the agency's broadcasting initiatives in Sudan's southern region, which is recovering from a 21-year civil war. The goal was to prepare southern Sudan for elections in 2009, and a possible referendum in 2011 on independence. We know John will be missed beyond measure by his loving mother, Jane, his beloved sister Katie and brother-in law Sean, his loving nieces Caroline, Julia, Hanna and Molly and nephew Matthew, his extended family and dear friends. Everyone who knew or was influenced by John will mourn his loss in their own way. I will do my part to honor John's memory by calling upon the Administration to strengthen its efforts to protect American diplomats serving overseas and to bring stability to Sudan and the surrounding region. We must pray for the Granville, O'Connell and McCabe Families and for John Granville, with a tremendous sense of appreciation for the great sacrifice that he made as he worked to promote peace in Africa. I take the liberty of honoring John's life and legacy by including the statement issued by his family, ``John's life was a celebration of love, hope and peace. He will be missed by many people throughout the world whose lives were touched and made better because of his care.''

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Mr. Michael C. Mahaney, Director of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System, whose exemplary service will conclude on January 4, 2008. Mr. Mahaney began his involvement with the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) in December of 1973 as a Library Page in the Central Library's Stack Department. In 1976, he received his Master of Library Science degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and began working as a part-time Librarian at the Fairfield, Mead and Kensington Branch Libraries before being appointed to a full- time Librarian position in the Central Library's Business and Labor Department. Mr. Mahaney's love of the library system and his natural leadership abilities soon propelled him to more senior positions within the B&ECPL, including liaison to the Erie County Legislature, Library constituents, local and regional media and the Library Board of Trustees, and Chairman of the Library's long range planning committee. He was also an active member of the New York Library Association and American Library Association, frequently representing the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library on committees and task forces and at various state and national conferences. In January 2000, Mr. Mahaney was promoted to the post of Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer of the B&ECPL, responsible for the administration of all Library public support and planning functions and played a critical role in the development of the Library's strategic plan. Following a national recruitment effort in January 2003, Mr. Mahaney was chosen overwhelmingly by the Library's Board of Trustees to serve as permanent Director of the B&ECPL. During this time, he was instrumental in guiding the community through the reorganization of the Library in the aftermath of Erie County's worst budget crisis in history. In his last year as Director of the B&ECPL, Mr. Mahaney oversaw a $500,000 increase in county funding and the passage of the Library Protection Act, a local law safeguarding library funds after the county's annual budget is adopted, a goal library officials had sought for 14 years. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to stand here today to pay tribute to the inspired leadership and remarkable contributions of Michael C. Mahaney during his 34 years of dedicated service to the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System. I thank you, Madam Speaker, for allowing me this opportunity to honor Mr. Mahaney's past service and ask you and the rest of our colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Mahaney the very best of health and success in the years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased today to honor the accomplishments of Boston Town Councilman Brien Hopkins. Throughout Brien's service on the Town Board, he exemplified the term ``public servant.'' Brien's commitment to Boston was manifest, and his desire to see his town reach the very highest level possible served his constituents admirably. Our community owes Brien a debt of gratitude for his tireless dedication to make Boston a better place to live, work and raise a family. While his work on the town board will conclude on January 1 of next year, the legacy he leaves behind will endure for a long time to come. Madam Speaker, I want to thank you for this opportunity to honor Brien's service, and please join me in wishing Brien and his family the very best in the months and years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, today I pay tribute to the Supervisor of the Town of West Seneca, New York, a friend and governmental colleague of the highest caliber--my friend, West Seneca Town Supervisor Paul Clark. For sixteen years, Paul Clark served as the highest elective officer for the Town of West Seneca, and under his stewardship the town has grown from a small first ring town into a burgeoning suburb that is a destination for many folks looking for a safe community to raise a family. Professionally, Paul is a CPA, and he brought those budgeting skills to his work as Town Supervisor, after initially serving a short period of time as Town Comptroller. Paul's work to stabilize town finances, combined with a vision for his town that resulted in developing industrial parks, cultural attractions and recreational areas for residents, means that a lasting legacy of accomplishments will follow the conclusion of his service as Supervisor on December 31. Since my days representing West Seneca as a member of the New York State Assembly, I have been proud to work with Paul on many projects. I have taken particular pride in working with Paul on one of his own favorite issues--the AmeriCorps program, which for Western New York is headquartered in West Seneca. More than 3,000 young Western New Yorkers have graduated through West Seneca's AmeriCorps, all the while tutoring nearly 25,000 local schoolchildren, clearing 3,500 vacant lots and planting thousands of new trees throughout Western New York. All as a result of Paul Clark's vision. Paul has a great many accomplishments about which to be proud, but Paul counts as his proudest accomplishments his family--his wife Kathy, and his children Andrew and Kelly. Madam Speaker, Paul Clark leaves a lasting mark upon the government of the town of West Seneca, and his constituents are better for the service he provided to them. I am pleased to honor his contributions to our community, and I ask that you join me in extending to Paul and his family the House's most heartfelt wishes of good luck and Godspeed.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Debra Hunt for her victory in this past election. Ms. Hunt was victorious and was able to stake her claim as a member of the Ripley Town Council. The campaign trail is a difficult path to take. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Hunt traveled that path 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 voters of Chautauqua County. Chautauqua County is blessed to have such strong candidates with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms. Hunt is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise to honor her today.