Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Jeffrey Gardere was born in Manhattan on May 3, 1956. Although his parents were from the island of Haiti, he was raised in Brooklyn and attended Brooklyn Tech High School. While working full-time, he managed to obtain his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Rochester and, at age 27, received his doctorate in philosophy and psychology from George Washington University. As a licensed clinician, Dr. Gardere rose from a staff psychologist for the Federal Bureau of Prisons to one of only two African-American chief psychologists. During his tenure, he was instrumental in designing the policy on psychological treatment for HIV-infected prisoners, participated in hostage negotiations at the Atlantic prison siege, and conducted witness protection relocation evaluations throughout the United States. A focal point in Dr. Gardere's career has been the founding of the Rainbow Psychological Services 5 years ago. This culturally sensitive psychological health care program provides services for children, adults, and families in Brooklyn and the tristate area. As a reorganized psychological expert on police brutality issues and posttraumatic stress disorder, Dr. Gardere has provided key evaluations and structural recommendations for a major lawsuit against the New Jersey State Department of Corrections. In addition, over the past few years, Dr. Gardere has taken his practice to the air waves, becoming a highly-sought-after media psychologist appearing on every major talk and news show on radio and television. Dr. Gardere is presently negotiating the publication of his book, ``How to Raise Your Child in an Urban Jungle'' with the St. Martens Press. Despite his grueling schedule, Dr. Gardere has maintained his involvement in local and humanitarian issues for children and families. His efforts, to name a few, include: hosting gala benefits for nonprofit groups in his home and private clubs; providing mental health consultations for the treatment of Haitian minors in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and consulting with ``KISS''--WRKS radio--initiatives on the mental health of African-Americans program. Complementing his life's work, Dr. Gardere, a married father with two children ages 2 and 3, is a musician, singer, pianist, alto-sax player who has performed with Mickey Bass, John Hicks, Louis Haynes, and Hilton Ruiz. Dr. Jeffrey Gardere has won the respect of his peers and serves as an example of the best in our community. I am pleased to introduce him to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to my colleagues' attention that the Governments of India, Thailand, and Nepal have colluded to abduct Sikhs living abroad and transport them to India in complete violation of pertinent human rights treaty and customary law. Two cases highlight this alarming trend. On July 16 at 6 a.m., about 20 Thai police officers surrounded a house owned by a Thai Sikh. Police entered the house and arrested the owner along with a Sikh independence activist named Nam Singh, a Pakistani passport holder who was working in Thailand on a valid Thai work permit. Although the owner of the house was eventually released, Nam Singh was detained and held without formal charge or access to loved ones and legal counsel. Twenty-four hours later, the owner of the house where Nam Singh was staying retained the help of a well-known Thai human rights activist, Mr. Thonghai Thongpao. But by then it was too late. Mr. Singh had been secretly placed on flight TG3112 bound for Katmandu where Nepalese authorities transferred Mr. Singh to Indian authorities. It is my understanding that Mr. Singh has been brought before a Punjab court and has been charged. However, given the illegality of his abduction, I have no idea what the charge may be. I have enclosed a copy of a letter sent by Thai Sikhs to the Center for Human Rights in Geneva, the letter details Nam Singh's abduction. The second case is with regard to Mr. Jagjit Singh Chohan, an elder Sikh independence leader from the United Kingdom. Mr. Chohan's story has already been presented, however, I want to highlight his inhumane treatment by Thai police officials. After Mr. Chohan was brutally beaten by Indian officials and placed back on the plane, and after he was assured by Thai Airways managers that he would receive medical treatment upon arrival in Bangkok, Mr. Chohan was instead placed in a detention center for 18 hours without access to medical treatment, he could not even make a telephone call. Mr. Chohan was lucky, he had his medication with him, without it, the beating which he suffered coupled with his detention may have resulted in his death. Mr. Speaker, both Mr. Chohan and Nam Singh have been treated worse than animals, apparently as a result of some unspoken alliance between Thai, Indian, and in the case of Nam Singh, Nepalese authorities. If these two were bona fide suspects, surely some formal proceeding should have been undertaken. But I suspect that the rule of law was not foremost in the minds of the police and government officials who brutalized the two Sikhs. In little over 2 months, the Indian Government has illegally detained United States citizen Balbii Singh Dhillon in violation of United States sovereignty, brutalized an elder Sikh leader living in the United Kingdom for 18 years and apparently arranged the virtual kidnaping of a Sikh whose citizenship is Pakistani. Secretary of State Christopher, recently and rightfully, attacked Indonesia's human rights record. However, the United States must employ a consistent standard of human rights for all countries, whether they are friends or foes. The United States should openly condemn these extrajudicial abductions and deportations by Indian, Thai, and Nepalese authorities. The current practice of condemning one country's human rights violations while ignoring others creates a double standard which leaves us open to accusations of racial and ethnic bias. Copy of Fax received from: Sikh residents of Thailand. Dated: July 18, 1996. Addressed to: The Centre for Human Rights--Geneva. Copied to: Council of Khalistan--Washington, DC. Dear Sir: We the Sikh residents of Thailand solemnly affirm that on the 15th of July around 6:00 AM a house owned by a Thai Sikh was encircled and searched by about twenty fully armed Thai policemen. Nothing incriminating was found in the house. The police arrested and detained the owner of the house along with a pro-Khalistan activist named Mr. Nam Singh who is well known in the Indian Government circles as Kanwar Pal Singh Chawla of Amritsar who was holding a Pakistan passport and a Thai work permit. The pro-Khalistani activist or the so-called extremist is reported to have been outside India for several years and was only attached to the political wing of the Khalistan movement and was not involved directly or indirectly in any kind of violent actions. The owner of the house was cleared on bail around 6 o'clock on the same evening on the minor charge of harbouring an alien. The pro-Khalistani or the so-called extremist was interrogated for long hours and forced to sign un-specified papers and was denied and deprived of his fundamental right to have an access to legal advice. No visitors were allowed to see or talk to him. On the following morning the owner of the house contacted in person a Thai Human Rights activist and Magsasay Award winner Mr. Thonghait Thongpao to seek his help in this matter. Before Mr. Thongpao could do anything about the so-called extremist the Thai police secretly put him on flight TG3112 to Katmandu to be handed over to the Indian authorities which is grossly against Human Rights. As he was a bona-fide Pakistan holder and had a legal and valid Thai work permit he should have either been deported to Pakistan or be allowed to fight his case in Thailand. We have no knowledge whatsoever whether this unwarranted action of the Thai police was taken with the knowledge of the Thai government or not. If he was on the so-called ``wanted'' list of the Indian government the Indian authorities should have gone through the proper and legal channels to have him deported directly to India instead of Nepal. The reason for deporting the ``extremist'' to Nepal and not India is an old Indian tact to fool the world that an armed militant was killed while trying to infiltrate into India using Pakistani passport via Nepal. We the Sikh residents of Thailand would really appreciate if the Centre for Human Rights could look into this matter and take the necessary and urgent measures with the Indian government to ensure that the so-called extremist is humanely and well treated and justice is done with him. Please make sure that he is not subject to a third degree torture or killed in false encounter. Thanking you in anticipation for your favorable and prompt action. Truly Yours, Sikh Residents of Thailand.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, since arriving in New York City during the African-American Renaissance period of the 1930's, Harding N. Bowman, a native of Bowman, SC, has dedicated his life to uplifting and empowering his community. Most notably, in the 1950's, Mr. Bowman founded the Barbershop Owners Association while owning and operating three barbershops. In 1961, after moving to east New York, he was instrumental in organizing numerous community-based initiatives. Some of his key roles, to name a few, arising from such initiatives include: president, Council for a Better East New York; chairman, Community Redemption Foundation; treasurer, Citywide Council Against Poverty; director, United Negro and Puerto Rican Front; chairman, East New York Manpower; chairman, East New York Non-Profit Housing; executive director, East New York Community Corporation; and chairman, Jerome Street Block Association. In addition, for over 30 years, he has been an active participant in various New York City political organizations that have produced electoral success. While participating in these activities, Mr. Bowman has managed to earn certificates and degrees from Goddard College, Pratt Institute, Staten Island Community College, and the New York Training Institute. Married to Phyllis Bowman for 47 years, he is a father of seven, a grandfather, and a great grandfather. At age 75, Harding Bowman continues to help the community by staying active and admonishing elected officials ``not to forget where they came from.'' I am pleased to recognize his outstanding contributions and to introduce him to my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Hugh Wyatt, born and reared in Atlanta, GA. has been involved with the media virtually all his life. At the age of 9, he was submitting articles to local papers. He later founded the Atlanta Inquirer along with such notables as Julian Bond. With the vast amount of knowledge he acquired during his early years, Mr. Wyatt, at age 25, created the Inner-City Broadcasting Corp. with Carl McCall, New York State Comptroller; David Dinkins, former Mayor of New York City; and Percy Sutton, former Borough President of Manhattan. At age 35, he continued to enlighten readers with his editorial columns at two of New York City's major newspapers--the New York Daily News and the Amsterdam News. In 1986, Mr. Wyatt reached a pivotal point in this life when he founded the Medical Herald, a national newspaper circulated throughout the United States including Hawaii and Puerto Rico. I am pleased to recognize this outstanding journalist and to introduce him to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, as a member of Brooklyn's legal community for over 30 years, Vincent L. Johnson has consistently demonstrated his commitment to community service and justice. Upon receiving his B.A. in economics from Brooklyn College, he enrolled in St. John's School of Law where he quickly excelled and obtained two degrees: an LLB and JD. Recognizing his vast skills and abilities, the Youthful Offender Bureau of the New York Supreme Court hired him as an assistant district attorney [ADA] in 1961. As an ADA, he prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases amounting to approximately 100 per year. One of the highlight's of his career was in 1968 when he founded his own law firm, Laufer & Johnson. While in private practice, he has represented clients in various legal matters and served as an inspiration to young attorneys following in his footsteps. Further exemplifying his dedication to public service, Mr. Johnson is actively involved in numerous organizations including the Brooklyn Bar Association, Kings County Bar Association, New York State Trial Lawyers Association, Phi Alpha Legal Fraternity, the Brooklyn NAACP, Bedford- Stuyvesant Lions Club, and the Boys Welcome Hall. Mr. Johnson and his wife, Gertrude, have three lovely children, Vincent, Jr., Melissa, and DaSylveiria. It is my pleasure to recognize Mr. Johnson and to introduce him to my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, since arriving in New York City during the African-American Renaissance period of the 1930's, Harding N. Bowman, a native of Bowman, SC, has dedicated his life to uplifting and empowering his community. Most notably, in the 1950's, Mr. Bowman founded the Barbershop Owners Association while owning and operating three barbershops. In 1961, after moving to east New York, he was instrumental in organizing numerous community-based initiatives. Some of his key roles, to name a few, arising from such initiatives include: president, Council for a Better East New York; chairman, Community Redemption Foundation; treasurer, Citywide Council Against Poverty; director, United Negro and Puerto Rican Front; chairman, East New York Manpower; chairman, East New York Non-Profit Housing; executive director, East New York Community Corporation; and chairman, Jerome Street Block Association. In addition, for over 30 years, he has been an active participant in various New York City political organizations that have produced electoral success. While participating in these activities, Mr. Bowman has managed to earn certificates and degrees from Goddard College, Pratt Institute, Staten Island Community College, and the New York Training Institute. Married to Phyllis Bowman for 44 years, he is a father of seven, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather. At age 75 Harding Bowman continues to help the community by staying active and admonishing elected officials not to forget where they came from. I am pleased to recognize his outstanding contributions and to introduce him to my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, as a jurist and practicing attorney in Brooklyn for over 25 years, Bernadette F. Bayne has epitomized hardwork and dedication. A graduate of Pace University and New York University School of Law, Ms. Bayne served as a criminal court judge for the city of New York from 1991 to 1994. Prior to this distinguished honor, Ms. Bayne used her legal expertise to improve the quality of life for New York City by serving as an administrative law judge for the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, as a former commissioner of the New York City Civil Service Commission, and as staff attorney for the criminal defense division of the Brooklyn Legal Aid Society. Currently, in private practice, Ms. Bayne is admitted to practice in New York State, the Federal courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and the Court of Appeals. Her various professional affiliations include the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, Kings County Criminal Bar Association, Brooklyn Women's Bar Association, Bedford Stuyvesant Lawyers Association, and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. Ms. Bayne and her husband, Bernard, are the proud parents of two children, Tracy and Michael. I am pleased to introduce Ms. Bayne to my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Wisconsin-native, Dr. Warren Wetzel, for 25 years an active member of the New York City medical community, died this year. Dr. Wetzel, a noted authority on emergency trauma, served as director of trauma and surgical critical care at Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn. Prior to joining Kings County Hospital Center, Dr. Wetzel made his mark at the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center rapidly rising from assistant attending surgeon to director of trauma service. He was also an associate professor of clinical surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine extensively lecturing on topics such as: ``Urban Trauma,'' ``Changing Patterns of Gunshot and Stab Wounds,'' ``Management of Liver Trauma,'' and ``Management of Bites and Stings.'' Through his zealous advocacy for the medical profession, Dr. Wetzel was a key member of various committees including, but not limited to: New York City Trauma Center Advisory Committee; oversight committee, New York State Department of Health Regional Trauma Quality Assurance Grant; residency review committee, State University of New York Health Science Center; and education committee, Bronx Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. As a result of his dedication to helping others, Dr. Wetzel's legacy continues through Doctors Against Murder, a unique nonprofit organization he founded so that doctors, nurses, and other medical professional could educate youth on the trauma of violence. Doctors Against Murder was the first recipient of the National Association of Public Hospital's Jim Wright Vulnerable Population Award, June 29, 1996. The medical profession and the recipients of Dr. Weitzel's efforts will truly miss him. It is my honor to recognize his sterling service, and to introduce him to my colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, vote no on this pain and shame that we are inflicting on young people, a garbage bill. This agreement along with the other vetoed welfare bills amount to nothing short of a rollcall of pain and shame that will be dumped on those Americans who are clearly in need of a social service safety net. And to add to that pain, legal immigrants will bear 40 percent of the cuts in welfare even though they make up only 5 percent of the population receiving welfare benefits. No one is satisfied with the way welfare policy is constructed or practiced. The Federal Government doesn't like it; the local administrators don't like it; the social workers don't like it; the majority of the taxpayers don't like it and the recipients don't like it. There is no doubt that the welfare system in this country needs to be changed. Clearly reform is necessary. However, the overall scope of the proposed reforms will victimize those Americans most in need of assistance. I urge a ``no'' vote on this conference agreement.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the esteemed Reverend Doctor Sylvester Lorenzo Shannon, our guest Chaplain, the pastor of the Siloam Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, NY. He is a graduate of the Florida A&M University, where he received both a B.A. and a B.S. degree. Reverend Shannon earned a master's degree in divinity from Duke University, a master's degree in counseling psychology from the University of Colorado, a doctor of philosophy degree in human relations and speech communications from the University of Kansas. Dr. Shannon is married to Doris Brooks Shannon, and has three grown children and three grandchildren. His friends refer to him as a man of action. They say that he is a tremendous coalition builder. But it should be noted for my colleagues here in the House of Representatives that Dr. Shannon made a decision a long time ago not to give the Devil a ride. He knew if he gave the Devil a ride, the Devil would want to drive. Mr. Speaker, we are delighted today to have as our guest minister Dr. Sylvester Lorenzo Shannon, pastor of the Siloam Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, NY. Welcome.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate the accomplishments of Bishop David C. Wallace. A graduate of the City University of New York, where he majored in social sciences, Bishop Wallace has a longstanding commitment to the ministry and the Brooklyn community. Upon his return from college, Bishop Wallace continued theological studies at the New York School of the Bible. While completing his apprenticeship under the late Bishop F.D. Washington, Pastor Wallace would serve as special assistant to the music department of eastern New York, chairman of the Ordination Council, president of the State Youth Department of the Church of God in Christ Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of eastern New York, and senior Pastor of the Agape Christian Fellowship Family Worship Center. Bishop Wallace's community involvement and civic contributions demonstrate that he is a man of great vision and excellence. Bishop Wallace is indeed a leader for this time, and the 21st century. Mr. Speaker, I join in the celebration with the friends and family members of Bishop Wallace as they anticipate with great excitement the continued efforts and contributions of Bishop Wallace to the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Bliley], the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Dingell], the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis], and of course the gentleman from California [Mr. Waxman], and the majority and minority staff, as well as the gentleman from Kansas [Mr. Roberts], and of course the gentleman from Texas [Mr. de la Garza], for their outstanding job in bringing us to where we are today. If we do not change the Delaney Clause, fruits and vegetables will become less abundant and poorer in quality. Consumers, particularly low-income consumers, will not have access to fruits and vegetables that are affordable and readily available. If we urge Americans to improve their health by changing their diets, then we must ensure that the elements of a healthy diet, like fresh fruits and vegetables, are both economical and available. The measures before us today will ensure continued access by all Americans to safe, abundant, and affordable foods. The bipartisan support of H.R. 1627 has resulted in a balanced approach to reform of the Delaney Clause in a very positive way. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote for this bill. Failure to do so only harms the American consumers, and I think that we do not want to harm them, we want to help them. This bill is help for them.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support the amendment offered by my colleagues from New York and Delaware. This amendment calls for the reinstatement of $2.6 million for the Centers for Disease Control. Specifically, these funds would go to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control [NCIPC]. The NCIPC has produced studies relating to a multitude of issues addressing violence in America. For example, because of the work of this national center, we now know the effects of abuse on women and the preventive measures that will help to provide better intervention programs for batterers. The NCIPC also provided a study on the effects gun violence has on our health care system. I want to say to my colleagues that this is a serious public health issue that we cannot ignore. During hearings that my subcommittee held last Congress on ``Violence as a Public Health Issue,'' witness after witness discussed how violence in this society is having an increasingly negative impact on the public health sector. For example, the Centers for Disease Control reported that firearms have accounted for more than 90 percent of the upturn in homicides in young Americans since the mid-1980's. A recent Washington Post article reported guns kill more teenagers than cancer, heart disease, AIDS, and other diseases combined. In 1990, 57 percent of African-American teenagers who died, died because of a bullet. This issue is not only about lives lost, but also an issue of bad economics. In New York City hospitals, nearly 10 percent of all emergency room visits, that were the direct result of violence, are without coverage. This does not include followup visits. Simply stated, the cost to hospitals is enormous. Let us make no mistake: The Injury Prevention and Control Center is not promoting gun control; it is promoting new approaches to controlling violence and reducing injuries. The fact that most traumatic injuries are due to gun violence is not a rationale for eliminating funding for this important center's work. In this day and age doesn't it seem only reasonable that we should help promote any Federal program dedicated to the prevention of violence? I, therefore, urge the adoption of this amendment.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned about yesterday's decision during consideration of the VA-HUD independent agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 1997 to remove funding for the National Center for Science Literacy, Education, and Technology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. With more than 200 professional scientists and unbeatable resources and capabilities, the museum is positioned to provide the highest level of return on our country's investment in NASA's mission to planet Earth, in translating and extending scientific findings to the general public. This project is not local but national in scope. The museum and its Hayden Planetarium interact with more than 3 million visitors annually from every State in the country. It already welcomes more than 500,000 children each year and its laudable goal is to reach schools and families throughout the Nation using the most advanced 21st century technology. There is little doubt that we must do a better job to ensure that our children have the highest available level of scientific understanding as it relates to our own planet. This project will do precisely that. Mr. Speaker, we will still have an opportunity to restore the funds in the House-Senate conference on this bill. And, I would urge the House conferees to support a $13 million investment by the Federal Government in this $135 million center, which has already raised more then $70 million from a number of host State, host city, and private sources.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the outstanding career and 25 years of service to the Reverend Dr. Ermine Stewart. Called into the ministry in May 1956 to pastor a church in Coleyville, Jamaica, West Indies--Reverend. Stewart has provided a global vision of missionary work and ministerial commitment that continues to extend itself to the New York area and beyond. Upon his return to the United States in 1965, Reverend Stewart established a branch of the ``Church of the First Born Miracle Temple, Inc.'' in the United States. Over the past 31 years Reverend Stewart has witnessed the unfolding prosperity of several churches throughout New York. Presently, the Church of the First Born has nine churches, three of which are in the United States--New York, New Jersey, and Miami; one in the Province of Canada, and five on the Island of Jamaica. In addition to the established church branches, Reverend Stewart's devoted efforts and ministry have spawned the Television Ministry, which can be seen on J.B.C. Television in Jamaica. Such service exemplifies Reverend Stewart's instrumental work and institutional accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Reverend Ermine Stewart on receiving this impressive honor, and extend to him my best wishes for continued success in the ministry.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the contribution of Archbishop Roy E. Brown and his longstanding commitment to the Brooklyn community. Over the past 31 years Bishop Brown has dedicated a great part of his ministry to the renovating of numerous abandoned buildings into productive and viable churches. Bishop Brown is currently the presiding bishop and chief prelate of the Pilgrim Assemblies International, Inc. Bishop Brown is the senior pastor of Pilgrim Church in Brooklyn. As a chief prelate of Pilgrim Assemblies, Bishop Brown extends his visions of revitalizing communities worldwide that include churches in South Africa, West Africa, Trinidad, Barbados, to name a few. Born on February 28, 1943 in Birmingham, AL, Bishop Brown acknowledged his call to ministry at the age of 17. Accordingly, he accepted his first pastorate in 1965 at the age of 22; becoming pastor of the Pilgrim Church in 1966. Bishop Brown was consecrated as bishop, July 18, 1990 and established the Pilgrim Assemblies International, Inc. on that same day. Frequently cited and honored by my fellow political and civic leaders in New York, Bishop Brown continues to tirelessly serve the greater Brooklyn community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Bishop Brown on receiving this impressive honor and extend to him my best wishes for continued success.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to take this opportunity to congratulate and recognize the distinguished career of Rev. Richard J. Lawson. A graduate of Boys Vocational and Technical High School, Reverend Lawson joined the Tabernacle Baptist Church at an early age. Upon graduating from high school, Reverend Lawson was inducted into the U.S. Army. For the next 6 years he continued to serve his country faithfully, and was honorably discharged in 1964. Later, Reverend Lawson joined the Pentecostal House of Prayer, where his father was the pastor. He began his preparation for the ministry by enrolling in the Manhattan Bible Institute, where he excelled. Upon graduating from Manhattan Bible Institute, Reverend Lawson would serve as vice president of the Manhattan Bible Institute Alumni Association. Led by his strong conviction to serve, Reverend Lawson joined the New Canaan Baptist Church, serving as an associate minister. Subsequently, Reverend Lawson would be recommended and ordained to be a licensed Baptist preacher by the New Canaan Baptist Church Deacon Board and members. In March of 1989, Reverend Lawson was called as pastor of the New Canaan Baptist Church. Reverend Lawson is married and is the father of four children: Richard Jr., Craig, Donna, and Tresslyn. He resides in Roosevelt, NY, with his lovely wife, Ann. Mr. Speaker, I am proud and honored to highlight Reverend Lawson's achievements and contribution to the greater New York area. I extend to him my best wishes for continued success in the New York area.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the work and service of Mr. George Kuang-Chao Tung, president of C-2 Printing & Photostats Corp. in Brooklyn. Six years ago, Mr. Chao-Tung, without any advertising, witnessed his business prosper because of his gracious and friendly personality. His reliability has earned him a loyal clientele base, and critical corporate projects from companies such as Gas Energy Inc. and Chase Manhattan Bank. According to his customers, Mr. Chao Tung provides consistent and unparalleled services to the Brooklyn area. In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Mr. Chao-Tung is a tireless contributor to his community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Chao-Tung on receiving this impressive honor, and extend to him my best wishes for continued success in business and in his community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to take this opportunity to congratulate a man much distinguished for his humanitarian efforts and desire to help others in need, Mr. Rolando Fajardo. Rolando has been recently elected to the board of directors of the Metropolitan New York Chapter of AATSP [American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese]. In the past, he was awarded the Proud City Award of the New York City Council and has been an executive member of the board of directors of the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center. Since immigrating to the United States, Rolando has used his linguistic and teaching talents in order to teach students that they live in an international society. He has traveled extensively in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Europe and has experienced much success in developing class projects in the New York City public school system. Rolando is a very caring person, dedicated to those who are less fortunate. He is a fine example of what love thy neighbor is all about and Canarsie High School and the Brooklyn community are fortunate to know him.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Mr. Robert C. Dorf. He was born in Manhattan in 1943 and is a Jewish war baby who was raised along a north-south line stretching from New York to Miami. His cumulative experiences include graduating from the University of Florida, serving in the U.S. Army, serving as a counselor for the Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program, Harlem Hospital Division, and the Bronx District Attorney's Office where he served as an assistant district attorney. Robert Dorf has lived in Brooklyn for 25 years. He and his wife Wendy have two children, Andrew and Jessica. For most of his time in Brooklyn he has been a practicing attorney, litigating criminal and civil cases in both Federal and State court. He is now employed as an attorney for the unified court system of the State of New York, assisting the Honorable James G. Starkey, supreme court, Kings County. Robert is a prolific author on criminal justice, especially intellectual property, and he is an avid motorcyclist. It is my pleasure to highlight his personal and professional achievements.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Winchester Key has been a resident of the east New York community for over 20 years. He is a role model for young people in the community by serving on boards that work to provide positive opportunities for youth. Mr. Key serves as the first vice president, and is the past president of Community Board 19. He is also the senior legislative assistant to Assistant Speaker Edward Griffith of the New York State Assembly. Winchester is the chairman of the Issues Committee of African-American Clergy and is also the coordinator for the East New York Brownsville Clergy which has created a revitalization program for east Brooklyn. Winchester serves as chairman of the East New York Urban Youth Housing Corporation. Mr. Key served in the U.S. Army and presently serves as the lieutenant commander of the East New York Brooklyn Squadron No. 4 Civil Air Patrol Program, which teaches youngsters 13 to 21 discipline, aerospace, education, leadership and gives cadets an opportunity to learn how to fly aircraft. I am proud to introduce Winchester Key to my colleagues in the House of Representatives.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Mr. Milton J. Strong for a career of service dedicated to the children of New York City. After attending Frederick Douglass Junior High School and DeWitt Clinton High School, he received a football scholarship to Virginia State College. He later transferred to New York University where he received his B.S. and M.S. degrees. He later obtained his professional diploma from Columbia University. Over the course of 40 years, Mr. Strong has moved through the ranks to achieve his current position of principal. For the past 22 years he has served the children and residents of Community School District 19 as principal of George Gershwin Intermediate School. During his tenure he has graduated almost 10,000 students. Married to Marjorie, his wife of 30 years, a high school reading teacher, they have two sons, Otto and Kirk. It is my pleasure to highlight the contributions of Milton J. Strong.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding community leader, Ms. Juanita E. Fisher, president of the Florentino Plaza Tenant Association. Since her tenure as president she has worked to improve the quality of life within the Florentino Plaza and surrounding community. The tenants association under her leadership has been instrumental in caretaking and maintenance upgrade. In addition to grounds beautification and maintenance, she has created activities and developed programs designed to reach all people. The myriad of duties she performs include organizing voter registration drives and being an active member of the East New York Council Presidents. In addition to advocacy work, Ms. Fisher is a tireless grandmother and enjoys spending quality time with all of her 14 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Ms. Fisher on receiving this impressive honor, and extend to her my best wishes for continued success in the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the contribution of Joseph B. Alston, Sr. He is the president of the Brooklyn Branch of the NAACP. Joseph is a graduate of the Metropolitan School of Horology and the New York School of Gemology. He is also the founder and owner of the Alston's Jewelers, Plaques, Trophies, and Award Medals, located at 1393 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY. Joseph is a member of Bridge Street AME Church and is a senior steward, in addition to being a member of the male chorus and president of the South Carolina Club. His other organizational memberships include the Bride Street Business Association and the economic development committee. Mr. Alston's business and community involvement is an integral part of his life. He is a board member of the Medgar Evers College and participates on the community advisory board of the Bedford/Stuyvesant Community Mental Health Center, Inc. Among his other endeavors, Joseph Alston educates African-American youth about the merits of entrepreneurship and owning your own business. He is also active in promoting antidrug awareness. I am proud to introduce Joseph B. Alston, Sr., to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge an individual with a longstanding commitment to the Brooklyn community and has dedicated a great part of the last 15 years of his practice of architecture to the problems and tasks of rebuilding and revitalizing the urban community's housing and commercial fabric. James A. Strawder, Jr. was raised and educated in Brooklyn, and has been an eyewitness to the physical deterioration of Brooklyn's unique communities and beautiful building stock. Once attractive and vibrant neighborhoods such as east New York and Brownsville have fallen prey to the ravages of social and economic neglect, as have so many of this Nation's urban communities. It's been the mission of his firm, working in concert with many other concerned professional and community organizations, to attempt to make a positive impact on restoring the housing and commercial reserves, and in doing so, giving back some of the riches given to him. Mr. Strawder attended public school in Brooklyn, graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and Columbia University's School of Architecture, where he received his bachelor of architecture degree. He is presently registered to practice in the States of New York, New Jersey, and Florida and is a certified member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards [NCARB]. I am proud to introduce James A. Strawder, Jr. to my House colleagues.