Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, the voice of Mr. Kweisi Mfume was loud and his message was clear. On the issue of establishing democracy in South Africa and throughout his career, Kweisi has spoken his mind and supported first amendment protection for freedom of speech, even in the face of vile and hateful remarks uttered by others. Wherever the fight has had to be, Kweisi has been in the thick of it. His vision, strength, and leadership have been vitally needed. He has never wavered in his support of affirmative action, minority small business development, health care reform, community reinvestment, and protection of civil rights. Kweisi's voice has been one of reason, vision, and principle. He has been a foot soldier on the front line and an able member of the Democratic leadership. He has been effective in the boardroom, courtroom, and the streets of public opinion have been his battleground and pulpit for highlighting causes that are just and necessary. Those of us who have served in this body have seen an erosion in the confidence of voters regarding public officials and institutions of government.

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Mfume].

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I come before the House today to extol the many milestones of Gwyn Gandy. Gwyn is the chief executive officer and president of G&G Insurance Brokerage Co., Inc., a full-service firm specializing in all forms of insurance. Gwyn is a 12-year veteran of the insurance industry and has the distinction of being the only African American female from New York to participate in the Democratic National Convention [DNC] which awarded a contract that provided for special events coverage as part of the DNC. Gwyn's parents left the rural south and traveled to Brooklyn where she was raised as the oldest of six children. Financial necessity prompted Gwyn's entrepreneurial talents to shine through, as she became a very competent door-to-door saleswoman. She graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School at the age of 17. A marriage which ended in divorce produced three children, Kenneth, Sheree, and Kevin, each of whom has distinguished themselves academically and professionally. Ms. Gandy is a graduate of Hunter College and the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is a staunch environmentalist and community activist. Gwyn serves as a member of the Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA Board of Managers, and has served on the trustee board of the First A.M.E. Zion Church in Brooklyn. I am delighted to share her vast contributions to the community and America with my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I was on the elevator when the elevator was stuck. Of course, if I had been here, I would have voted ``no'' on the conference report on S. 1124.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr.Speaker, it is indeed my pleasure to join my House colleagues in saluting a man whose 40-year contributions to our Nation are only exceed by his commitment to public service and his unswerving sense of personal, political and professional integrity, Congressman John Dingell. For 40 years John Dingell has been a champion in the fight to protect consumers from fraud, waste, corruption and environmental pollution. The 16th District of Michigan and all Americans can be confident that their welfare has been well served by the former seven term Commerce Committee chairman. As a member of the Commerce Committee, I have fond memories of my initial introduction to the former chairman, whose vast reputation was only matched by his gigantic physical stature and expansive intellect. During my tenure as a committee member I have marveled at his mastery of legislative procedure and his gift for building political coalitions. Without equivocation, John Dingell has created an indelible impression upon anyone with whom he has come in contact. When the political annals are written about legendary members of Congress, without question, John Dingell's name will appear at the top of that list. America owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Congressman Dingell for his discovery of corrupt billing practices by government contractors, and major safety violations at nuclear weapons facilities. And it was John Dingell who was directly responsible for prompting the American Red Cross to revamp its blood collection system. Americans with disabilities can now function much more effectively and comfortably given the input of Congressman Dingell and his contributions to the Americans with Disabilities Act. And every American who cherishes breathing clean air, owes a tremendous debt to Congressman Dingell for his efforts in promoting the Clean Air Act of 1990. I consider John Dingell a personal friend and mentor. His 40 years of selfless service merit recognition and commendation. The institution of Congress, and the taxpaying public, has gotten the best that John Dingell has had to offer. I salute him for his years of service to, and love for the United States Congress

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to acknowledge Sister Rita Meaney, a native New Yorker. She belongs to the Sisters of Charity, and began her career as a child care worker at St. Agatha's Home for Children in Nanuet, NY. She rose quickly to become director of child care, and eventually its assistant administrator. Sister Rita attended the College of Mount St. Vincent, from which she received her undergraduate degree. She earned her master's degree in social work from Fordham University. Sister Rita is a certified social worker and licensed nursing home administrator. Sister Rita is committed to volunteerism, especially as it relates to providing for the needs of troubled families and children. She currently serves as executive director of St. Joseph Services for Children and Families. Under her guidance, St. Joseph has not only grown but thrived under Sister Rita's direction. The Service offers community-based programs in the prevention of child abuse and neglect; and encourages independent living skills among adolescents. St. Joseph also targets the special needs of foster care children with AIDS; and provides vital services such as health care, psychological counseling, and educational and vocational guidance. I am pleased to acknowledge her unique contributions and selfless service to humanity.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am immensely pleased to acknowledge the retirement of Levander Lilly and to introduce him to my House colleagues. Like me, Levander is a native North Carolinian. He was raised in Albermarle and Badin, NC. Levander graduated from West Badin High School and received his undergraduate degree from Livingstone College, and his M.S. in social work from Adelphi University. Mr. Lilly's career was a reflection of his commitment to his community and to providing assistance to those who needed it most. His first job was with the New York City Youth Bureau as a social worker for inner city youth. He maintained those duties for some 13 years, subsequently being named borough administrator for Brooklyn. After resigning from the bureau, he was appointed as the director of alcohol and drug prevention in School District 19. Four years later, the City chancellor of education appointed Levander to serve as the city-wide coordinator for drug and alcohol prevention programs; a program which serves over one million students and their families. Building upon his career successes, Levander was appointed by the school chancellor to be his special assistant. However, always yearning for self-improvement, Mr. Lilly pursued an advanced degree in school administration from Fordham University. In 1987 he was appointed as school superintendent of School District 19 in the East New York section of Brooklyn. Levander retired from that post on August 22, 1995. I am honored to recognize his numerous and noteworthy achievements.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, we should make no mistake, this reconciliation package removes the basic health safety net for America's neediest citizens, women, children, and the disabled for example, the conference report does not retain the Senate language which would have retained authority for CDC to continue the purchase of a discounted price of some of the vaccines necessary to immunize Medicaid children. This agreement not only allows States to define how is ``disabled,'' this agreement also repeals the current law which guarantees payment of Medicare Part B premiums on behalf of elderly. As a Medicaid conferee, I am truly dismayed that the American people will face a tremendous setback in the quality of their health care delivery systems. I urge the President to uphold his commitment to veto this package in hopes that we can provide something better for those who are ``the least of these.''

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Chairman, last week during a 216-210 vote on the very same matter, I voted no. Unfortunately, there was some kind of malfunction in the voting machine and my vote was not recorded. I want to state for the record that my position on the gentleman from Oklahoma's amendment has not changed. I remain opposed to limitations on any of our citizens' right to petition their Government. Simply because you are a university, a business, or a charitable organization should not force you to give up your first amendment rights. I would urge opposition to this measure by my colleagues. Let us not trample on first amendment protections in an effort to silence critics of the policies promoted by our colleagues across the aisle.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide my colleagues with a profile of courage and conviction used 40 years ago to overcome racial segregation on a golf course in Atlanta, GA. In a legal case that was heard before the Supreme Court, Holmes versus Atlanta, a blow was struck to desegregate public golf courses. This particular case was a precursor to another desegregation case heard by the Supreme Court, Brown versus Board of Education. I encourage my colleagues to read the accompanying article about an epic and courageous battle waged by Alfred Tup Holmes: (By Ken Liebeskind) The philosophies of Alfred (Tup) Holmes and Georgia governor Marvin Griffin collided in the mid-1950's when Holmes and his family challenged segregation in Atlanta: not in the schools or work places, but on the golf course. In 1951, Tup, his brother Oliver and their father, Dr. Hamilton M. Holmes, were turned away from the Bobby Jones course, one of seven public golf courses in Atlanta at the time, because they were black. Then, they launched what their lawyer, Roscoe E. Thomas, recently recalled was ``the first desegregation suit in Atlanta.'' The suit began in United States District court in 1953 and reached the Supreme Court two years later. Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the Court's decision in Holmes v. Atlanta, the case that desegregated public golf. (Discrimination still exists at many private country clubs, which continue to practice exclusionary membership policies based on race and religion.) When most people think of desegregation, they think of Brown v. Board of Education. Brown was rendered a full year earlier, but the case filed by the Holmeses, all now deceased, had a more immediate, effect. ``The first scene of court-ordered desegregation in Georgia was a golf course rather than a school house,'' wrote the Atlanta historians Norman Shavin and Bruce Galpin in ``Atlanta: Triumph of a People.'' Holmes v. Atlanta began in the aftermath of the incident at the Jones course when Tup Holmes and a community committee decided to bring suit against the city. They won a hollow victory in 1954 when District Court Judge Boyd Sloan ruled that blacks had a constitutional right to play golf, but only in accordance with the city's ``separate but equal'' doctrine. He ordered the city to devise a system to accommodate blacks while ``preserving segregation.'' The city offered to let blacks use the public courses Mondays and Tuesdays which was agreeable to some. ``They said this was enough, we don't need to go further because it could jeopardize our jobs,'' Gary Holmes, one of Tup Holmes's sons, recalled last week. But Tup Holmes ``didn't have that fear,'' Gary Holmes said of his father, who died in 1967. ``He was a mover and shaker, bold enough to do that kind of stuff.'' An amateur golf champion and a black union steward at his job at Lockheed Aircraft, Holmes was determined to fight on to win full use of city courses. The case moved to an Appeals Court in New Orleans, where Thurgood Marshall and the N.A.A.C.P. intervened. But when the Court ruled the original decision had given the plaintiffs ``all the relief they asked for,'' the Holmeses were forced to take their fight further, all the way to the Supreme Court. The Court accepted the case in the 1955 fall term, a year after Brown, when it was ``knocking down all kinds of things,'' according to Jack Greenberg, a Columbia University Law School professor who was the long-time director of the N.A.A.C.P's Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Greenberg worked with Thurgood Marshall on the Holmes case. ``The Court was saying, `Haven't you got the message?' '' In fact, the Court quickly overturned the previous rulings in Holmes, sending it back to District court for a decree in favor of the plaintiffs. The decision was applauded in an editorial in The New York Times of Nov. 9, 1955: ``The court's perfectly logical position is that desegregation means desegregation, not segregation on an equal basis.'' But the Atlanta Constitution wrote, ``A majority of Southerners will be shocked and angered by this decision.'' Griffin and other segregationist politicians condemned the decision and vowed to fight it. The Mayor urged the city to sell its course to private individuals who presumably could have kept them segregated. The town of Leland, Miss., sold its course to the Lions Club for $1 to avoid the challenge of integration. But when Judge Sloan got the case again, he ordered the city to desegregate its courses ``immediately.'' The Holmeses took their game public the very next day. Dec. 24, 1955, was ``a happy day in town for black folks,'' said Gary Holmes, who was 12 at the time. But the joy in the community was tempered by a fear of white retaliation.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to acknowledge the retirement of Mrs. Bernice Coleman-Lewis from the U.S. Customs Service. Bernice worked for the Customs Service for 25 years. She rose through the ranks from the position of clerk typist to ultimately become a customs liquidating officer at John F. Kennedy International Airport. During her tenure with Customs, Bernice was instrumental in helping to ensure that the National Treasury Employee Union [NTEU] became the union for Customs employees. She also became the executive vice president of the NTEU. Bernice was also a member of the Quality Circle in Customs. Always mindful of giving back to the community, Bernice participated in the Customs mentor program for inner city youth, and served 2 years as vice president of the Sentinel Society, Inc., a minority Government employee organization. Mrs. Lewis has also been active in community organizations, including the 835 Ocean Avenue Tenants Association. She served as the secretary of St. Catherine Chapter 758, for the order of the Eastern Star, and she became a member of Bridge Street A.M.E. Church of Brooklyn in 1994. Now that she has retired, Bernice is attending State University of New York [SUNY], in Old Westbury, and was accepted into the education program. Mrs. Coleman-Lewis aspires to teach in the Amityville school system on the elementary level. Bernice is a proud parent of four children, two girls, April And Raisa, and two sons, Ajene and Malik. She is also the long time companion of Nathaniel Lewis. It is my distinct pleasure and honor to introduce Mrs. Bernice Coleman-Lewis to my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a very prickly issue that confronts our judicial system: appropriate sentencing for distribution of crack versus powdered cocaine. This is a very important issue because current guidelines require a mandatory sentence of a 5- year prison term for possession of 5 grams of crack. However, it would take 500 grams of powered cocaine to receive a comparable sentence. Both of these substances are illegal, and I am astounded that there is such a disparity in the sentences for distributing these substances. The fact of the matter is that cocaine consumption and distribution is illegal. Additionally, it is a fact that crack cocaine is the inexpensive drug of choice for many inner city citizens; while powered cocaine is consumed principally within upper income groups and suburban communities. As our jail population explodes with additional black inmates charged with dealing cocaine, we must raise the question of why? The answer is based on simple economic principles. African-Americans dominate crack cocaine sales, whereas whites are the chief perpetrators of LSD distribution (93.4 percent), pornography (91 percent), and (100 percent) for anti-trust violations. None of these are lofty endeavors. But my point is simple. We must deal with issues of sentencing equity. The sentence meted out for any type of cocaine distribution should be comparable, and judicial application of the law should be color-blind. Currently that is not the case. That is why the Supreme Court is reviewing this issue. I do not condone the legalization of illicit substances. Nor do I support selective prosecution of any ethnic or economic group. But I am concerned that penal warehouses are being built, and the lion's share of the occupants are African-Americans. I say, let the punishment fit the crime, and do not favor any segment of society over another. Equity and morality require no less.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the contributions of Ms. Stella Polanco Rosario are vital and valuable. She has been directly responsible for dramatically improving the achievement results of Harlem's performance on the testing assessment placement [TAP] exam for adults. Ms. Rosario began her work in this area in 1982 when she became employed with the New York City Department of Employment. At the time, the Harlem center was ranked No. 9, but through Stella's diligent efforts, the center achieved No. 1 performance status in meeting the city's benchmark for client service and program initiatives. Among her other contributions, Ms. Rosario has been instrumental in developing interdisciplinary planning programs for economically and socially disadvantaged youth. For the past 7 years, Ms. Polanco Rosario has been an education representative in Con Edison's Brooklyn public affairs department. Always willing to assist in meeting community needs, Stella has served on boards of directors for a number of not-for-profit community organizations in Brooklyn. She has raised money, planned events, and done whatever was necessary to make a positive difference. I am pleased to acknowledge the contributions that she has made to enrich the lives of many in the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize John Bilbra Talmage for his life's work and achievements. John was born in Aniston, AL, and moved to New York City in 1961. He was formerly the administrator in the school of engineering, at Columbia University. Additionally, he has been an aide to Abe Gerges, and Councilman Ken Fisher. Mr. Talmage is the founder and first chairman of the Columbia University Federal Credit Union. He has also served on the Metrotech Business Improvement District Board of Directors. Mr. Talmage has served on other prestigious community boards dealing with issues of health, religious affairs, and waste storage. John is a tireless and eager servant. His work and enthusiasm are infectious. It is my honor and pleasure to highlight this gentleman's contributions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Hilton Head, SC, is quite a distance from Brooklyn, NY. But one former resident of Hilton Head, Viola Greene, departed to become a resident of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. The borough truly gained an asset with the arrival of Viola 23 years ago. Viola graduated from Brooklyn College where she received a degree in economics. Subsequently, she was employed by the city of New York, where she worked in a variety of capacities, including, neighborhood school worker, legislative aide, administrative assistant, and district manager of Community Board No. 16. As district manager she is responsible for the daily monitoring and coordination of municipal services to the residents of Ocean Hill-Brownsville. Ms. Greene is a member of Berean Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as a member of the board of trustees, and the Women's auxiliary. She is also a member of the Brownsville Family Preservation Program Advisory Board. Additionally, Ms. Greene is the recipient of several awards, most notably the Community Service Award from the Brooklyn Branch of the Key Women of America, the Carter G. Woodson Cultural Literacy Project, and the Rachel J. Mitchell Scholarship Foundation.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Natalie Helen Jacobs retired after 50 years of exemplary Federal service to America's veterans on September 30, 1995. This daughter of a Baptist minister--Rev. Frank Walter Jacobs--and a school teacher--Mrs. Natalie Taylor Jacobs--was born in Norfolk, VA. She received her early education at the Alabama State Teachers College Laboratory in the public schools of Bridgeport, CT. In 1943 Natalie received her degree, with honors from Bennett [[Page E 2103]] College in Greensboro, NC. And in 1944 Mrs. Cave received her graduate degree in social work from Atlanta University. For 50 years Natalie practiced social work in a variety of capacities, including a stint as a case worker at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tuskegee, AL. She met her husband, Dr. Vernal Cave while working in Alabama. They subsequently transferred to Brooklyn, NY where they still reside. Mrs. Cave holds numerous memberships in various professional organizations, including the Auxiliary of the National Medical Association, of which she is a former national president. Her other memberships include the Advisory Board of the Public Affairs Committee, the Brooklyn Chapter of Links, Inc., the YWCA, the NAACP, and the Kings County Medical Society Auxiliary. Additionally, she is an active archousa of the Sigma Phi Pi Fraternity, and a trustee of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Mrs. Cave has traveled extensively, including six countries in Africa, and a trip around the world. In adminstering to the needs of our Nation's veterans and those of the society at large, this gracious and empathetic lady has contributed greatly to making this a better world. I am immensely proud of one of Brooklyn's best and dedicated citizens.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce my colleagues to Michael Olmeda. Michael's story is a testament to overcoming personal adversity. At one point in his life he succumbed to substance abuse, but through personal resolve, he continues to escape the lure of chemical reliance and self-indulgence. Mike presently works for Assemblyman Darryl Towns, and cut his political teeth working for Senator Ada Smith. In his current capacity, he works with senior citizens and a substance abuse rehabilitation program. Mr. Olmeda is married to his wife of 14 years, Cecilia, and they have three children, Steven, Raquel, and Travis. He lives by a philosophy that is his source of renewal, ``Each One, Teach One.'' Truly, the experience of Michael Olmeda is a profile in courage and success.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, as each of us moves down the roadway of life to our golden years, it is comforting to know that there are caregivers and service providers who specialize in attending to the needs of the senior population. Simon Pelman is such a person. For over 20 years, he has devoted his time, talents and energy to bettering the lives of the elderly. He has been instrumental in raising the standards of care in nursing homes throughout the State of New York. Beginning with Greenpark Care Center, a 400-bed long-term care facility, Simon has always endeavored to care for his elderly clients with the utmost of devotion and respect. His zeal to be efficient and considerate is clearly evidenced by his pursuit of two master's degrees in geriatrics. As a matter of fact, he has also received prestigious quality of life awards for his service. Very active politically, Simon has utilized his abilities to assist people in the community, particularly as the district representative on the legislative committee of the New York State Health Facilities Association. He is also very active in promoting the needs of the learning disabled, and has been recognized by the board of education. I am delighted to salute Mr. Pelman for his impressive and important work. [[Page E 2110]]

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the contributions of Ms. Stella Polanco Rosario are vital and valuable. She has been directly responsible for dramatically improving the achievement results of Harlem's performance on the testing assessment placement [TAP] exam for adults. Ms. Rosario began her work in this area in 1982 when she became employed with the New York City Department of Employment. At the time, the Harlem center was ranked No. 9, but through Stella's diligent efforts, the center achieved No. 1 performance status in meeting the city's benchmark for client service and program initiatives. Among her other contributions, Ms. Rosario has been instrumental in developing interdisciplinary planning programs for economically and socially disadvantaged youth. For the past 7 years, Ms. Polanco Rosario has been an education representative in Con Edison's Brooklyn Public Affairs Department. Always willing to assist in meeting community needs, Stella has served on boards of directors for a number of not-for-profit community organizations in Brooklyn. She has raised money, planned events, and done whatever was necessary to make a positive difference. I am pleased to acknowledge the contributions she has made to enrich the lives of many in the Brooklyn community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I come before the House today to extol the many milestones of Gwyn Gandy. Gwyn is the chief executive officer and president of C&G Insurance Brokerage Co., Inc., a full-service firm specializing in all forms of insurance. Gwyn is a 12-year veteran of the insurance industry and has the distinction of being the only African-American female from New York to participate in the Democratic National Convention [DMC] which awarded a contract that provided for special events coverage as part of the DNC. Gwyn's parents left the rural south and traveled to Brooklyn where she was raised as the oldest of six children. Financial necessity [[Page E 2091]] prompted Gwyn's entrepreneurial talents to shine through, as she became a very competent door-to-door saleswoman. She graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School at the age of 17. A marriage which ended in divorce produced three children, Kenneth, Sheree, and Kevin, each of whom has distinguished themselves academically and professionally. Ms. Gandy is a graduate of Hunter College and the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is a staunch environmentalist and community activist. Gwyn serves as a member of the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA Board of Managers, and has served on the trustee board of the First A.M.E. Zion Church in Brooklyn. I am delighted to share her vast contributions to the community and America with my House colleagues.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed my pleasure to recognize the hard work and patience of John Sampson. John is a product of the New York Public School System. He later attended Brooklyn College where he graduated with a degree in political science. John became fascinated by the legal profession and decided to attend law school. In 1988 John enrolled at Albany Law School and graduated in 1991. He went to work for the Legal Aid Society and subsequently became employed with the Brooklyn law firm of Alter & Barbaro, Esqs, specializing in housing, criminal, and contract law. Always active in local community affairs, John participates in political campaigns and represents candidates in election law matters before the Supreme Court. Mr. Sampson is also a member of the Rosetta Gaston Democratic Club. John is devoted to his family and he and his wife Crystal are the proud parents of a baby girl, Kyra Chanel Sampson.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, Jeffrey Ziff of my district has distinguished himself as a member of the community and a practitioner in the legal field. He attended Fordham Law School and has served for many years as an arbitrator in the small claims court in Kings County, NY. Mr. Ziff has been a pioneer in the field of vehicle and traffic law in New York City, and his expertise has proven to be especially helpful to immigrants when they have had to contend with State and city agencies. A former teacher in the New York school system, he received his Teacher of the Year Award during his teaching tenure from 1968-1971 at P.S. 138 in district 17, in Brooklyn. Mr. Ziff and his wife reside in Brooklyn. The borough of Brooklyn has been enriched by his contributions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to introduce to my colleagues, Carmen A. Pacheco, a native of Brooklyn. She is the founding member of Pacheco & Lugo, Attorneys at Law, the first Hispanic women-owned law firm in New York. Ms. Pacheco has an impressive academic portfolio. She received her law degree from St. John's University School of Law, and her bachelor's degree from City University of New York. Her varied professional career includes work as an attorney on Wall Street. Ms. Pacheco has amassed considerable expertise by providing corporate services to multimillion and billion dollar companies such as Transamerica, and the United States Trust Company of New York to name a few. Carmen is a multitalented professional who takes immense pride in her work. Ms. Pacheco has been lauded for her professional and community work. She is active in the New York State Bar Executive Committee Association on Federal and Commercial Litigation. She is also a member of the Puerto Rican Bar Association, and the Hispanic National Bar Association. It is my distinct honor to recognize Ms. Pacheco for her sterling contributions.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Richard Bramwell, president, CEO, and cofounder of Shinda Management Corp., a Queens-based real estate management company. Mr. Bramwell is directly responsible for building a business that employs in excess of 40 employees. His company provides management and accounting services for over 3,000 residential apartment units. Shinda Management Corp. has specialized in the management of large multifamily housing developments, and has developed a stellar reputation as specialists in workout and other distressed properties. Mr. Bramwell earned a bachelor's degree from Hofstra University and is a New York State real estate broker. He is a certified public housing manager and a member of the New York Association of Realty Managers and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. I am pleased to highlight the accomplishments of Mr. Richard Bramwell.