E2432 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 18, 2005 1912, it was unfairly divided so that only half the Pacific and participated in the Battle of IN RECOGNITION OF of the seven million Albanians who live in Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. In one engage- CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER GIF- the Balkans today live in the State of Alba- FORD MILLER nia, with the other half living on her borders ment, the Battle of Surigao Strait, the USS in five other jurisdictions. The State of Melvin fired a torpedo that hit the Japanese Yugoslavia was created after World War I on battleship Fuso, splitting it in half and eventu- HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY the backs of the Albanian people and on ally sinking it. According to historical reports, OF NEW YORK their land. Then Communism again sub- the USS Melvin was the only destroyer to sink IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES merged the Albanian people—this time a battleship in World War II. For his heroism throwing them into a political and economic Friday, November 18, 2005 ‘‘black hole,’’ stretching from Belgrade to and leadership aboard the USS Melvin, Admi- Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay Tirana, for almost fifty years after World ral Atkins was awarded the Navy Cross. In tribute to Gifford Miller, Speaker of the New War II. It is a wonder that the Albanian peo- 1959, Admiral Atkins retired after 27 years of York City Council. Speaker Miller led the ple kept their language, their history, and faithful service to the U.S. Navy. Council through four contentious years, win- their hope alive throughout the last six hun- dred years of occupation and resistance. It is Admiral Atkins’ bravery during the Battle of ning on issues that are important to New York- a wonder that, amid all the national stress Leyte Gulf helped change the course of our ers. He has been an exceptional City Council and personal sacrifice, that Gjergj Kastrioti Nation’s history and I am truly grateful for his Speaker who has truly made a has not been forgotten altogether. But he leadership and unwavering courage aboard better place to live. As a colleague, an ally has not been forgotten, and it is a tribute to the USS Melvin. I hope that you will join me and a friend, he has been one of the best his greatness and to the besa of the Albanian in honoring the life and service of Admiral public servants around. people that, against all odds, Albanians are Speaker Miller began his political career in Barry K. Atkins and offering our most sincere standing free today, in Albania and Kosova, my office. He rose quickly from an entry level and that the sons and daughters of condolences to his family and friends. Skenderbeg continue to adore him as their position in my Washington office to running my New York district office. From the begin- national hero and liberator, and are building f even more memorials to his past and present ning his talents were obvious. He was hard- glory and significance—even, with a U.S. IN HONOR OF KEITH SHAFFER working and dedicated, drafting legislation to Congressional Resolution (H. Res. 522), in the fund the development of pocket parks in urban capital of the only superpower in the world areas and other matters. Recognizing his abili- today, Washington, DC. ties, I soon promoted him to run my district of- AUTHOR’S POSTSCRIPT HON. SAM FARR fice. The battle of Apulia in the southern part OF CALIFORNIA As Chief of Staff in my New York office, he of the Italian Peninsula, near Naples, is of established himself as a knowledgeable, com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES special significance to me and my family. In mitted leader in the community. Most of all, 1461, after Skenderbeg and his elite cavalry helped save the Kingdom of Naples from Friday, November 18, 2005 Speaker Miller clearly loves New York City, French domination, the future security of and wants to make this the best possible the Kingdom was assured when Gjergj Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to place to live. Thus, when he ran for City Kastrioti decided to leave two thousand honor the life and legacy of Keith Shaffer, an Council in a special election, he had enor- horsemen there, while he returned to Alba- influential and much beloved member of the mous credibility and was able to defeat a well- nia to continue to defend the Albanian peo- community in the Santa Cruz area. Mr. Shaffer known opponent. ple from Ottoman Turkish domination. As lived a life of dedicated and generous service I will never forget that election. Called for an inducement for Skenderbeg to agree to the dead of winter, petitioning took place on what must have been a difficult decision for to his community. He is survived by his wife him, the King of Naples awarded the Alba- Elinor Shaffer; his two sons, William and Rich- chilly street comers in dreadful weather. I nian soldiers an area about forty miles east ard Shaffer; daughter-in-law Alana Shaffer; joined Miller and his volunteers in standing out of Naples, including a high mountaintop vil- and his two grandsons. in freezing temperatures. People were im- lage called Greci. Greci had been formed by pressed by his energy, drive and cheerfulness, Greek farmers and merchants in 535 AD and Mr. Shaffer was born in the San Joaquin even in appalling conditions. They saw clearly had since declined after most Greeks aban- Valley town of Atwater, on October 15, 1915. that he was going to work hard for his con- doned the area that they had controlled in After serving as a naval aviator during World stituents, and he always has. the first millennium. Albanians changed the War II, he eventually moved to the Santa Cruz Miller quickly established himself as a smart name of the village to ‘‘Katundi,’’ which is area in 1950, where he took over his brother’s and aggressive legislator, who was able to the name used today by the Albanian resi- dents, even though the Italians still call it floral business. While Mr. Shaffer was a suc- stand up for his district. He passed laws to re- Greci. My father, Joseph, Sr. immigrated to cessful businessman, he also found time to duce noise, increase voter participation and America from Katundi in 1929 at the age of give back to the community, by serving on nu- protect the environment. fifteen. His family is descended from one of merous school boards, the Dominican Hospital On January 9, 2002, Miller was unanimously Skenderbeg’s two thousand soldiers, and this Advisory Board, the Rotary Club of Santa elected by his colleagues to the post of City is a great reminder that the seeds of Cruz, the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, Council Speaker. For the last 4 years, Miller Skenderbeg are still spreading across the has led the , overseeing oceans of the world today. and the California Automobile Association. Mr. Shaffer was a shining example of dedication the passage of all new laws and the city’s $47 f billion budget. As part of the budget agree- and devotion to citizens of the community. IN MEMORY OF ADMIRAL BARRY ment for FY2005, Miller fought for and won K. ATKINS, U.S. NAVY (RET.) In 1937, Keith Shaffer married his childhood $50 million in tax cuts for more than 700,000 sweetheart Elinor George. Along with his wife workers through the passage of New York HON. ERIC CANTOR Elinor, and his two sons, William and Richard, City’s first Earned Income Tax Credit. the other love of Mr. Shaffer’s life was his or- Under his leadership, the Council has OF VIRGINIA chids. Mr. Shaffer was well known within the passed more legislation than any previous IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES floral community for his creation of several hy- council, including bills to extend a living wage Friday, November 18, 2005 brid orchids, most notably his ‘‘Capitola Moon- to 50,000 workers, protect children from lead Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to light,’’ which was recognized by the Royal paint poisoning, provide training and education honor the late Admiral Barry K. Atkins of Rich- Horticulture Society with its highest honor, and to people moving from welfare to work, require mond, Virginia, who passed away on Tuesday, perhaps his favorite, the ‘‘Elinor Shaffer.’’ every city hospital to offer emergency contra- November 15, 2005. Admiral Atkins spent a ception to sexual assault victims, provide more lifetime in service to his country and should be Mr. Speaker, the service of local members school nurses to more city students and es- honored today. of the community are an asset to this Nation, tablish tax credits to encourage greater energy In 1932 Admiral Atkins graduated from the and I am deeply grateful for the contributions saving and cleaner air. U.S. Naval Academy and began his distin- of Mr. Shaffer. The passing of Mr. Shaffer is Throughout his term as Speaker, Miller was guished career as a Naval officer. During a painful loss for the community. It is clear forced to battle the mayor and Governor to World War II, Admiral Atkins took over com- that Keith Shaffer has made a lasting impact preserve New York’s priorities. He was re- mand of the USS Melvin, a Navy destroyer. on the community, and I join the Santa Cruz markably successful. Miller led the Council in Admiral Atkins and his men were stationed in area in honoring the memory of Mr. Shaffer. overturning mayoral vetoes 21 times, more

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:26 Nov 20, 2005 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18NO8.121 E18NOPT1 November 18, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2433 times than any previous Council. These may- members: ‘‘He was a natural leader. He Marin Council of Agencies, the Marin County oral overrides enabled much-needed legisla- helped lead the efforts to break the color line, Adult Criminal Justice Commission, the Center tion to become law, including measures to not only in the ILWU, but in other unions and for Southeast Asian Refugee Resettlement, provide rape victims with emergency contra- in the community. He was an outstanding ne- the African American Coalition of Marin, and ception, expand access to birth control, pro- gotiator and union officer. And he took care of many other groups. vide training for people moving from welfare to business for the members.’’ His special interests were people, music, work, prevent homeowners from being unrea- Curtis was a tireless advocate of working reading, learning new things, all sports, and sonably fined and protect our air and water. people. He helped form the alliance between working with his family in his herb and vege- As a result of his efforts in budget fights, hun- the Teamsters and the ILWU that created the table garden. With a voice as smooth as silk, dreds of millions of dollars have been restored Northern California Warehouse Council, his love of music (his ‘‘unforgiving mistress’’) to the City budget for health care, child care, whose influence stretched to the Oregon bor- called to him no matter where he was. On college scholarships, libraries, senior citizens der. Curtis was also instrumental in the civil international junkets with the UN and the Jew- and HIV/AIDS prevention. In 2002, Miller’s rights movement, opening up employment op- ish Community Federation, the band somehow Education First campaign helped prevent hun- portunities to people of color in San Fran- knew to invite him on stage to sing. Shortly dreds of millions in proposed cuts to New York cisco’s auto and burgeoning hotel and tourism before his death, Luther achieved his greatest City’s public schools. industries. dream with the publication of his book of short Gifford Miller is an extraordinarily talented Curtis McClain also led in movements for stories titled, ‘‘Our Color Our Kind: A Male and hard-working public servant. Although social justice, peace, and disarmament. Mayor Bedside Reader.’’ At the time of his death, he term limits are bringing an end to his Speaker- Jack Shelly appointed him to the San Fran- was at work on an original screenplay and ship, I am hopeful that he will remain active in cisco Human Rights Commission, and Mayor new short stories. public life. New York city needs him. George Moscone appointed him to the San He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues Francisco Fire Commission where he served Christine [Tina] (Mattice) Wallace; son James join me in paying tribute to Speaker Gifford for 12 years. Matthew Wallace, Santa Cruz, CA; daughter Miller, a remarkable public servant and com- Curtis McClain reminded us what can be ac- Cassandra Jane Wallace-James, Thousand munity leader. complished with determination and belief in Oaks, CA; grandchildren Tanesha Cherie, f the person working right beside you. His hard Tony LaBarron, Jr., and Luther Demetrius, IV STATEMENT IN HONOR OF CURTIS work for social justice and workers’ rights Wallace-James; his special ‘‘sister’’ Donella broke barriers and deepened the ties of our Dennis, Los Angeles, CA; and a host of cous- MCCLAIN wonderfully diverse community. Our thoughts ins, nieces and nephews. are with his family and friends as they gather Mr. Speaker, Luther Wallace inspired so HON. NANCY PELOSI to remember him, and we thank them for shar- many with his passion for human rights and OF CALIFORNIA ing Curtis with us. justice. His dedication and leadership enriched IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f and informed the African American community Friday, November 18, 2005 and all of us in Marin County who will benefit TRIBUTE TO LUTHER C. WALLACE Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to from his legacy. honor Curtis McClain, a champion of the trade f union movement and trailblazer for racial HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY TRIBUTE TO TONY BENNETT equality, who passed away November 6 after OF CALIFORNIA a long battle with cancer. Friends and col- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES leagues will gather on December 3 to pay trib- Friday, November 18, 2005 HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY ute to his lifetime of service to the working OF RHODE ISLAND men and women of America. Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor Luther C. Wallace of Marin County, Born of humble means in Akron, Ohio, Friday, November 18, 2005 World War II provided Curtis passage to a California, a community leader who passed new life. After his discharge he relocated to away from a brain tumor on November 10, Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speak- San Francisco to find work. He found it in 2005. Luther was a visionary whose approach er, I rise today to honor an Icon of American ILWU Warehouse Local 6 working at Schmidt to inclusivity and human rights taught us all a Culture and one of our country’s finest citi- Lithography. He said, ‘‘I went into the paper lesson. zens, Tony Bennett. Much has already been seasoning department where work was Born in Bakersfield in 1941, Luther grew up said and written about the life and work of sweaty, hot and dusty. Although it was the last in Oxnard where, at a young age, he learned Tony Bennett, but I am honored to have the place I wanted to work, I needed the job so I the importance of empowerment from his fam- opportunity to say a few words about my stayed for 14 years.’’ ily. As a preteen, he stuffed envelopes for the friend here. Curtis became frustrated by post-war dis- NAACP, church functions, and local politi- Tony has been a part of the experience of crimination against African-Americans in the cians. In 1968, after serving in Viet Nam, he being an American for the last six decades. labor movement. Being passed over repeat- worked as a community organizer with the His arrival as a force in our culture was an- edly for promotion due to race inspired Curtis Ventura County Community Action Agency nounced nearly seventy years ago at the to form a group of African-Americans in Local while using his GI bill allotment to complete a opening of the Triborough Bridge in New York 6 called the Frontiersmen. Their encourage- degree in Psychology from California State City. At 10 years old, the son of an Italian im- ment and that of International and other local University, Northridge. He later earned a Mas- migrant and grocery store operator, Anthony officers drew Curtis into leadership positions. ters in Public Administration just prior to his Dominick Benedetto was invited to sing at a In 1960, Curtis became in the first African- first brain surgery. ceremony to open the bridge by another fa- American to be elected Business Agent for Luther went on to manage an energy con- mous son of Italy, New York’s iconic Mayor Local 6. servation program for the State of California . At the time, our country By 1969, Curtis was an important labor and service agencies in Ventura, Santa Cruz, was in the midst of a staggering Great De- leader in San Francisco and was elected Marin, and Santa Clara counties. Under his pression, President Roosevelt had begun the Local President, followed 2 years later by a leadership, the Human Rights Resource Cen- ‘‘New Deal,’’ and that bridge was a concrete position on the International Executive Com- ter, Inc. in San Rafael provided services—in- symbol that New York City, that America, and mittee of the ILWU. In 1977, he broke another cluding training manuals, Cultural Awareness that Americans, would persevere. The Bridge racial barrier when he was elected ILWU Sec- Training, and public policy recommendations— stood as the accomplishment of our American retary-Treasurer, the position he held until re- to every State as well as to 9 foreign coun- ingenuity, our hard work, and our craftsman- tirement in 1990. tries. ship. Looking back, with those values in mind, Curtis served with ILWU International Presi- Luther’s influence, often centered in the Afri- it is altogether fitting that Tony Bennett was dent Jimmy Herman. Together they fought for can American community, was also wide- there. a democratic and diverse trade union and spread through his commitment and involve- The ingenuity of his voice and his style have guided their membership through turbulent ment in the California Rainbow Coalition (co- transcended generations of American music times. founder), The California Democratic Party Ex- fans. Tony once quipped that he was spoiled Longtime Local 6 leader LeRoy King, who ecutive Board, the Marin Black/Jewish Dia- because he, ‘‘never had to sing songs [he] helped found the Trailblazers with Curtis, re- logue (co-founder), the Marin City Project, the didn’t like.’’ But it is generations of Americans

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