27530 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS November 18, 2005 leadership and unwavering courage aboard Speaker Miller began his political career in Gifford Miller is an extraordinarily talented the USS Melvin. I hope that you will join me my office. He rose quickly from an entry level and hard-working public servant. Although in honoring the life and service of Admiral position in my Washington office to running term limits are bringing an end to his Speaker- Barry K. Atkins and offering our most sincere my district office. From the begin- ship, I am hopeful that he will remain active in condolences to his family and friends. ning his talents were obvious. He was hard- public life. needs him. f working and dedicated, drafting legislation to Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues fund the development of pocket parks in urban join me in paying tribute to Speaker Gifford IN HONOR OF KEITH SHAFFER areas and other matters. Recognizing his abili- Miller, a remarkable public servant and com- ties, I soon promoted him to run my district of- munity leader. HON. SAM FARR fice. f OF As Chief of Staff in my New York office, he IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES established himself as a knowledgeable, com- STATEMENT IN HONOR OF CURTIS MCCLAIN Friday, November 18, 2005 mitted leader in the community. Most of all, Speaker Miller clearly loves New York City, Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to and wants to make this the best possible honor the life and legacy of Keith Shaffer, an HON. place to live. Thus, when he ran for City OF CALIFORNIA influential and much beloved member of the Council in a special election, he had enor- community in the Santa Cruz area. Mr. Shaffer IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mous credibility and was able to defeat a well- lived a life of dedicated and generous service Friday, November 18, 2005 known opponent. to his community. He is survived by his wife I will never forget that election. Called for Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Elinor Shaffer; his two sons, William and Rich- the dead of winter, petitioning took place on honor Curtis McClain, a champion of the trade ard Shaffer; daughter-in-law Alana Shaffer; chilly street comers in dreadful weather. I union movement and trailblazer for racial and his two grandsons. joined Miller and his volunteers in standing out equality, who passed away November 6 after Mr. Shaffer was born in the San Joaquin in freezing temperatures. People were im- a long battle with cancer. Friends and col- Valley town of Atwater, on October 15, 1915. pressed by his energy, drive and cheerfulness, leagues will gather on December 3 to pay trib- After serving as a naval aviator during World even in appalling conditions. They saw clearly ute to his lifetime of service to the working War II, he eventually moved to the Santa Cruz that he was going to work hard for his con- men and women of America. area in 1950, where he took over his brother’s stituents, and he always has. Born of humble means in Akron, , floral business. While Mr. Shaffer was a suc- Miller quickly established himself as a smart World War II provided Curtis passage to a cessful businessman, he also found time to and aggressive legislator, who was able to new life. After his discharge he relocated to give back to the community, by serving on nu- stand up for his district. He passed laws to re- to find work. He found it in merous school boards, the Dominican Hospital duce noise, increase voter participation and ILWU Warehouse Local 6 working at Schmidt Advisory Board, the Rotary Club of Santa protect the environment. Lithography. He said, ‘‘I went into the paper Cruz, the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, On January 9, 2002, Miller was unanimously seasoning department where work was and the California Automobile Association. Mr. elected by his colleagues to the post of City sweaty, hot and dusty. Although it was the last Shaffer was a shining example of dedication Council Speaker. For the last 4 years, Miller place I wanted to work, I needed the job so I and devotion to citizens of the community. has led the , overseeing stayed for 14 years.’’ In 1937, Keith Shaffer married his childhood the passage of all new laws and the city’s $47 Curtis became frustrated by post-war dis- sweetheart Elinor George. Along with his wife billion budget. As part of the budget agree- crimination against African-Americans in the Elinor, and his two sons, William and Richard, ment for FY2005, Miller fought for and won labor movement. Being passed over repeat- the other love of Mr. Shaffer’s life was his or- $50 million in tax cuts for more than 700,000 edly for promotion due to race inspired Curtis chids. Mr. Shaffer was well known within the workers through the passage of New York to form a group of African-Americans in Local floral community for his creation of several hy- City’s first Earned Income Tax Credit. 6 called the Frontiersmen. Their encourage- brid orchids, most notably his ‘‘Capitola Moon- Under his leadership, the Council has ment and that of International and other local light,’’ which was recognized by the Royal passed more legislation than any previous officers drew Curtis into leadership positions. Horticulture Society with its highest honor, and council, including bills to extend a living wage In 1960, Curtis became in the first African- perhaps his favorite, the ‘‘Elinor Shaffer.’’ to 50,000 workers, protect children from lead American to be elected Business Agent for Mr. Speaker, the service of local members paint poisoning, provide training and education Local 6. of the community are an asset to this Nation, to people moving from welfare to work, require By 1969, Curtis was an important labor and I am deeply grateful for the contributions every city hospital to offer emergency contra- leader in San Francisco and was elected of Mr. Shaffer. The passing of Mr. Shaffer is ception to sexual assault victims, provide more Local President, followed 2 years later by a a painful loss for the community. It is clear school nurses to more city students and es- position on the International Executive Com- that Keith Shaffer has made a lasting impact tablish tax credits to encourage greater energy mittee of the ILWU. In 1977, he broke another on the community, and I join the Santa Cruz saving and cleaner air. racial barrier when he was elected ILWU Sec- area in honoring the memory of Mr. Shaffer. Throughout his term as Speaker, Miller was retary-Treasurer, the position he held until re- f forced to battle the mayor and Governor to tirement in 1990. IN RECOGNITION OF NEW YORK preserve New York’s priorities. He was re- Curtis served with ILWU International Presi- CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER GIF- markably successful. Miller led the Council in dent Jimmy Herman. Together they fought for FORD MILLER overturning mayoral vetoes 21 times, more a democratic and diverse trade union and times than any previous Council. These may- guided their membership through turbulent HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY oral overrides enabled much-needed legisla- times. OF NEW YORK tion to become law, including measures to Longtime Local 6 leader LeRoy King, who provide rape victims with emergency contra- helped found the Trailblazers with Curtis, re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ception, expand access to birth control, pro- members: ‘‘He was a natural leader. He Friday, November 18, 2005 vide training for people moving from welfare to helped lead the efforts to break the color line, Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay work, prevent homeowners from being unrea- not only in the ILWU, but in other unions and tribute to Gifford Miller, Speaker of the New sonably fined and protect our air and water. in the community. He was an outstanding ne- York City Council. Speaker Miller led the As a result of his efforts in budget fights, hun- gotiator and union officer. And he took care of Council through four contentious years, win- dreds of millions of dollars have been restored business for the members.’’ ning on issues that are important to New York- to the City budget for health care, child care, Curtis was a tireless advocate of working ers. He has been an exceptional City Council college scholarships, libraries, senior citizens people. He helped form the alliance between Speaker who has truly made New York City a and HIV/AIDS prevention. In 2002, Miller’s the Teamsters and the ILWU that created the better place to live. As a colleague, an ally Education First campaign helped prevent hun- Northern California Warehouse Council, and a friend, he has been one of the best dreds of millions in proposed cuts to New York whose influence stretched to the Oregon bor- public servants around. City’s public schools. der. Curtis was also instrumental in the civil

VerDate Sep 11 2014 11:05 Mar 02, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00313 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\2005BOUNDRECORD\BOOK20\BR18NO05.DAT BR18NO05 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE November 18, 2005 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 27531 rights movement, opening up employment op- his love of music (his ‘‘unforgiving mistress’’) trum, and been acknowledged by his industry portunities to people of color in San Fran- called to him no matter where he was. On for his lifetime of achievement. Yet, he con- cisco’s auto and burgeoning hotel and tourism international junkets with the UN and the Jew- tinues to work, bringing enjoyment to thou- industries. ish Community Federation, the band somehow sands of fans each year, and winning new Curtis McClain also led in movements for knew to invite him on stage to sing. Shortly ones each day. social justice, peace, and disarmament. Mayor before his death, Luther achieved his greatest His accomplishments are not limited to just Jack Shelly appointed him to the San Fran- dream with the publication of his book of short music. He is also an accomplished painter in cisco Human Rights Commission, and Mayor stories titled, ‘‘Our Color Our Kind: A Male his own right. He is a tireless advocate for Ju- George Moscone appointed him to the San Bedside Reader.’’ At the time of his death, he venile Diabetes research, and the American Francisco Fire Commission where he served was at work on an original screenplay and Cancer Society—each year he donates one of for 12 years. new short stories. his paintings for the ACS holiday card. He has Curtis McClain reminded us what can be ac- He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary been a friend of Presidents and Heads of complished with determination and belief in Christine [Tina] (Mattice) Wallace; son James State, singing at the Inaugural festivities for the person working right beside you. His hard Matthew Wallace, Santa Cruz, CA; daughter President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and Presi- work for social justice and workers’ rights Cassandra Jane Wallace-James, Thousand dent Bill Clinton in 1993. broke barriers and deepened the ties of our Oaks, CA; grandchildren Tanesha Cherie, Tony has never been afraid to point out in- wonderfully diverse community. Our thoughts Tony LaBarron, Jr., and Luther Demetrius, IV justice and advocate for equality. He marched are with his family and friends as they gather Wallace-James; his special ‘‘sister’’ Donella with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to remember him, and we thank them for shar- Dennis, Los Angeles, CA; and a host of cous- in Selma, Alabama, and was an activist ing Curtis with us. ins, nieces and nephews. throughout the Civil Rights Movement. Coretta f Mr. Speaker, Luther Wallace inspired so Scott King, bestowing the Martin Luther King many with his passion for human rights and Center Award for Excellence upon Mr. Bennett TRIBUTE TO LUTHER C. WALLACE justice. His dedication and leadership enriched in 2001, said, ‘‘Tony is not only one of Amer- and informed the African American community ica’s premier performing artists, but he was a HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY and all of us in Marin County who will benefit deeply-committed friend and supporter of my OF CALIFORNIA from his legacy. husband and the Civil Rights Movement, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f he has continued to support the efforts of the King Center to fulfill Martin’s dream.’’ Friday, November 18, 2005 TRIBUTE TO TONY BENNETT The list of accomplishments for Tony is in- Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to numerable, he has embodied the American honor Luther C. Wallace of Marin County, HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY spirit and he has lived the American dream. I California, a community leader who passed OF RHODE ISLAND could not be more pleased that the Kennedy away from a brain tumor on November 10, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Center for the Performing Arts has chosen to 2005. Luther was a visionary whose approach honor Tony Bennett with its highest honors on to inclusivity and human rights taught us all a Friday, November 18, 2005 December 4th, 2005. Tony is truly a credit to lesson. Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speak- his Italian heritage, and to the contributions of Born in Bakersfield in 1941, Luther grew up er, I rise today to honor an Icon of American millions of immigrant families who have made in Oxnard where, at a young age, he learned Culture and one of our country’s finest citi- this country great. the importance of empowerment from his fam- zens, Tony Bennett. Much has already been His story is that of what is possible in Amer- ily. As a preteen, he stuffed envelopes for the said and written about the life and work of ica, what is great about America, and his life NAACP, church functions, and local politi- Tony Bennett, but I am honored to have the is the embodiment of what it means to be an cians. In 1968, after serving in Viet Nam, he opportunity to say a few words about my American. In short, Tony Bennett is a national worked as a community organizer with the friend here. treasure, and it is with great pride that I speak Ventura County Community Action Agency Tony has been a part of the experience of today as his friend to say thank you for his while using his GI bill allotment to complete a being an American for the last six decades. contribution to our Democracy. degree in Psychology from California State His arrival as a force in our culture was an- f University, Northridge. He later earned a Mas- nounced nearly seventy years ago at the IMPORTANCE OF IMPACT AID ters in Public Administration just prior to his opening of the Triborough Bridge in New York first brain surgery. City. At 10 years old, the son of an Italian im- Luther went on to manage an energy con- migrant and grocery store operator, Anthony HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO servation program for the State of California Dominick Benedetto was invited to sing at a OF ILLINOIS and service agencies in Ventura, Santa Cruz, ceremony to open the bridge by another fa- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Marin, and Santa Clara counties. Under his mous son of Italy, New York’s iconic Mayor Friday, November 18, 2005 leadership, the Human Rights Resource Cen- . At the time, our country Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, as a co-chair ter, Inc. in San Rafael provided services—in- was in the midst of a staggering Great De- of the Congressional Impact Aid Coalition, I cluding training manuals, Cultural Awareness pression, President Roosevelt had begun the rise today in strong support of the Impact Aid Training, and public policy recommendations— ‘‘New Deal,’’ and that bridge was a concrete program. to every State as well as to 9 foreign coun- symbol that New York City, that America, and Impact Aid provides important resources to tries. that Americans, would persevere. The Bridge replace lost tax dollars to school districts that Luther’s influence, often centered in the Afri- stood as the accomplishment of our American include a military base, Indian land, or any can American community, was also wide- ingenuity, our hard work, and our craftsman- type of Federal presence or activity to assist spread through his commitment and involve- ship. Looking back, with those values in mind, with the basic educational needs of its stu- ment in the California Rainbow Coalition (co- it is altogether fitting that Tony Bennett was dents. These funds improve the quality of life founder), The California Democratic Party Ex- there. for our military personnel by ensuring their ecutive Board, the Marin Black/Jewish Dia- The ingenuity of his voice and his style have children receive a quality education wherever logue (co-founder), the Marin City Project, the transcended generations of American music they are stationed. Marin Council of Agencies, the Marin County fans. Tony once quipped that he was spoiled Due to budget constraints, the Impact Aid Adult Criminal Justice Commission, the Center because he, ‘‘never had to sing songs [he] program faces unique challenges. While most for Southeast Asian Refugee Resettlement, didn’t like.’’ But it is generations of Americans education programs contend with an increase the African American Coalition of Marin, and who have been spoiled by a sound that, no in the cost per pupil each year, Impact Aid many other groups. matter where or when it is heard, is always faces the additional challenge of an increasing His special interests were people, music, fresh, always new, and uniquely American. number of military dependents within the pro- reading, learning new things, all sports, and As Tony approaches his 80th birthday, he gram—projected to dramatically increase over working with his family in his herb and vege- has sold more than 50 million records, he has the next 10 years—causing the cost of fully table garden. With a voice as smooth as silk, won the praise of musicians across the spec- funding Impact Aid to escalate sharply.

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