December 14, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2133 2010, I am not recorded because I was absent mula and replaces it with a system that fairly member of the community. On October 30, because I gave birth to my baby daughter. compensates physicians for treating Medicare 2010, Mr. Blandina retired from his position as Had I been present, I would have voted, patients. Until we have a new system, we of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle ‘‘yea.’’ must pass this one-year fix to ensure that Commission in Lakewood, New Jersey. He is f American seniors and military families have also recognized for his work with various polit- the access to their physicians. ical organizations in Ocean County, including MEDICARE AND MEDICAID f EXTENDERS ACT OF 2010 the Brick Township Democratic Municipal HONORING J. DAVID COLFAX OF Committee where he serves as Chairman. SPEECH OF MENDOCINO COUNTY Today, I applaud Mr. Blandina, as his achieve- HON. RUSH HOLT ments should serve as an inspiration to us all. Mr. Blandina began his professional career OF NEW JERSEY HON. MIKE THOMPSON as a Special Police Officer with the Brick IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Township Police Department in 1983. He val- Thursday, December 9, 2010 iantly served the constituents of Brick Town- Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Tuesday, December 14, 2010 ship for seven years. In conjunction with his H.R. 4994, the Medicare and Medicaid Ex- Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam service as Special Police Officer, from 1985 tenders Act, which would provide a one year Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the through December 1999, Mr. Blandina served extension for Medicare reimbursement rates civic accomplishments and dedicated public in the Tax Assessor’s Office. His outstanding for physician services. service of J. David Colfax who has served on abilities and commitment were evident as he The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 estab- the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors soon rose to the position of Principal Assess- lished a new way to determine Medicare phy- for the past 12 years. ing Clerk. After approximately fifteen years of sician payments: the Sustainable Growth As supervisor, educator and exemplary cit- service to the Tax Assessor’s Office, Mr. Rate, SGR, formula. Since 2002, this formula izen his service has benefitted the ruggedly Blandina soon accepted a position with the has called for an automatic decrease in Medi- beautiful Mendocino County in northern Cali- Administration Department where he assisted care physician payments each year, potentially fornia where he has lived with his wife Micki constituents with various local issues. His re- limiting physician access for Medicare pa- since 1973. He has served on many boards, sponsibilities also included coordinating media tients. The formula goes beyond Medicare and committees and organizations including the related events for the Township of Brick. Dur- also affects TRICARE, the insurance plan for Mendocino County Office of Education, First 5 ing his tenure, Mr. Blandina also spent sum- active and retired military personnel and their Mendocino, the Economic Development and mers working in the Recreation Department, families, and its reimbursements for civilian Finance Corporation, the North Coast Railroad specifically assisting the Township Recycling physicians. Authority, the Criminal Justice Board Standing Program. In June 2007, Mr. Blandina accepted According to the Medicare Payment Advi- committee and the Local Agency Formation sory Commission, there is a broad consensus Committee. a position as Manager of the New Jersey that this physician payment formula is flawed. David and Micki raised four sons whom they Motor Vehicle Commission in Lakewood, New These parts of the Balanced Budget Act homeschooled on their Shining Moon ranch, Jersey. Throughout his professional experi- should not have been passed in the first place where they built their own house and raised ence, Mr. Blandina’s generosity has undoubt- and should be repealed and rewritten anew. award winning goats. Their children went on to edly touched many lives and has helped The health reform legislation passed by the such universities as Harvard and Yale and all countless people throughout central New Jer- House of Representatives last year, which I are working in professions that give back to sey. supported, included a provision that would others. David and Micki authored the book Mr. Blandina is also a valued member of have repealed and replaced the SGR formula Home Schooling for Excellence which con- various local and political organizations. Since with a new Medicare physician payment plan. tinues to inspire. And they wrote Hard Times 1983, he has proudly served on the Brick Unfortunately, the final health reform bill that in Paradise about their transition from their Township Democratic Committee, eighteen of was signed into law did not include this provi- urban lives in the eastern United States to those years as Municipal Chairman. He has sion, which would have been a permanent so- their rural ranch outside of Boonville not far also served as Democratic Finance Committee lution to the SGR formula. from the Pacific Ocean. Chairman and has dedicated his time to as- Unless Congress acts, this formula would During his three terms as a Mendocino sisting the Ocean County Young Democrats. lead to a 25 percent cut in doctor’s payments County Supervisor, David has represented his Similarly, Mr. Blandina has assisted with the in 2011, discouraging many doctors from con- geographically diverse district that ranges from Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Com- tinuing to accept Medicare patients. the coast to 4,000-foot ridges to valleys and mittee, one of the largest parades and ethnic The Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act includes at least five watersheds. He has won festivals in the state of New Jersey. His other would freeze the current rates for physician the support of constituents who are entre- affiliations include the Ocean County Saint services through December 31, 2011, giving preneurs, fishermen and women, winemakers, Congress time to work on a permanent solu- brewmasters and mavericks of many persua- Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, The Girls tion. Further, this piece of legislation would ex- sions. With a college professor style and ani- Scouts of the Jersey Shore Awards Reception tend the 5 percent increase in Medicare pay- mated discourse, David Colfax has served Committee, Brick Township Democratic Club, ments for mental health providers that is set to with passion and dedication. among others. Mr. Blandina continues to men- expire at the end of 2010. This provision Madam Speaker and colleagues, David tor, exemplifying confident leadership and would expand access to mental health care for Colfax has earned the admiration and respect management skills. millions of Medicare patients. of his peers, his community and his family. He As a result of his outstanding service, Mr. Additionally, this bill would extend funding is a friend and colleague whose legacy and Blandina has been the recipient of numerous for the special diabetes program through contributions are long lasting in Mendocino awards. He has received Brick Township 2013. Without this bill, the special diabetes County. For these reasons, it is appropriate Democratic Club’s ‘‘1999 Democrat of the program, which funds 35 percent of all Federal that we honor J. David Colfax. Year’’ award and the Columbia Civic League research on Type I diabetes and supports re- f of Ocean County’s ‘‘1999 Man of the Year’’ search and prevention diabetes programs for IN RECOGNITION OF MR. MICHAEL award. He has also been the recipient of the Native Americans and Alaska Natives would Heritage Festival Ball Committee’s ‘‘2003 Out- expire at the end of 2011. BLANDINA standing Ethnic Leader’’ award and Brick This bill is completely paid for by making UNICO Chapter’s ‘‘2004 Italian American of small changes to the health reform law. HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. the Year’’ award. I am frustrated by these continuing short- OF NEW JERSEY Madam Speaker, please join me in acknowl- term extensions. This is unfair to physicians IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES who must plan their office budgets and unfair edging Mr. Blandina’s multiple years of service to patients who face unnecessary anxiety Tuesday, December 14, 2010 to the Ocean County community. His dedica- about the availability of the doctors on whom Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today tion and commitment are positive examples of they depend. I will continue to advocate for to recognize Mr. Michael Blandina, a resident what steadfast determination and hard work legislation that eliminates the broken SGR for- of Brick Township, New Jersey and dedicated can accomplish.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:45 Dec 15, 2010 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14DE8.027 E14DEPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with REMARKS E2134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 14, 2010 HONORING THE HONORABLE and established himself as the rightful heir to I suppose, in an ironic way, Richard would RONALD PANIOTO Harry Carey’s oversized throne as the king of smile at the enormous impact he had on friend Cubs commentary. and foe alike. He was a life force, a force of HON. JEAN SCHMIDT Away from the ‘‘Friendly Confines,’’ Santo nature—someone always operating on mul- OF OHIO worked tirelessly to raise money and aware- tiple levels, in high gear, and in more than IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ness for Diabetes through the Juvenile diabe- three dimensions. I used to chafe when in the tes Research Foundation. Diagnosed at age middle of a phone call he would put me on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 18, his diabetes was unknown even to his hold to talk with someone else—but I bet he Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise teammates until 1971, when Santo decided to did it to everyone. today to recognize the career of the Honorable use his star power to draw attention to the dis- He was a consummate juggler—the master Ronald Panioto, who is retiring as a judge of ease. From 1979 until his death, Santo spon- diplomat. He knew precisely what he was pre- the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. sored the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, help- pared to tell someone, and what he was not. Judge Panioto leaves the courtroom some 35 ing to raise over $60 million for research and Though it takes years to settle on how history years after he first ascended the bench of the advocacy. Santo’s teammate said will view someone, my guess is Richard Hamilton County Municipal Court. of his fellow Cub, ‘‘Ronnie has handled his Holbrooke will be considered, hands down, as Judge Panioto became presiding judge of own ailment like the true champion he is. He the best diplomat of my generation. Indeed, he the domestic relations division of the Common is the most courageous person I’ve ever been will be in a small pantheon that includes Ben- Pleas Court in 1981, and he quickly gained a around. I’m inspired by him and by his spirit. jamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Averell reputation for fairness and sensitivity for fami- He is one of my idols, one of my heroes. I Harriman. lies—especially the children—who came be- love Ron Santo.’’ But the public Richard is not all of it: the pri- fore him. Ron Santo passed away on Thursday, De- vate Richard was a generous and loyal friend. On the occasions in domestic cases when cember 2. He will be sorely missed, but his Before joining the Obama Administration, he he had to interview children, Judge Panioto legacy will continue to inspire us all. chaired the Global Business Coalition on HIV/ bought stuffed animals to give to the children f AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. For a time, to put them at ease. one of our grandchildren was on its staff. He Throughout his life, Judge Panioto has right- TRIBUTE TO GENERAL JAMES L. loved her, and forever after asked about her fully been proud of his Italian heritage and JONES life, boyfriends, etc. No question the huge staff served as President of the United Italian Soci- he built over his many careers over many ety from 1971 to 1993. HON. IKE SKELTON years is devastated by his untimely death. Judge Panioto’s diligence, humanity and OF MISSOURI Surely Megan Quitkin is. To Kati, whom he graciousness on the bench have won him the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES adored, and the extended Holbrooke family, respect of the community. Tuesday, December 14, 2010 we mourn your loss—and our country’s loss. Madam Speaker, please join me in wishing I like to think that Richard has just put us all Judge Panioto a long and happy retirement Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me on hold while he takes another call... and thanking his wife Judith, his son Ronald take this means to recognize an American f Jr., his granddaughter Christine and great- hero, General James L. Jones, for his lifetime grandson Andrew for sharing the judge with us of public service. Having served more than 40 2010 MILITARY FAMILY OF THE over all these years. years in the United States Marine Corps as a YEAR f diplomat in the Middle East and around the world, and most recently as the National Se- HON. WALTER B. JONES COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF curity Advisor to the President, he is a true OF NORTH CAROLINA RON SANTO public servant. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES On October 8, 2010, the President an- Tuesday, December 14, 2010 HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY nounced that General Jones made the deci- OF ILLINOIS sion to step aside from his post as National Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Security Advisor and that his good friend and congratulate the Kennedy family for being se- deputy, Tom Donilon, would succeed him. lected as the National Military Family Associa- Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Through the years, I have been honored to tion’s Coast Guard Family of the Year. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise work with General Jones, and I have always Commander John Kennedy has served in today to draw attention to the passing of leg- trusted him to offer his best counsel on na- the Coast Guard for 16 years. He is supported endary and tional security matters. A true patriot and stra- by his wife, Bobbi, and their 3 children Olivia, broadcaster Ron Santo, and to recognize his tegic visionary, he has performed each and Marissa, and Jack. lifetime of achievement both on and off the every mission with utmost dedication. The The Kennedy family has moved 6 times diamond. American public will forever be indebted to within 14 years, most recently to Atlantic Ronald Edward Santo was born February General Jones and his family for their service Beach, NC. 25, 1940 in , Washington. Twenty years to our country and the many sacrifices they Cmdr. Kennedy currently serves as Com- later, he made his professional baseball debut have made. manding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter at third base for the Chicago Cubs. Over his Madam Speaker, I trust my fellow members Elm. 14-year major league career, the first 13 with of the House will join me in paying tribute to The Kennedy family is very active in the the Cubs and the final season with the cross- General James L. Jones for his leadership United States Coast Guard, and their commu- town White Sox, Santo 342 home runs, and commitment to the safety and security of nity. They volunteer with Operation Christmas had 1,331 RBIs, won 5 Gold Gloves, and ap- the American people. I wish him and his family Child, and are active with numerous activities peared in 9 All-Star games. He is considered the very best in the days to come. including a variety of athletics and the high perhaps the greatest player not currently in f school marching band. the Hall of Fame. Nonetheless, his number 10 Being a military family has shown them all is immortalized on the North Side, hanging on ON THE DEATH OF AMBASSADOR how to be independent, and taught them what the left field pole at , which Santo RICHARD HOLBROOKE is truly important in life. referred to as ‘‘my Hall of Fame.’’ The Kennedy’s admit they are not finished After a successful baseball career, Santo HON. JANE HARMAN moving! They will continue to make friends spent 15 years in business before returning to OF CALIFORNIA wherever they go, which exemplifies the Coast the Cubs as the color commentator for WGN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Guard motto of Semper Paratus, ‘‘Always Radio’s Cubs broadcasts in 1990. He spent Ready’’. the next 20 years in the Cubs radio booth, and Tuesday, December 14, 2010 I am proud to have the Kennedy family re- his passion and enthusiasm for the home Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, after hear- side in the 3rd district of North Carolina. I team, which surfaced in disheartened groans ing encouraging news over the last few days, thank all the men and women who have as often as supportive exclamations, endeared learning that my friend Richard Holbrooke had bravely served in our military. him to a new generation of Cubs fans. Santo died last night felt like a sucker punch. A day Congratulations to the Kennedy family on always seemed at ease in the WGN booth later, it still does. 2010 Military Family of the Year!

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