E 688 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 24, 1995 A TRIPLE-A DIAMOND IN THE ‘‘It had some validity because it is based theme of ‘‘it’s about time’’ and still one of ROUGH on kind of a model, but it does not apply to the best entertainment values in town, a be- any single city.’’ mused McKernan said. And that is one reason the city is embark- It was the first price hike in eight years. HON. BILL RICHARDSON ing this year on its own SWAG that will In about four weeks, the minor league boys OF NEW MEXICO measure the impact of the Dukes all by of summer will strut their stuff in what IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES themselves, Theuson said. promises to be an excellent and perhaps Friday, March 24, 1995 There is one given: the Dukes provide one record-setting year. of the most affordable family entertainment Oh yeah, and the bottom line looks good Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, as the offerings anywhere, and it doesn’t happen ac- again for the successful business that is the chaos of major league baseball's labor dispute cidentally. Dukes. continues to unfold, the spirit of baseball is ‘‘McKernan deliberately does keep the ‘‘We do all right . . . we survive in spite of alive and well in minor league baseball and prices down so that it can appeal to the fam- ourselves,’’ McKernan said. ily. He really does understand what he is the 1994 Pacific Coast league champion Albu- f querque Dukes are ready for the new season. doing. He understands the difference between the types of pricing policies.’’ Regardless of the outcome of the major Thueson said he has tried over the years to COMMENDING THE HEROIC AC- league strike, the Albuquerque Dukes will con- explain McKernan’s expertise and success to TIONS OF SECRET SERVICE tinue to set the pace for well-managed profes- UNM athletics, and how it could benefit the AGENTS sional baseball businesses in the country. The university. Dukes boast 8 straight years of 300,000-plus ‘‘We talked to them about overall profit- in attendance, a record average gate for 1994, ability and tried to get them to understand HON. STENY H. HOYER a waiting list for advertisers, and competitive . . . but they never would.’’ OF MARYLAND McKernan, the barrel-chested and bearded teams every season. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Dukes' general manager and president business and baseball guru prefers interest- ing conversation, which doesn’t include talk Friday, March 24, 1995 Pat McKernan personifies the enthusiasm and of pricing policies, corporate management, devotion that prevails in the hearts of all base- or even how the Dukes will do this year (‘‘I Mr. HOYER . Mr. Speaker, as ranking mem- ball fans. By combining old-fashioned busi- don’t know,’’ he says). ber of the House Treasury, Postal Service and ness sense and community support, Pat McKernan likes to ask your age, get an an- General Government Appropriations Sub- McKernan provides one of the most affordable swer, then add, ‘‘Oh, you just look old.’’ He committee, I rise today to commend nine family entertainment offerings in New Mexico. also enjoys inquiring, ‘‘Your second mar- members of the U.S. Secret Service for their I recommend to all my colleagues the fol- riage?’’ and how you managed to screw up heroic efforts in helping rescue almost 2 lowing article about Mr. McKernan and the such a promising job elsewhere to end up dozen individuals from a burning building in Dukes which appeared in the Albuquerque here. Washington, DC. But the Dukes’ resident optimist, wearing Business Times on March 6, 1995. I believe a ‘‘what, me worry?’’ expression, did talk Many Americans view the role of agents of all Members will be encouraged to see that about how just about anything that could the U.S. Secret Service as that of protecting baseball and business can coexist for the happen with the strike should benefit the or- the President of the United States and the good of the community and the sport. ganization, and all minor league ball for that members of his CabinetÐwhich it is. However, ALB.’S BOOMING BASEBALL BIZ matter. on March 14, officers Thomas F. Owens, Jr., (By Michael G. Murphy) If the strike continues without replace- Gregory S. Cleckner, Paolo Palumbo, Phillip ments, it’s the only game in town. ALBUQUERQUE.—Considered a gem—if not M. Bernal, George L. Sax, Kenneth J. Bouley, If the strike continues with replacements, the gem—of Triple-A diamonds in the rough, Kenneth B. Parsons, and Sergeants William S. it’s arguably going to be a better brand of the Albuquerque Dukes are buffing the Rick and Charles F. Kuzmovich of the Uni- bleachers, lifting new light towers, and mak- the only game in town. And if the strike is settled, any residual formed Division of the Secret Service, went ing ready for ’95. beyond their assigned duties and helped to Sometimes hidden by its on-field sports fan resentment at the major league level— success, the local slice of America’s pastime live, on TV or radio—can only boost Dukes’ evacuate 21 residents from an engulfed build- ranks year after year as one of the most pro- attendance, and the listening and occasional ing on 14th Street NW in Washington, DC. lific and well-managed professional baseball viewing audience. The Secret Service officers on the scene, businesses in the United States. It is a win-win-win situation, McKernan even prior to the arrival of the fire department, This year—strike or settlement in the ma- said. not only went door to door and helped resi- jors—stands to be yet another winning sea- There is an ‘‘understanding’’ among base- ball owners, major league players, and the dents leave the structure, but they also as- son in terms of gate, advertising, and general sisted a number of individuals who were bang for entertainment buck. minor league players to make sure minor The Dukes’ boast eight straight years of leaguers don’t endanger their future careers trapped in windows and were afraid to leave 300,000 plus in attendance, a record average by getting in the middle of the strike, the structure. gate for ’94, a waiting list for advertisers, McKernan said. Mr. Speaker, the quick-thinking efforts by not to mention competitive teams every sea- Management has no intention of ‘‘twisting these nine Secret Service agents undoubtedly son. any arms’’ to try to get Triple A players to helped to save the lives of a number of indi- Business and the support of the commu- become replacements, he said. viduals and I hope my colleagues join me in ‘‘They understand the dilemma. And we nity has been wonderful, said President and saluting their heroic efforts. General Manager Pat McKernan. understand the dilemma far more than the Economic impact is not a useful phrase for players’ association.’’ f him (‘‘They make those numbers up, don’t If the strike continues, they will report to they?’’) but reluctantly, has led the charge. the Dukes, probably right before the first CONGRATULATIONS TO JUDGE He has been flanked by Ron Nelson, presi- game, April 6. NICHOLAS TSOUCALAS dent of the Uptown Association, and Cathy There is one possible negative, and that Leyendecker, board member of the Mark has to do with the chance that Congress, in Twain Neighborhood Association. screwing around with baseball’s federal anti- HON. THOMAS J. MANTON Leyendecker has a different view for future trust exemption, will accidentally repeal a OF NEW YORK projects, but sided with Salazar and Nelson portion that allows major league financial in a uniform front he will point to the parent support for the minors. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES organization of the minors—the National As- Still, McKernan, whose photo should be Friday, March 24, 1995 sociation of Professional Baseball Leagues right next to laid-back in your Webster’s, (NAPBL)—which does dabble in financial fig- has not been losing any sleep. As he said, it Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ures. is not something he can do much about, so join the Queens Borough Lodge No. 878 in According to a recent NAPBL model, an he is not going to worry about it. honoring Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, Judge of average Triple-A club generates about $13 His cluttered office includes the Optimists the United States Court of International Trade, million a year in everything from hotels, Creed on his door, a Far Side calendar on his for his service to his community, his County, meals, travel, local goods and services, desk, a fish tank, and a photocopied motto and the Second Department. scouts, umpires, and salaries. that the ‘‘floggings will continue until mo- Now, that is a SWAG or Scientific Wild Ass rale improves.’’ A native of New York City, Judge Guess in NASA parlance, said Neil Thueson, The Dukes enjoy phenomenal community Tsoucalas, began his education in the public an associate planner with the city of Albu- support. Last year, when they announced a elementary and secondary schools of New querque who also teaches a UNM market re- ticket price increase of $1, local media pub- York City. He continued his higher education search class in sports administration. lished the story with variations on the of Kent State University where he received a March 24, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E 689 B.S. degree in business administration in purchase of books. These individual collec- He has donated health club equipment to 1949. In 1951, he received an LL.B. from New tions eventually resulted in the endowment of the local schools, has supported the Simi Val- York Law School where he also took graduate the university's library. The societies also ley Education Foundation and, in his own courses in immigrant law and federal practice began collecting portraits of their distinguished right, has been a loyal chamber member. and procedure. alumni and those representing their ideals. As chamber president, Ron has compiled a Mr. Speaker, Judge Tsoucalas also has a That collection is now the largest privately long list of accomplishments that will endure distinguished military career. In 1944, Judge owned portrait collection in North Carolina. far beyond his 1-year term. Tsoucalas entered the Navy where he served It is entirely appropriate, Mr. Speaker, to He formulated a business retention and de- our country until 1946 as a radio operator on pay tribute to these two societies whose innu- velopment division to ensure that the chamber board APD and transport vessels in the Euro- merable contributions to the development of was doing all it could to attract new busi- pean Theater of War as well as the Caribbean the University of North Carolina, cultivation of nesses to Simi Valley and to retain existing and North Atlantic. When the Korean conflict state and national leaders and steadfast com- ones. He introduced several new initiatives erupted 1951, he reentered the Navy and mitment to noble objectives have guaranteed aimed at encouraging individual members to served on aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Wasp, until their honored place in North Carolina history. be more creative and to allow the chamber to December 1952. f capitalize on that creativity. He initiated a pro- Mr. Speaker, following his service in the gram to honor long-term members andÐ military, Judge Tsoucalas was admitted to the THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE through his leadershipÐmade the chamber New York bar in April 1953. He specialized in PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH more likely to attract new members. immigration and admiralty law. Judge Mr. Speaker, Ron Meek has established Tsoucalas has had a varied and distinguished HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO himself as someone who does more than pay legal career. Some of these positions include OF ILLINOIS lip service to his desire to help his friends and assistant U.S. attorney for Southern District of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES neighbors. In both his personal and profes- New York from 1955±59, appointed supervisor sional life, Ron has proven that he is willing to Friday, March 24, 1995 of the 1960 census for the 17th and 18th con- do the hard, often thankless, work necessary gressional districts in 1959, and finally, his ap- Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to to get results and to improve the quality of life pointment as Judge of the U.S. Court of Inter- recognize the Peace Lutheran Church in for those around him. national Trade by President Ronald Reagan Steeleville, IL. On August 9, 1996, the church I would like to thank him for his efforts on on September 9, 1985. will celebrate its 100th anniversary. behalf of his community, congratulate him on In additional to his prestigious political and I would like to congratulate the Peace Lu- a successful term as chamber president and legal work, Judge Tsoucalas has been very theran Church and its pastor, Rev. Dr. James wish him all the best in the future. active in his church and community. He is the R. Little, on this momentous occasion. The former president of the board of directors of community of Steeleville has greatly benefited f the Greek Orthodox Church of Evangelismos, from their inspirational efforts. SSI REFORM and a member of the St. John's Theologos The church has been diligent in its commit- Society. Further, he was a member of the ex- ment to the work of the Lord, and the good ecutive committee of the Republican Party of news gospel. Peace Lutheran Church works HON. WAYNE ALLARD New York County. Judge Tsoucalas is married for the good of the community by servicing its to Catherine Tsoucalas and has two lovely congregation as a member of the southern OF COLORADO daughters, Stephanie (Mrs. Daniel Turriago) conference affiliated with the central Illinois IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and Georgia (Mrs. Christopher Argyrople). senate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Friday, March 24, 1995 Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me America. in commending Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, for I ask my colleagues to join me as I acknowl- Mr. ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, early this year, I his outstanding legal career and his commit- edge Peace Lutheran Church on their 100th introduced H.R. 791, legislation to eliminate ment and dedication to his community, church anniversary and for their selfless dedication to supplemental security income [SSI] disability and family. their community. payments for drug addicts and alcoholics. This f f legislation currently has 48 cosponsors. I am pleased to note that this proposal has been in- TRIBUTE TO DIALECTIC AND PHIL- SALUTE TO RON MEEK ANTHROPIC SOCIETIES OF THE corporated into the Personal Responsibility UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CARO- ActÐthe Republican welfare reform plan. LINA HON. ELTON GALLEGLY Over the years many of my constituents OF CALIFORNIA have complained about the fact that drug ad- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES diction and alcoholism are considered disabil- HON. W.G. (BILL) HEFNER ities under Federal law. This classification enti- OF NORTH CAROLINA Friday, March 24, 1995 tles these individuals to hundreds of dollars of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to disability payments each month. Until last Friday, March 24, 1995 honor a selfless public servant whoÐin addi- year, they were even entitled to large lump Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to note the tion to a long list of other accomplishments sum payments. In essence, hard working tax- 200th anniversary of the Dialectic and Philan- and commitmentsÐhas served for the past payers are required to subsidize addicts. We thropic Societies of the University of North year as president of the Simi Valley Chamber all have compassion for people with a sub- Carolina. These organizations, founded by the of Commerce. stance abuse problem, but giving cash bene- university's earliest students, were established Ron Meek moved to Simi Valley 15 years fits to addicts is not the way to deal with the to promote useful knowledge and the cultiva- ago and in that relatively brief period has es- problem. This approach does far more harm tion of lasting friendships. From their ranks tablished a record of community service to than good, often providing the very resources have come such great Americans as President which lifelong residents should aspire. for addicts to continue their abuse and avoid James K. Polk, Senator Samuel J. Ervin, Jr., The father of two young sons, Ron has al- treatment. novelist Thomas Wolfe and the distinguished ways placed a major emphasis on children A General Accounting Office study found former Representative from North Carolina, and has been a strong local advocate of the that between 1988 and 1994 the number of David Price. Boy Scouts of America, the Simi Valley Boys drug addicts and alcoholics receiving SSI dis- It has been said that the history of the Dia- and Girls Club and has also served as a little ability payments rose almost 700 percent from lectic and Philanthropic Societies is the history league coach. His wife Jan is president of the 12,694 to 100,771. GAO expects a continued of the university. They are the oldest student Simi Valley Unified School District PTA and, increase to over 200,000 by 1997 if nothing is organizations of the Nation's oldest public uni- together, they cook meals for the homeless done. This would be grossly unfair for the hard versity. The societies claim the creation of the each month. working Americans who pay the bills. UNC's newspaper, yearbook and magazine, As managing general partner of the Under the Personal Responsibility Act, drug and giving the university its famous colors, Oakridge Athletic Club, Ron is also a local addicts and alcoholics lose SSI payments and blue and white. businessman who has successfully merged Medicaid. The total savings to taxpayers is The vision of these organizations can be his professional life and his desire to make his $1.7 billion over 5 yearsÐ$400 million of this seen most clearly in their first transaction; the city a better place to live. is used to fund additional drug treatment and