October 21, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2591 Description: Continue the evaluation of New played under the legendary Coach Paul Judge Hobbs is married and has two chil- Jersey’s coastal projects, including the dif- ‘‘Bear’’ Bryant. After graduating from the Uni- dren and seven grandchildren with one on the ferent reaches of beach replenishment versity of Alabama in 1963 with a degree in way and is a member of the Brushy Creek projects, as a system to ensure maximum business administration, Jim entered the U.S. Baptist Church. benefits are achieved from the Federal invest- Army and served as a second lieutenant in f ment and reduce long-term periodic nourish- Germany. He was later promoted to captain ment costs. after being reassigned to Fort Campbell, Ken- SUPPORT THE MOTOR VEHICLE Financial Statement: New Jersey Depart- tucky. OWNERS RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT ment of Environmental Protection is the non- After an honorable discharge, Jim worked Federal sponsor and provides their portion of for his father at Trail Cadillac-Pontiac before HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS the study costs. starting on his own dealership, Trail Pontiac OF NEW YORK f on Dauphin Street. Later, Jim acquired the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mercedes-Benz and GMC Truck franchises, Wednesday, October 21, 2009 HONORING POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL which he eventually merged with his brother’s J. CARROLL Cadillac dealership, forming McConnell Auto- Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today motive Corporation. Jim was also a partner in to discuss a problem that many of us, and HON. the new Mercedes-Benz of Mobile. many of our constituents, often face, a prob- OF Jim served on the General Motors Dealer lem that be easily resolved with legislation that NNA SHOO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Advisory Board and as president of the Buick- I, joined by Representatives A E and Pontiac-GMC area marketing group for 20 GEORGE MILLER, have reintroduced. HR 2057, Wednesday, October 21, 2009 years. He received numerous awards as a The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise General Motors Master Dealer and Mercedes Act, ensures that motoring consumers have today along with my colleagues representing Benz Diamond Dealer. He was a member of the ability to choose where, how and by whom Chester County, Congressmen JOE PITTS and the Red Elephant Club, served on the Senior they have their vehicles repaired and serviced, , to congratulate West Goshen Bowl committee and was active in a number even those recently out of warranty. Township Police Chief Michael J. Carroll on of other civic and community organizations. In Vehicles that are 1994 and newer are his induction as President of the International short, Jim McConnell was always giving back equipped with computers that control most of Association of Police Chiefs in Denver, Colo- to the city he loved and called home. the vehicles’ systems, from air bags and rado on October 7, 2009. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join brakes, to tire pressure, oil changes, elec- The tremendous honor of being selected by me in remembering a dedicated and generous tronics, ignition systems and keys. In fact, his peers to lead the 106-year-old nonprofit or- community leader and a dear friend to many. there are more computers on today’s vehicles ganization that promotes professionalism and Jim McConnell will be deeply missed by his than were on the Apollo 11 moon mission. global policing is just the latest accomplish- family—his wife, Cynde; his sons, Mitch Independent repair shops, which comprise a ment in Chief Carroll’s distinguished 43-year McConnell, Stan McConnell, Vince McConnell large number of the small businesses in all of law enforcement career. He is a Past Presi- and Baker McConnell; his mother, Mary Lou- our districts, are experiencing a great deal of dent of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police As- ise McConnell; his brother Eddie McConnell; difficulty in locating and obtaining the informa- sociation and Chester County Police Chiefs his sister, Mary Lou Layden; and his four tion, tools and software needed to completely Associations and has been inducted into the grandchildren—as well as his many friends, repair late model vehicles. These shops often International Police Association Hall of Fame. colleagues, and patrons. must turn away their valued customers, forcing The lengthy list of accolades is a testament Mobile—and indeed our entire state—lost a them to return to new car dealerships, which, to Chief Carroll’s outstanding leadership and true leader for our area and our thoughts and on average, are 34 percent more expensive. commitment to the department he runs and prayers are with this family at this difficult Not only is that a loss of business for the over the community he protects. He has earned the time. 200,000 independent repair shops in our na- respect of his fellow officers for his passion for f tion, but it is a financial burden for our con- stituents. police work, determination to solve even the RECOGNIZING JUDGE JUDY I have heard several complaints in my office most difficult cases and drive to provide the SCHIER HOBBS highest-quality training and resources for all of problems that independent repair shops officers. have experienced in repairing later model ve- Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues HON. JOHN R. CARTER hicles. One independent aftermarket techni- join me today in honoring Police Chief Michael OF TEXAS cian in New York was attempting to diagnose IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES J. Carroll for earning this prestigious inter- a Subaru and was told that the car company national post and for his exemplary service to Wednesday, October 21, 2009 would not sell the independent repair shop the the residents of Chester County, Pennsyl- Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, I would like proper tools needed to diagnose and repair a vania. to recognize the Honorable Judy Schier drivability problem. f Hobbs, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4 in Another New York repair shop was told they Williamson County, who was awarded ‘‘Judge would have to wait up to two days to obtain HONORING THE MEMORY OF of the Year’’ by the Texas Justice Court the software from Ford needed to update the JAMES VINCENT MCCONNELL, JR. Judges Association (TJCJA) at their annual computer on a Ford Escape. The repairer had 2009 Education Conference in Austin, Texas. to pay for towing and then pay the new car HON. JO BONNER The state-wide award was presented at the dealership a fee. OF ALABAMA Awards Luncheon during the four-day con- I have another example from Massachu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ference at the Austin Hyatt Regency on Lady setts. But you get the point. 82% of car owners and 94% of independent Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Bird Lake. Texas Justice Court Judges Association is repair shops indicate that they favor the pas- Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, earlier this an organization representing Justice Court sage of this bill. It allows repair shops to offer week the city of Mobile lost a dear friend and Judges and Clerks across the State of Texas. their clients better service and doesn’t cost the a respected leader and I rise today to honor Judge Hobbs was awarded the ‘‘Judge of taxpayers or the government any money. In- Mr. James Vincent ‘‘Jim’’ McConnell Jr. and the Year’’ by the Central Texas Justices of the stead, it’s a way that we can provide afford- pay tribute to his memory. Jim was a success- Peace and Constables Association earlier this able choices to car owners who continue to ful businessman, an active citizen and a dedi- year. struggle in this difficult economy. cated soldier who years earlier answered his Judge Hobbs is a lifelong resident of Pre- The car companies have argued that this bill country’s call to serve. He will be remembered cinct Four in Williamson County with a rich would lead to infringements on their intellec- as a man devoted to his family, his country history of community service and was ap- tual property. HR 2057 does NOT request or and his community. pointed and sworn to office May 15, 1982. require proprietary information and I have in- A native of Pensacola, Jim moved to Mobile She is a Lifetime member of the Texas Justice serted language to ensure that. Similar legisla- as a teenager and graduated from Murphy Court Judges Association and Central Texas tion has been passed in the California state High School. He received a football scholar- Justices of the Peace and Constables Asso- legislature, and there were no breaches of ship to the University of Alabama in 1959 and ciation. proprietary information; the only result was

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:06 Oct 22, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K21OC8.004 E21OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with REMARKS E2592 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 21, 2009 that emissions systems were repaired faster TRIBUTE TO BETTY TAYMOR vention. One such company is O’Fallon Cast- and better. It’s time that Congress keep our ing; located in my district, they will celebrate motoring constituents in the drivers’ seat when HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO their 6-year anniversary on Friday October 23. it comes to repairing their vehicles, and it’s OF Once a division of Hitchiner Manufacturing, Co. O’Fallon Casting has roots dating back 40 time we helped ensure the economic survival IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the small, independent repair shops that years in Missouri. But today it has shed its tra- Wednesday, October 21, 2009 have been so good to our constituents. ditional past and transformed itself into a mod- Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, I rise to ern, high tech industry leader positioned for Please join with me, Congresswoman ANNA pay tribute to a distinguished constituent, Betty growth in the future. Proving that despite an ESHOO and Congressman GEORGE MILLER, to increasingly competitive world economy, inno- give our constituents a choice of where to re- Taymor, who will be honored this week at the vative U.S. manufacturers can and do suc- pair their cars. University of Massachusetts. Her visionary leadership is responsible for the creation of cessfully compete in the global market. the Center for Women in Politics and Public With the support of ownership, O’Fallon’s f Policy at their McCormack Graduate School of management team has incorporated modern EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR THE Policy Studies, and a scholarship fund has automation of the material handling and pro- CITIZENS OF THE PHILIPPINES been created in her name. duction systems. Additionally, compression DEALING WITH TROPICAL STORM Her lifetime of civic engagement serves as straightening of castings has been imple- KETSANA AND TYPHOON PARMA an inspiration to us all. My colleagues in the mented with four workstations feeding to a sin- Massachusetts delegation have joined in a let- gle, custom, 500-ton press. The company’s ter of congratulation that I would like to read goal is to provide their customers with access SPEECH OF into the RECORD. This is what we wrote to Ms. to cutting edge technologies. Taymor: Employing 169 people in O’Fallon, Missouri, HON. DORIS O. MATSUI The Massachusetts delegation to the House over the past six years the company has also OF CALIFORNIA of Representatives joins in tribute to you as pursued a number of environmentally friendly your friends and colleagues gather to cele- initiatives including high-efficiency lighting and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES brate your extraordinary achievements. You in-house recycling of water, wax and metal. In Wednesday, October 14, 2009 have indeed run against many prevailing 2004, O’Fallon Casting was recognized by the winds, and been energized, not subdued, by State of Missouri with a prestigious Gold Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the challenges you’ve overcome. Award for its water recycling and waste treat- pay tribute to the hundreds of Samoans and We recommend your inspiring book, Run- ning against the Wind, to anyone who seeks ment efforts. The City of O’Fallon named the Filipinos who tragically lost their lives in the to understand the progress made by Amer- company ‘‘Manufacturer of the Year’’ in 2005. natural disasters that ravaged the islands of ican women in the second half of the last Throughout my tenure in Congress I have the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. I also century. You entered public service as a vol- fought to reduce the tax and regulatory burden recognize the incredible resolve of the sur- unteer, an honorable role shared by many this government places on American business vivors of these catastrophes as they begin to idealistic women throughout our history and and manufacturing as a way to encourage rebuild their communities. crucial to the abolition of slavery and the companies, like O’Fallon Casting, who are re- emancipation of women. During the Second sponsible for creating the jobs that employ all We are still assessing the total devastation World War, you joined with others on the caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana and Ty- home front in the important work of the Red our constituents. I’m honored to represent the phoon Parma in the Philippines, and by the Cross. Later, you sought and won positions company and its 169 employees in this earthquakes and tsunamis in American of greater responsibility and authority, in House, and congratulate them on their sixth Samoa, Samoa, and Tonga. These natural Massachusetts and in the national Demo- anniversary. I pray I will be able to celebrate disasters have claimed hundreds of lives, cratic Party. many more such days with them for many damaged or destroyed thousands of homes, You were a personal mentor to many, but years to come. you wanted to do more. With characteristic and have left countless people without basic f energy, you created an institutional embodi- necessities, such as clean water, adequate ment of your example in the Program for THE NEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND food, and essential health care. Women in Politics & Public Policy. This eve- FIGHT POVERTY Mr. Speaker, in the wake of these tragedies, ning’s celebration is dedicated to your vision we are reminded of the important role our na- and to the support of the Betty Taymor HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD tional service programs and volunteers play in Fund to further the education of women who share your intellectual and moral fervor. OF NORTH CAROLINA repairing the homes, neighborhoods, and lives Your courage and determination continue to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of those who have fallen victim to natural dis- inspire all good citizens, both men and Wednesday, October 21, 2009 asters. In response to this most recent catas- women, committed to equal rights and equal trophe, AmeriCorps National Civilian Commu- opportunity. Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, ac- nity Corps, NCCC, Team Leaders from my We unite in gratitude and congratulation. cording to a study of recent U.S. Census Bu- hometown of Sacramento traveled to Amer- f reau figures, the National Academy of Science ican Samoa to manage the immediate assist- found that the level of American poverty is O’FALLEN CASTING—SIXTH ance provided to those affected through the even worse than the government’s official ANNIVERSARY American Red Cross intake center, located in number. Pago Pago. The official measure, created in 1955, failed to factor in rising costs of medical care, trans- As Co-Chair of the National Service Cau- HON. W. TODD AKIN portation or childcare. It also ignores geo- cus, I have seen first-hand the commitment OF MISSOURI graphical variations in the cost of living. Fur- these volunteers have made to the betterment IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ther, it also fails to consider non-cash govern- of society. We honor these dedicated men and Wednesday, October 21, 2009 ment aid when calculating income. As a result, women who continuously rush to the service Mr. AKIN. Madam Speaker, it is a common the poverty figures released by Census last of those in need, and recognize the great refrain today that ‘‘we are losing good manu- month may overlook millions of people suf- value of our national service programs in dis- facturing jobs’’ in the ; that man- fering in poverty, many of whom are 65 and aster relief. ufacturing anything in the United States is be- older. Mr. Speaker, we mourn the losses suffered coming more and more difficult. As a former The National Academy of Sciences’ revised by our neighbors in the South Pacific and steel executive, I share the concerns of our formula calculates that about 47.4 million Southeast Asia, and express our steadfast manufacturing community and blame, in no Americans lived in poverty last year—7 million support of their efforts to rebuild devastated small part, the onerous regulatory burden with more than the Census figure. communities and reestablish their way of life. which this government has saddled our manu- The National Academy of Sciences formula It is my hope that my colleagues will join me facturers for that decline. But, despite what shows a poverty rate of 15.8 percent, which is in honoring the commitment of volunteers who seems to be the best efforts of some in Con- nearly 1 in 6 Americans. This is far higher make this recovery period possible, as they gress and our regulatory agencies, there are than the poverty rate of 13.2 percent, or 39.8 provide assistance to those currently facing in- manufacturing companies in this country who million, reported by the U.S. Census Bureau credible hardships. are succeeding and without government inter- recently.

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