E58 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 23, 2012 York and the Southern Tier. Additionally, it is RIVALRY GOOD FOR only defeated the of one time clear that ultimately consumers will bear the TEXAS in the four years he commanded before mov- burden of paying higher prices for goods they ing on to Alabama. buy in stores. HON. TED POE As A&M transitioned out of being solely a OF TEXAS military , their traditions against the While I understand making needed safety Longhorns were passed down from generation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES improvements to our nation’s roads neces- to generation. The two fed off of sitates increasing tolls from time to time, I do Monday, January 23, 2012 each other’s student camaraderie by trying to not understand—nor has the Port Authority Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ‘‘Texas out-do the other with war hymns, anthems, given—the justification for a rise of this mag- fight, and it’s goodbye to A&M.’’ school pride, pep rallies and hand signs. Both nitude. Thus, we need the Department of The words of the Texas rang loud schools even denounce the other in their Transportation to be able to review these toll for the last time this year at the annual duel school songs. structures, and others across the country, to between the University of Texas and Texas Legend has it that the UT mascot es- ensure taxpayer interests are being best A&M. tablished his name after Aggies branded the steer with a 13–0 score from the 1915 season. served. Consumers and businesses should The last match-up between the two Texas football powerhouses was a bittersweet ending After the branding, Texas officials tuned the not be forced to pay the price for mismanage- to a 117-year rivalry. Now, 13 into the letter B and added the E and V ment, and that is why I urge my colleagues to are upon the Aggies as they abandon the Big into the middle, creating the name BEVO— support the Commuter Protection Act. 12 for the alluring SEC. With that decision, one of the most recognized mascots in college ends one, if not the greatest football rivalries football. Modern Texas revisionists claim this f of all time. is all bunk. Who knows. The annual Turkey Day battle between the Even today, A&M has their hand in the well- RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE OF burnt orange and the maroon is not just a being of the beloved mascot. When BEVO be- VINCE PANVINI game played once a year; it’s not just another comes ill, Texas officials have to quietly trans- team on the schedule. This game makes or port him to the College Station campus—to breaks the season. It’s a rivalry in every sense A&M’s top ranked veterinarian program. They HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK of the word; a chance for bragging rights for see it as a top secret mission so as to not in- OF a whole year among family and friends. Neigh- voke the students to ‘‘defame’’ the legendary borhood kids that grow up playing with each steer. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES other become gridiron gladiators, fighting for Today, the rivalry between the students of Monday, January 23, 2012 the ultimate goal of beating the other. This each school is still alive. But there is no more football game divides households, friendships, football between the schools. The last game Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowl- and the state of Texas. has been played; the teams have left the field; edge and thank Vince Panvini for his decades This past Thanksgiving, a historic battle be- and the clock has ticked down to 0:00. In their of service on behalf of sheet metal workers lo- tween two Texas universities ran deep in the losing effort this year, the Aggie faithful sang cally, nationally and internationally. Panvini’s pulse of Texans who have watched year after the ‘‘ Aggie War Hymn’’ for the last time at the retirement from his position as Director of year as these two waged war. With their final UT-A&M game. ‘‘So it is goodbye to Texas Governmental Affairs for the Sheet Metal game, it’s happy trails to a Texas tradition that University, so long to the orange and the white. . . .’’ This may be so, but it ought not Workers’ International Association is a great I have grown up with, that my kids have grown to be. The people of State of Texas deserve loss to the community of sheet metal workers up with and one that I would love my to see these two great universities do their an- and to the labor community as a whole. grandkids to grow up with. The Longhorns walked out of Kyle field with nual Thanksgiving battle with the pigskin. Throughout his career, Panvini has proven a 27–25 victory and the bragging rights for at There is too much history and too much fight himself as a first-rate organizer and represent- least another 10 years (or until a non-con- left for these football teams to abolish a Texas ative of his union members. For close to 50 ference game becomes available). As the tradition. years, this second-generation sheet metal Aggies left their counter-parts for what And that’s just the way it is. worker has been a member of Local Union 19 they believe are bigger and better fields in the f in Philadelphia. He won election as a Local 19 SEC, they ended a 117-year relationship with RECOGNIZING DON DOMINA FOR trustee and later to their Executive Board. He the sudden divorce. Maybe the Aggies were HIS NEARLY 35 YEARS OF SERV- rose to an appointment as Local Union Orga- tired of playing in the shadow of BEVO. After ICE TO THE CENTRAL CON- nizer, then was appointed—and later elect- all, Texas holds a 2–1 lead in overall wins. NECTICUT COOPERATIVE FARM- Not all people are glad about the end of this ed—as Business Representative for the Local. ERS ASSOCIATION era. Even some Texas citizens with no ties to After attending training at Harvard Trade either school have suggested the legislature School for International Labor Relations, he pass a law requiring the two state schools to HON. JOE COURTNEY OF was appointed as Director of Governmental play each other every year in football. Affairs for the Sheet Metal Workers’ Inter- The rivalry between UT and Texas A&M is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES national Association in January 1994. beyond a Saturday football game. Here at Monday, January 23, 2012 His success, friends and coworkers have home, college football has become somewhat Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today said, is characterized by the fact that Panvini of a religion to many people—a deep-rooted to Congratulate Don Domina, General Man- was ‘‘born to do this work.’’ His love of the job passion between rival mascots and school col- ager of the Central Connecticut Cooperative combined with his unparalleled memory and ors clashing into hard-hitting victories. It’s the Farmers Association who is retiring after near- Junction Boys, the Tyler Rose, the last-minute ‘‘funny but stern’’ personality has won him ly 35 years of service to the people and busi- touchdown run by Vince Young in the Rose nesses of Connecticut. leagues of friends and allies. These attributes Bowl for the National Championship. Don Domina grew up on a farm in Vermont also won him great respect among peers, poli- This is beyond college football; it’s Texas where his family, including his six siblings, ticians, organizers, community leaders and football. Nowhere is it exemplified better than raised dairy cows. Life on the farm led to inter- union workers. between the two schools. ests in working with animals as a veterinarian, The labor community’s loss at Panvini’s re- It all started in the 19th century. Grover a passion he pursued as a youngster. As he tirement, however, will be his family’s gain—a Cleveland was president when on Friday, Oct. grew older, Don left his family farm to pursue noble tradeoff. With a return to Philadelphia, 19, 1894, the University of Texas and Texas work in construction, building silos around he’ll get quality time with family, his top pri- A&M University began their on-field feud. New England and . In the late ority. Panvini has a son, a daughter and four Texas A&M was a military academy until the 1960s, Don moved to Connecticut to do con- mid-60s. The Aggies’ record against the burnt grandchildren. On top of that, Panvini will have struction work and later became a milk truck orange suffered because of this, but this game driver for Moser’s, returning him to his dairy more time to cheer on his Philadelphia Eagles. was a must win among both schools. The roots. I thank Vince Panvini for his years of serv- Aggies hired legendary coach Bear Bryant as In November 1977, Don joined the staff of ice and wish him well in retirement. head coach and athletic director, but Bryant the Central Connecticut Cooperative Farmers

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:29 Jan 24, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A23JA8.017 E23JAPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS January 23, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E59 Associations a truck driver. However in his genuinely nice person and I’m happy to call Chief Burke will continue to serve his commu- nearly 35 years at the Co-Op, he has held her a good friend. nity as the highest ranking uniformed officer in more than a half dozen positions in nearly Connie came to the legislature in April, the county, upholding the high standard for every capacity. In March 2004, Don became 2006, winning a special election and then win- which the SCPD has become known. manager of the Co-Op, a position he earned ning her re-election in 2007. She was tireless Mr. Speaker, I honor James Burke for his through his hard work and lasting commitment in advocating for clean air and water, afford- invaluable and continuing contributions to our to help his customers and their farms. able housing, green space, clean energy, a community. It is my great hope that his tenure While he is retiring from his position as fair tax structure, and against overdevelop- with the department will be a credit to him and General Manager, I imagine we will continue ment and the dangers associated with Indian the officers he now oversees. I look forward to to see Don active in the agriculture world for Point. working with Chief Burke and supporting the many years to come. Whether it is through his In the County Legislature she served as department in its mission to keep Long Island work with the Connecticut Poultry Association Chair of the Environmental Committee, Vice- safe and secure. or the University of Connecticut’s agriculture Chair of the Multi-Services Committee and the programs, Don’s commitment to agriculture Special County Comprehensive Plan Com- f and the farm families across Connecticut will mittee, was a member of the Public Safety never tire. I want to extend my heartiest con- Committee and the Solid Waste Authority POVERTY IN CUBA gratulations to Don on his retirement and ask Board, and served as the Legislative Liaison my colleagues to do the same. to the Fire Advisory Board, to the Volunteer f Counseling Service, and to the Environmental HON. ALBIO SIRES Management Committee. OF NEW JERSEY MIDLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL She is a Registered Nurse and a Licensed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MUSTANGS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Midwife and her legislative agenda was based on her commitment to the health, well-being Monday, January 23, 2012 and safety of the citizens of Rockland County. HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I submit the fol- Connie lives in South Nyack with her hus- OF TEXAS lowing regarding the culture of poverty in band Erik Larsen, a doctor. They have two IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Cuba under the Castro regime. daughters: Keah Larsen, a graduate of Nyack Monday, January 23, 2012 High School and SUNY New Paltz with a de- [From the Jersey Journal, Dec. 31, 2011] Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to gree in Women’s Studies; and Anika Larsen, CUBA’S CULTURE OF POVERTY PERSISTS also a graduate of Nyack High School who at- congratulate the Midland Christian School (By Roland A. Alum) Mustangs on a tremendous football season. tended SUNY Delhi-Culinary Arts and Rock- On December 3, 2011, the Mustangs defeated land Community College. The Fidel-&-Raul Castro regime marks 53 the Tomball Concordia Lutheran Crusaders to I will miss seeing Connie at the events we years this Jan. 1. The brothers unquestion- ably enjoyed extraordinary popularity in win the TAPPS Division II State Champion- both went to. I will miss far more the wise 1959, but the enthusiasm soon vanished as ship. counsel she had to offer and her sound advice they turned Cuba into a financially and spir- The Mustangs finish the season with a 12– about the areas we both represented. By itually bankrupt Marxist anti-utopia. 2 record, winning 12 consecutive games to fin- happy coincidence we both represented a As a result, nearly two million Cubans of ish the season and capture the state cham- 17th District. She is a good and gracious per- all social backgrounds have fled, many of pionship. son who represented her constituents wisely them settling in Hudson County. I want to congratulate the team on their and well. We are all better for knowing her. By the 1950s, Cuba was a regional leader in dedication and hard work. This remarkable f numerous social indicators, notwithstanding season was capped by a thrilling state cham- instability and corruption during the repub- pionship that was a fight to the finish. RECOGNIZING JAMES BURKE lican era (1902–1958). But since 1959 the is- Throughout the ups and downs of this year, land-nation has become a backward, closed society beleaguered by unproductivity and the Mustangs persevered and clung together HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP rationing. as a unit, ultimately winning state. I applaud OF NEW YORK Sociologist Tomas Masaryk noted that their dedication and hard work. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘‘dictators ‘look good’ until the last min- Coach Greg McClendon, as well as the utes’’; in Cuba’s case, it seems particularly young men on the team, deserves recognition Monday, January 23, 2012 fine to certain U.S. intellectuals. Com- for the accomplishment. This victory marks the Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I fortably from abroad, apologists contend fifth 11-man state championship for the Mus- rise today to recognize and honor the newly that most of the socioeconomic problems tangs—an outstanding accomplishment. I en- invested chief of the Suffolk County Police De- that traditionally afflicted the prior five and a half decades were eliminated after 1959. courage them to enjoy this achievement to the partment, James C. Burke. A dedicated law utmost. Yet, fact-finding by international social-sci- enforcement officer, Chief Burke has devoted entists challenges this fantasy. It is my honor to represent the Midland his career to the service and protection of his An early, little-known account uncovering Christian School Mustangs and their state community. some effects of the Castros’ regimentation championship football team. Again, I congratu- Chief Burke began his service at the New came from research in Cuba in 1969–’70 by late the Mustangs on an outstanding season. York City Police Department in January of U.S. cultural-anthropologists Oscar Lewis f 1985, before moving to the Suffolk County PD and Douglas Butterworth. They intended to in July of the following year. During his time test Lewis’ theory that a culture of poverty IN HONOR OF CONNIE COKER with the department, Burke has served in a would not exist in a Marxist-oriented soci- ety. They had naively presupposed that the variety of leadership roles, including super- socially alienating conditions that engender HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL vising the patrol and detective divisions. such phenomena could develop among the OF NEW YORK In addition to commanding the Organized poor solely under capitalism. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Crime Bureau of the SCPD, Chief Burke has, The Lewis-Butterworth early on-the- since 2006, served as the chief investigator for ground scrutiny validates many accounts by Monday, January 23, 2012 the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. respected experts and the much vilified ex- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, in a loss we are Burke also has demonstrated a commitment to iles. There exists a culture of poverty in only just beginning to feel, Connie Coker law enforcement education and is frequently Cuba, although it is not necessarily a sur- stepped down as Rockland County Legislator called to give lectures to groups around the vivor of the old times, but seemingly a by- country. product of the Castros’ totalitarian social- at the end of 2011. To me she typified the ism. There were always poor Cubans, and Rockland spirit of enthusiasm, common sense, On January 1, 2012, James Burke was pro- some version of the culture of poverty might hard work, and intelligence. She cared for moted to Chief of the Suffolk County Police have existed before; but in my communica- people and worked hard to help them in any Department, the pinnacle, but by no means tions with Butterworth, he reconfirmed an- way a legislator could. To top it off, she is a the end, of a long and distinguished career. other discovery. The researchers could not

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:01 Jan 24, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JA8.020 E23JAPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS