May 21, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1225 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS IN MEMORY OF BRIAN O’NEILL Another highlight of Brian’s lifetime of ac- cess to credit, provide training on contract pro- complishment was returning Crissy Field from curement and green entrepreneurship and HON. NANCY PELOSI the barren, broken asphalt of a former World offer additional guidance to veteran-owned OF CALIFORNIA War II airstrip to the historic wetlands and ver- small businesses veterans looking to start IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dant marsh along the Presidio’s window to the their own businesses upon returning home Thursday, May 21, 2009 Bay. Crissy Field was one of the first attempts from service. This legislation will play a critical to restore historic wetlands along San Fran- role in putting Americans back to work and Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise today cisco Bay, and the first effort ever in San helping established small businesses grow to pay tribute to the life of one of the grand Francisco. Brian worked with Toby Rosenblatt, during these tough economic times. pioneers of the National Park Service, Brian the Haas family and many others to bring the I represent South Florida, which has 1.1 mil- O’Neill. resources, talent and energy together in a lion small businesses—one of the highest con- Brian was a passionate and dedicated advo- great success that provides public recreation centrations of small businesses in the country. cate for our National Parks. He served as a and environmental restoration. Today, Crissy Unfortunately, in 2008, SBA loans in South magnificent steward of our beloved treasure, Field serves as an example of the important Florida fell approximately 40 percent—10 per- the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. cent higher the national average. I’ve met with The Golden Gate National Recreation Area alliance that can be developed between local countless small business owners in my district (GGNRA) encompasses 76,000 acres of land and federal partners for the benefit of the and 50 miles of shoreline within Marin, San community and for the entire National Parks who, despite strong credit and responsible Francisco and San Mateo Counties, and in- system. lending histories cannot access credit at a rea- cludes world-famous sites such as Alcatraz Is- Brian provided leadership for the Bay Area sonable rate. These new and enhanced entre- land, Muir Woods and the Presidio of San Ridge Trail Council, the Bay Area Open Space preneurial development programs will serve as Francisco. It is the most visited unit of our Na- Council, the Association for the Central Cali- a lifeline for small business owners in my tional Park System, receiving more than 20 fornia Biosphere Reserve, the San Francisco home state of Florida, and throughout the million visitors annually, and is one of the larg- Planning and Urban Research Association, the country. By providing one-on-one counseling, est urban National Parks in the world. Headlands Institute, the Rails-to-Trails Conser- continued guidance and support for potential Brian O’Neill’s leadership in our National vancy’s California Advisory Council, the Gulf entrepreneurs and struggling small business Parks spanned more than 28 years. As Gen- of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary owners, we can help our small business com- eral Superintendent of the GGNRA, Brian met Advisory Council and the Save-the-Bay Asso- munity weather these tough economic times, the challenge of leadership in every measure. ciation Advisory Council. He was a key advi- increase sales and get our economy back on His enthusiasm soared to the heights of the sor to the Department of the Interior on part- track. giant redwoods of Muir Woods, his spirit of nership matters. I urge my colleagues to support this impor- partnership spanned the Golden Gateway As Phillip Burton, a goliath of our National tant legislation, from Fort Point to Fort Baker, and his vision Parks, stated when he created the law pre- f serving GGNRA and the Presidio, ‘‘Even in a saw to the Farallone Islands and beyond. TRIBUTE TO SAINT JOHN’S BAP- remote setting, the features of this park would On a daily basis, Brian inspired a staff of TIST CHURCH ON ITS 100TH AN- be outstanding.’’ In furtherance of Phillip Bur- 425 employees, a volunteer force of over NIVERSARY 20,000 and more than 30 major facility and ton’s vision, Brian O’Neill’s enduring legacy is program partners. Under his leadership, an outstanding National Park that is sustain- GGNRA has developed park operational part- able, and accessible for all to enjoy, and is a HON. DONALD M. PAYNE OF NEW JERSEY nerships that have served as national and great source of pride to all of us. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES international models. My colleagues in Congress and I are deeply Brian was a prominent figure in the saddened by his passing, and are grateful for Thursday, May 21, 2009 transitioning of the Presidio of San Francisco the legacy of natural beauty and cultural herit- Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask my col- from a military installation to a National Park. age he has left for future generations to enjoy. leagues here in the House of Representatives For more than two centuries, the Presidio We will miss his enthusiasm, his spirit and his to join me as I rise to acknowledge the St. stood as the Sentinel of the Golden Gate. vision. I hope it is of comfort to his wife Marti, John’s Baptist Church of Scotch Plains, New Today, thanks to a strong public-private part- and his children Kim and Brent, that so many Jersey on the celebration of its centennial an- nership, the Presidio has been transformed of us share in their loss. niversary. Established in 1909, St. John’s has into a National Park like no other, and as a f continuously served the needs of its congrega- place of peaceful reflection and recreation for JOB CREATION THROUGH tion and the community. all people. The transformation of the Presidio ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACT OF 2009 Throughout the illustrious history of St. from Post to Park has been exciting in its in- John’s Baptist Church, effective leadership novation, and is due in large part to Brian’s SPEECH OF has been at the core of all the accomplish- leadership. ments the church has had. Beginning with For more than a century, Fort Baker played HON. RON KLEIN Pastor Parson and continuing with Pastors a key role in the defense of San Francisco OF FLORIDA Gatewell, Hamlett, Sweeney, Glover and the Bay. Today, thanks to the leadership and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES current pastor, Rev. Dr. Kelmo Curtis Porter, commitment of Brian, Congresswoman LYNN Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Jr. St. John’s has made many physical en- WOOLSEY and many others, Fort Baker offers The House in Committee of the Whole hancements over the years. In addition to its a world-class retreat and conference center, a House on the State of the Union had under leadership, the success of all of St. John’s ini- hands-on children’s museum and learning consideration of the bill (H.R. 2352) to amend tiatives can be attributed to the faith, hope, center, and the Institute at the Golden Gate the Small Business Act, and for other pur- commitment and prayers of the loving mem- dedicated to dialog and action on global envi- poses: bership that fill the pews of this landmark facil- ronmental issues. Ft. Baker’s post-to-park Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Chair, I rise in ity. In fact, many of St. John’s congregants transition was truly a collaborative effort that strong support of H.R. 2352, the Job Creation have been members of the church all of their brought together the entire community—a hall- through Entrepreneurship Act of 2009. This lives and some are second or third generation mark of Brian O’Neill’s leadership. Moving for- legislation comes at a critical time, as small members. Clearly, this degree of devotion is ward, Ft. Baker will play a key role in advanc- businesses across the country are struggling representative of the marvelous ministries tak- ing the cause of both local and global environ- to access credit and make payroll. ing place within the church. mental stewardship and preserving our planet This legislation will create new small busi- A Gala being held on May 17, 2009 at for our children and the future. ness development programs to increase ac- Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey in honor ∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. VerDate Nov 24 2008 06:08 Jul 09, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD09\RECFILES\E21MY9.REC E21MY9 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 21, 2009 of this important milestone will feature a vari- Club has sought to increase inclusive civic tered the competition. Over six months, they ety of distinguished supporters, ministers and participation, promote transparent, open gov- worked with their company team of WEB In- friends. The theme of the centennial, ‘‘100 ernment, and support the merit-based selec- dustries Hartford, Inc., manufacturer of film Years Working for the Lord’’ celebrates the tion of judges. Its leaders reflect the best products, to design, create, test, and market a story of a church deeply rooted in faith and ideals of the Club and have devoted their vol- product using the company’s technology.