Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize a community activist and dependable leader on Buffalo's East Side, Stephanie Barber-Geter. As the longtime chairwoman of Restore Our Community Coalition (ROCC), she was a shining light and inspiration to anyone with a vision of a better future for the City of Buffalo.

A Hamlin Park resident, Stephanie Barber-Geter was the steady hand behind numerous community development projects. She directed the Head Start Partnership at SUNY Buffalo State College, served as the senior vice president of United Way of Buffalo & Eric County, served as board chair of Elim Community Corp, and president of the Hamlin Park Community & Taxpayers Association. Most notably, her efforts were the driving force behind the decision to restore the Humboldt Parkway community. In 2022 and 2023, aftel tireless years of advocacy and hard work, New York State and the federal government announced plans to re- imagine the Kensington Expressway. Stephanie recognized that urban landscape has the power to hurt or to heal; she saw the Kensington Expressway for what it was--a destruction of a thriving community in Buffalo. Just last March, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited Buffalo to affirm that she had it right all along. The United States government has unequivocally backed Stephanie's vision in both words and resources.

Stephanie Barber-Geter embodied everything that is good about our city and its people. She dedicated her time and expertise to countless organizations in the pursuit of a better Buffalo. I trust that the Kensington project, along with many others that Stephanie played a critical role, will continue to transform Western New York in her absence. To her husband, Edwin, and all her loved ones, she will be sorely missed. But for the people of Buffalo's East Side, Stephanie will be remembered as not only a fixture of the community, but as their champion who delivered tangible results.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Maritza Coromoto Biggs, who will officially become a citizen of the United States of America on January 27, 2024, having recently completed her naturalization interview and test.

Ms. Coromoto Biggs, born in Punto Fijo, Venezuela in 1958, was the fourth of ten children. She grew up in a modest but hardworking family. Her father worked for a petroleum company and her mother was a young homemaker. At an early age, she made history as one of the first women in the Venezuelan Air Force and came to this country in November of 1982 as a diplomatic delegate to learn how to fly and operate F-16s from the distinguished professionals of the U.S. Air Force.

Ms. Coromoto Biggs had a long and distinguished career advancing peace, stability, economic development and the improvement of human conditions throughout the Western Hemisphere through her work at the Inter-American Development Bank. She and her husband, Tyler Sanford Biggs, an economist at the World Bank, built a family and community of close friends here in the United States. She has two daughters who live and work in Virginia and Washington, D.C. today and is a proud abuelita to her two grandsons.

As Ms. Coromoto Biggs takes her oath of loyalty to the United States, a place that feels more like home than her home country, we celebrate the American dream and the opportunity that this country continues to provide, and we congratulate Ms. Coromoto Biggs on her naturalization.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Chief James G. Balys on the occasion of his retirement from the Erie County Sheriff's Office, and to thank him for the dedication and commitment he demonstrated to his community through his long and distinguished career in law enforcement and corrections.

Chief Balys began his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Thomas Higgins in October of 1995, was promoted to Sergeant in February of 2013, then Lieutenant in August of 2016, and Captain in July of 2020. Finally, he joined the Command Staff in July of 2021 as 1st Deputy Superintendent of Correctional Health and six months later was promoted to Chief of Correctional Health. Through all of these roles, Chief Balys demonstrated a commitment to service to the public, to upholding the rule of law, and to his fellow officers. Before his service as a sworn officer in the Erie County Sheriff's Office, he supported the protection of public safety as an electrician with the Buffalo Fire Department.

Chief Balys can now enjoy a well-earned retirement with Jeanine Colpoys, his wife of 29 years, and his children Allison, Olivia and Ryan. Like myself, Chief Balys is an alumnus of Buffalo State College; he grew up in West Seneca, NY.

Again, I commend Chief Balys for his long and distinguished career and thank him for his dedication to the safety of the public and the rule of law. His commitment has been exemplary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 10-year- old Liam Lynch of western New York.

Liam was first diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019 and, thanks to the expert care through Roswell Park/Oishei Children's Hospital partnership, he went into remission.

Unfortunately, Liam relapsed, but he is a tough, determined kid, and we support his efforts to succeed.

With the support of Liam's family and his community, he has donated more than 2,300 pairs of pajamas to other patients at the hospital where he is seeking care.

Liam's enduring positivity through chemotherapy, radiation, and months in the hospital has been recognized by the Buffalo Bills, including its star quarterback Josh Allen, along with the many people across the western New York community.

Liam Lynch truly embodies the spirit of the City of Good Neighbors.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Liam Lynch and his family as he bravely continues his battle to beat lymphoma for good.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, December 11, 2023, I was unable to be present for the recorded votes on Roll Call Nos. 707, 708, and 709. Had I been present, I would have voted: YES on Roll Call No. 707--H.R. 3224, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Extension Act, as amended; NO on Roll Call No. 708--H.R. 5378, Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, as amended; and YES on Roll Call No. 709--H.R. 6503, Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023, Part II.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Sara Capen, chair of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas.

Sara, who also serves as executive director of the Niagara Falls Heritage Area, is a dedicated leader, collaborator, and facilitator committed to preserving and celebrating the Niagara region's rich history.

From the growth of the Discover Niagara Shuttle to the success of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Sara has been the energy behind projects connecting people to stories, destinations, and to one another.

At the national level, Sara was the driving force behind approval of the National Heritage Areas Act, which reauthorizes all 45 heritage areas for the next 15 years, safeguarding and strengthening economic opportunities across the country.

We thank Sara Capen for her passion and commitment to ensuring America's history is woven into our future for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize a leader within our community, Deborah Bruch Bucki. Not only has she excelled in her professional career, but she consistently devoted time and energy toward countless organizations in Western New York. The spirit and vigor that Debbie has displayed for over five decades is emblematic of our community and its commitment to one another.

A graduate of Villa Maria Academy and D'Youville College, Debbie also received her Ph.D. from University at Buffalo before her career began in nursing. She cared for individuals at multiple hospitals in the area, most notably at Buffalo General Hospital. But more than any singular accomplishment, Debbie's commitment to Buffalo's largest suburb, the Town of Amherst, has been nothing short of impressive. She has served on the town board in various roles since 2006, including a stint as Town Clerk from 2009 to 2011. Currently, Debbie serves as the Deputy Supervisor. This is in addition to work for the Amherst Democratic Committee, Amherst 9/11 Commemoration Ceremonies, Amherst Museum, Amherst Symphony Orchestra, and Amherst Youth Board. Debbie is an active member of the League of Women Voters, numerous Polish- American organizations, and several educational associations. And though it may be hard to imagine, this is far from a comprehensive list: she has played a role in too many organizations and efforts to properly recall.

It is not often that one citizen can have such a positive and broad impact on her community; this dedication ought to be both recognized and applauded. Debbie is an asset for the Town of Amherst, and all of these groups and organizations owe her a debt of gratitude. Hopefully, Debbie will allow herself the chance to enjoy additional time with her husband, Carl, and their son, Craig. But as long as Deborah Bucki continues to serve the people of the Town of Amherst, they are in capable hands, and I am thrilled that she is receiving the recognition that she deserves.

Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize the hard work, commitment, and leadership of my good friend, Yuri Hreshchyshyn. Born in 1959, Yuri has been an inspiring advocate and dedicated servant in the maintenance and growth of Buffalo. The Ukrainian-American community, City of Buffalo, and all of Western New York owe Yuri a debt of gratitude for his enduring vision of what our community should look like.

A committeeman with the Erie County Democratic Committee, he has worked closely with elected leaders on several community projects. Yuri worked as an advisor and volunteer with Buffalo Green Code and None Like You/We Care to right the wrongs of environmental injustices, plan educational outreach, and design city green space. Whether it was cutting grass, trimming trees, or planting gardens, each project was a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of his neighbors. As Executive Director Emeritus of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, Yuri was instrumental in the redevelopment of the terminal and surrounding area. He also offered indispensable leadership in the fight to clean up Buffalo's waterways. It is safe to say that the Buffalo River and Old First Ward would not look the same in the absence of his stewardship.

Yuri has also been steadfast in preserving Ukrainian customs and traditions in Western New York. He has formerly served as the President of the Ukrainian American Civic Center and as a board member of the Ukrainian American Welcome Foundation of WNY. Yuri has been the President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee (Buffalo Chapter) since 2019. In light of Russia's baseless invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he has been helping displaced Ukrainians, collecting humanitarian aid for the front lines, and serving as my personal counsel for accurate information on the war's developments.

In the ``City of Good Neighbors,'' we are blessed to have no shortage of caring residents; nevertheless, those looking for a model citizen should look no further than Yuri Hreshchyshyn. Yuri embodies everything good about our community, and it is my honor to thank him for all that he has done for our community and our country.

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to recognize this year's Spirit of Mercy Honoree at Mount Mercy Academy, Marjorie ``Marge'' Stanton Ryan. For over a century, Mount Mercy Academy has been a beacon of light and an indispensable institution within our community. With a unique focus on academic excellence, women's leadership, and a commitment to building a just society, it is only proper to commend all of those who have contributed to this much- deserved reputation.

Marge Ryan is one of South Buffalo's most dedicated activists, and her passion for bettering this neighborhood is nothing short of commendable. After graduating from South Park High School in 1959, Marge worked as a stenographer with RJ Walsh/Equitabte Insurance before marrying Tom Ryan in 1959 and raising six children. Marge took on an active role in the parents' guilds at Mount Mercy Academy and Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School while her children were in school. Marge was a founding member of South Buffalo Alive, a nonprofit organization that dedicates its time and energy to improving the quality of life in South Buffalo and beautifying the neighborhood. She has worked with the Olmsted Conservancy Board and has a long history of working with elected leaders in the community to get things done including, the Mayors in the City of Buffalo, Buffalo City Council Members, the Parks Department, and the Department of Public Works, as well as working closely with county, state and federal representatives on important projects in our community. Marge is consistent and attentive, and you can tell almost immediately which gardens Marge makes her own by their beauty, simplicity, and by the way they are kept--tidy. Marge still actively helps to maintain:

Mount Mercy Academy, Trocaire College, the Firemen's Memorial, Morgan/ Heacock Park, the traffic circle gardens on McKinley Parkway, and the brick paths in Cazenovia Park and pocket park gardens around Abbott and South Park. Of course, her passion of gardening has been a constant through all her years, and it has led to the beautification of countless areas and parks in South Buffalo. Her friendship with Sister Marie Bernard was the foundation of her involvement and gardening at the Mt. Mercy Convent and Trocaire College. As a friend of Marge, I can say with confidence that our community is a better, more attractive place to live because of her unrelenting efforts.

The award recipients and honorees tonight for Mount Mercy Academy's 22nd Annual Dinner have exceeded the already rigorous standard for the members within this community. Mount Mercy's values and commitment to service are steeped in decades of tradition, and Marjorie Stanton Ryan continues to live these values in all she does. Marge shares this legacy with her husband, Tom, as well as her children, Mary Lynn ('79), Karen ('80), Maggie ('83), Kevin, David, Tom, Jr., and their grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to recognize this year's Athletic Excellence Honoree at Mount Mercy Academy, Jessica Turner. For over a century, Mount Mercy Academy has been a beacon of light and an indispensable institution within our community. With a unique focus on academic excellence, women's leadership, and a commitment to building a just society, it is only proper to commend the alumni who have contributed to this much-deserved reputation.

As a leader on and off the court, Jessica has been exemplary in her commitment to service. While playing Division I basketball at Niagara University, she served as Vice President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and was selected as an Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar. The skills Jessica gained as a student-athlete were directly transferable to her role in the business world. She has consistently advanced as an employee at New Era Cap Company and was a critical force in the creation of New Era's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEI). Jessica was the first person to hold the title of Director of DEI. Outside of work, she spends her time as a mentor with the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars and volunteers with the Festival of Trees, FeedMore WNY, the Special Olympics, Willie Hutch Jones Education and Sports programs, and the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation. Jessica's love of basketball was formed by her father, and it has shaped the person that is deserving of this award. Though athletics can be seen as an all-encompassing time commitment, Jessica has used her passion of sports as fuel to better the lives of others.

The award recipients and honorees tonight for Mount Mercy Academy's 22nd Annual Dinner have exceeded the already rigorous standard for the members within this community. Mount Mercy's values and commitment to service are steeped in decades of tradition, and Jessica Turner continues to live these values in her career, relationships, and most importantly, as a mother to Maya and Kellan.

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to recognize this year's Sister Sally Walz Memorial Award at Mount Mercy Academy, Patricia Keane Marren. For over a century, Mount Mercy Academy has been a beacon of light and an indispensable institution within our community. With a unique focus on academic excellence, women's leadership, and a commitment to building a just society, it is only proper to commend the alumni who have contributed to this much-deserved reputation.

The recipient of this award requires ``an expansive heart,'' and Pattie Keane certainly fits the bill. She began her career as a programmer at Marine Midland Bank (now HSBC Bank), and after attaining a master's degree in business administration, became Vice President at HSBC in 1997. Pattie worked for over two decades and led several company-wide initiatives and philanthropic efforts. As community leader and avid volunteer, she consistently puts the needs of others before her own. She assisted in fundraising events and organizational activities of O'Sullivan School of Irish Dance, Cazenovia Hockey Association, Canisius High School, and naturally, at Mount Mercy Academy. There she served as Treasurer and Board Member of the Alumnae Association co-chair (with her husband, Dan) of the McAuley Gala, and an active member of the Board of Trustees. And even in the face of considerable medical challenges, Pattie continues to find new ways to advocate for others. In fact, as a patient at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, she was responsible for improvements to safety practices for patients and visitors with disabilities. Pattie has always embodied selflessness and compassion, and it has been to the benefit of all those who know her.

The award recipients and honorees tonight for Mount Mercy Academy's 22nd Annual Dinner have exceeded the already rigorous standard for the members within this community. Mount Mercy's values and commitment to service are steeped in decades of tradition, and Patricia Keane Marren has always embodied these values in her career, relationships, and most importantly, with her husband, Dan, and children Katherine ('11 ) and Thomas.

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to recognize this year's Mercy Devotion Honoree at Mount Mercy Academy, Tina Scarpello Webster. For over a century, Mount Mercy Academy has been a beacon of light and an indispensable institution within our community. With a unique focus on academic excellence, women's leadership, and a commitment to building a just society, it is only proper to commend the alumni who have contributed to this much-deserved reputation.

As a staff member at Mount Mercy, Tina has been afforded the rare opportunity to make a tangible impact on the hearts and minds of countless students. Upon graduating from Erie Community College, Tina's brief time working in North Carolina made her recognize her passion and love of our community in Buffalo. Upon her return, Tina eventually found her way to working at the school that she, and her sisters Cheryl ('82) and Joelle ('84), love so dearly: Mount Mercy Academy. She assumed the roles of Recruitment Manager, Director of Admissions and Communications, newsletter creator, class moderator, club facilitator, and social media coordinator, among a myriad of roles. Tina has been the cheerleading coach for even longer, this skill has shaped her work on behalf of her alma mater. There is no shortage of ways that Tina has bettered the Mount Mercy community, and she shares this enthusiasm in Buffalo, as well. She has volunteered with the South Buffalo Football Association for twenty-five years, assisted in the creation of the Brian Bauer Memorial Golf Tournament, and coaches Buffalo Envy, another local cheerleading team. Tina has been an inspiring mentor to young women in Western New York, and her hard work at Mount Mercy makes her an excellent role model.

The award recipients and honorees tonight for Mount Mercy Academy's 22nd Annual Dinner have exceeded the already rigorous standard for the members within this community. Mount Mercy's values and commitment to service are steeped in decades of tradition, and Tina Scarpello Webster continues to live these values in her career and relationships.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Trocaire College of Buffalo, New York, as this institution celebrates the 65th anniversary of its founding. Founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy, Trocaire College is a private, career-oriented institution which strives to advance and perpetuate the worthy mission, values and charisma of that order.

As women of faith who commit their lives to God and their resources to serve, advocate and pray for those in need around the world, the Sisters of Mercy strive to advance a just world for people who are poor, sick and uneducated, and Trocaire College is a manifestation of that imperative.

With its roots in nursing and other healthcare professions, Trocaire has expanded its offerings to meet the dynamic

needs of students seeking to advance their careers in order to secure a better future for themselves and their families and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

I congratulate my friend Dr. Bassam Deeb, the president of Trocaire College, as well as the trustees, faculty, staff, students and supporters of the College as they announce that they have met and exceeded the goal set for their Funding the Future for WNY campaign, which is making a Trocaire College education more affordable for more students.

Again, I recognize this important institution and its work to improve the lives of the students it serves, and ultimately, the communities which they will serve.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor 94-year- old Korean War

veteran August V. Cosentino for his community accomplishments and life- long dedication to America's values.

In 1951, young August Cosentino enlisted in the United States Air Force and was assigned to attend radio and radar school at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, for one year of intensive training. Following his training, he was assigned to a forward operations outpost on the 38th parallel of the Korean peninsula, where he aided in directing advanced bombing missions in North Korea.

After the Korean War, August Cosentino married the love of his life, Martha, and together they raised three children: Cindy, Ralph, and David, before Martha passed away on their 59th anniversary in 2012. To support his family through a growing America, August worked in the sales business before forming his own company--August Cosentino Enterprises, where they supplied the automotive industry with custom made parts.

The Buffalo community played a large part in Mr. Cosentino's life. August served as the president of Kenmore Rotary, where he tirelessly exemplified their motto of ``Service Above Self.'' As a talented musician, August can play the piano, accordion, and stand-up bass. He has played in several military bands since 1951 and is well known in the Western New York music community. Mr. Cosentino still plays stand- up bass weekly in the choir at the Newman Center mass.

I am excited to thank the guest of honor, veteran August V. Cosentino, for his service. Mr. Cosentino served our country 70 years ago and our grateful community since then, and I hope for many more bright years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor World War II Marine Corps veteran William P. Gosch as he celebrates his 100th birthday which is December 8th.

William P. Gosch was born in North Tonawanda, New York, on December 8th, 1923. While attending North Tonawanda High School, he showed academic prowess, earning a football scholarship to attend Niagara University. After graduating from high school in the Fall of 1941, William chose to forgo his scholarship and joined the Marine Corps. For two years, he served as a rifleman and military policeman in the infamous ``Carlson's Raiders'' in the Eastern Pacific Theatre of World War II.

William Gosch was an exemplary soldier. His unit was awarded a presidential citation for their heroism in capturing the Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. During his time as a Marine, he participated in action in Bougainville, Emirau Island, the St. Matthias Islands, Guam, and Okinawa. Following the Allied victory in World War II, William Gosch worked as a general manager in the Richardson Boat Company before spending time working in the costume jewelry business in Honolulu. After returning to Buffalo and settling down, his opportunity to dedicate more to the Buffalo community came in 2020 when he was instated as the temporary replacement for the 2nd Ward Alderwoman. Following this, William received the rare opportunity to collaborate with YouTube documentarian Rishi Sharma, where he promoted awareness of the remaining World War II veterans to an audience of over one million people.

Today, I want to congratulate William on his 100th birthday and express my deep gratitude to William Paul Gosch for his service to our country and the Buffalo community. As William said in 2020, ``Buffalo is the greatest city in the world.'' it is a great city because of dedicated individuals such as William Paul Gosch.