Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Mr. William G. Batchelder Jr., a prominent lawyer and civic leader from Medina, Ohio, who passed away at the age of 96 on May 7, 2011.

Mr. Batchelder was born on July 30, 1914 in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood. His family moved to Medina in 1929, and in 1932 he graduated from Medina High School. Upon graduating, William went on to study economics and history at Ohio Wesleyan University. During his senior year, he was awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Cincinnati Law School; he passed the Ohio bar exam in 1939.

William returned to Medina in the summer of 1939 with his wife Eleanor and immediately opened his own private practice. Just five months later, he decided to run for Medina County Prosecutor, and would serve in this position from 1941 until 1953. While serving as Prosecutor, in 1942, William enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served his country bravely in the South Pacific during World War II for three years, and rose to the rank of sergeant. Meanwhile, back in Medina, he became the father of his first child and was re-elected as County Prosecutor.

In the 1950s Mr. Batchelder completed his duties as County Prosecutor and began working as a trial lawyer with the Cleveland law firm of Thompson, Hine & Flory. However, in 1957, he left the prominent firm and formed a partnership with Harold Williams in Medina; the firm was named Williams and Batchelder. He would continue to try cases until the age of 93.

In addition to William's impressive career, he was also a dedicated community leader. In 1946, he was elected as the director of the Medina Chamber of Commerce and as chairman of the Medina County Rent Control Committee. Several years later, in 1952, William was elected as president of the Medina County Bar Association. Throughout the years he was involved with the Medina County Boy Scouts, Medina Community Chest, United Way of Medina County and served as president of the Medina City School Board of Education. Mr. Batchelder also sat as chairman of the Medina County Republican Party Executive Committee during the 1950s and 1980s.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Mr. William G. Batchelder. I extend my deepest condolences to his five children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember Vincent John Skindell. Vincent passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 13, 2011 in a car accident.

Vincent Skindell was born on August 19, 1960 to Vincent M. and Carol (nee Kaska) Skindell. Vincent was a 1978 graduate of Brunswick High School and an evening manager at Goodyear Tire in Brunswick for 12 years. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening, fishing, and hunting and enjoyed shooting pool also.

Vincent was preceded in death by his father Vincent and his son Joshua Skindell. Vincent is survived by his wife Shawn (nee McGee); his daughter Tara Painting; his grandchildren Faith and Noah Painting; his mother Carol; his step-children Christie Stiffler and Jennifer Pasquale and step-grandchildren Matthew, Nicholas, and Michael Stiffler and Allison and Olivia Pasquale.

Vincent is also survived by his brother Michael, who is a State Senator in Ohio, representing Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma, and other Cleveland suburbs in the 10th Congressional District. Vincent was always supportive and active in Michael's campaigns as a Lakewood City Councilman, a State Representative, and State Senator. I would frequently see Vincent and his family at campaign events for Michael and at my own events.

Mr. Speaker and respected colleagues, please join me in remembering Vincent John Skindell, citizen and friend, and in offering condolences to his family who are now grieving his loss.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the grand opening of the Cleveland Syrian Cultural Gardens, taking place on May 29, 2011.

The 254-acre piece of land that constitutes Rockefeller Park was donated to the City of Cleveland by John D. Rockefeller in 1896. The Cleveland Syrian Cultural Gardens is a fifty-acre piece of land within Rockefeller Park. These gardens were founded in 1926 to create a memorial area for the diverse ethnic groups that shape the region, and to serve as a space of reflection on peace, cooperation and understanding. The Cultural Gardens is currently a collection of 26 gardens which include African-American, American Indian, British, Chinese, Czech, Estonian, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Polish, and Slovenian gardens, among others.

In 1929, the land for a Syrian Cultural Garden was allotted to the Greater Syrian American Community. The Syrian American and Arab American community have, for over 100 years, played a vital role in the spiritual, social and cultural life of the greater Cleveland community. For unknown reasons, the garden was never planned or built.

Decades later, while researching Arab immigration, the Arab American Community Center for Economic and Social Services (AACCESS) in Ohio came across the garden plot. After informing Cleveland's Syrian community, the project was restarted in 2004. The Syrian American Cultural Garden Association, Syrian Medical Society, Syrian American Cultural Council and the National Arab American Medical Association, Ohio Chapter worked to design the project.

The design of the Syrian Cultural Garden was created by an architectural graduate student from Damascus University. The garden will be composed of many elements that represent Syrian culture such as the Arches of Palmyra, Amphitheater of Basra, Syrian Arch, and the Arabic Fountain and will include Damascene roses.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me recognition of the grand opening of the Cleveland Syrian Cultural Garden, the newest edition to Cleveland's historic Cultural Gardens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Mr. Thomas Stanton Kilbane, one of Cleveland's top litigators, who passed away on April 28, 2011.

Born in 1941, Mr. Kilbane was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended St. Ignatius High School and later John Carroll University. During his time at John Carroll, Mr. Kilbane participated in its Reserve Officer Training Corps. Upon graduating as valedictorian of his class, Tom moved to Chicago and attended law school at Northwestern University where he was chosen for its law review.

In 1966, Mr. Kilbane joined the international law firm of Squire Sanders. However, during 1968 and 1969, Tom served his country in the Vietnam War. As a captain, he served in a transportation group and was awarded a Bronze Star for combat.

After arriving home from Vietnam, Mr. Kilbane returned to Squire Sanders and was made a partner at the firm in 1976. Tom specialized in areas such as antitrust law, product liability and contracts. He served as a member of Squire Sanders' management committee and he chaired the litigation practice between 1996 and 2006.

Mr. Kilbane was one of the most successful and reputable lawyers to work at Squire Sanders and in the Cleveland area. Throughout his career he was welcomed into groups such as the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was also recognized with numerous awards such as Best Lawyers' ``bet-the- company'' litigator in 2009 and the Cardinal Bellarmine award from his alma mater, St. Ignatius High School, in 2011.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Mr. Thomas Kilbane. I extend my condolences to his wife, Sally; five children; four grandchildren; and four siblings.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in remembrance of Mr. Paul Grau, who served as Brecksville's and Oakwood Village's law director for the past thirty years.

Paul was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He attended the State University of New York at Oswego. Upon graduation, Mr. Grau married his high school sweetheart, Linda Mruk, and moved to Cleveland. Paul then enrolled in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and earned his juris doctor degree.

Mr. Grau was a dedicated to public servant. He began working with the City of Garfield Heights' law department in 1976 and was later appointed as the city's law director. During his tenure, in 1978, Paul began working as a managing partner with the law firm of Reddy, Grau and Meek. As he continued to build a successful and meaningful career in both the public and private sector, in 1981 Paul took on the role of law director for the City of Brecksville. Along the way, he left the City of Garfield Heights and in 1992 became the law director for Oakwood Village. Mr. Grau served as the law director for Brecksville and Oakwood Village for thirty and nineteen years respectively.

In addition to his contributions as a law director to three Northeastern Ohio communities, Mr. Grau was dedicated to other community needs. He served on the board, and at one time was the chairman of the Jennings Center for Older Adults for ten years.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Mr. Paul Grau. I offer my condolences to his wife of 37 years, Linda; son, Andy; and sister, Mary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Judge Francis E. Sweeney, a former Justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio, who passed away on April 10, 2011.

Born on January 24, 1934, Judge Sweeney was raised in Northeast Ohio. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School before attending Xavier University. He received the Legion of Honor Award from his alma mater upon graduating in 1956. After completing his undergraduate education, Judge Sweeney spent several years playing professional football in Canada with the Ottawa Rough Riders. In 1957, Judge Sweeney joined the U.S. Army and served his country bravely during the Korean War.

Judge Sweeney returned to Cleveland in 1958 and began working in Allstate Insurance Company's legal department. While working at Allstate, he attended Cleveland-Marshall Law School and earned his juris doctor degree in 1963. He left Allstate and started working as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Cuyahoga County.

In 1970, Judge Sweeney began his career as a judge for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. In 1988, he began sitting as a judge for Ohio's Court of Appeals of the Eighth Appellate District, the busiest and largest appellate court in the state of Ohio. In 1992, Judge Sweeney became a Justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio and would serve two terms until his retirement in 2004. After retiring, Judge Sweeney continued serving as a retired assigned judge in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Sweeney was a highly accomplished lawyer and judge. He was the recipient of the Outstanding Judicial Service Award by the Ohio Supreme Court for fourteen consecutive years. He was named Xavier University's Alumnus of the Year in 1977, received the Cardinal Bellarmine Award for Legal Excellence 1994 from St. Ignatius High School, and was presented with the Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2000 by Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Judge Francis E. Sweeney, Sr. I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Dr. Janos Horvath and the William Penn Association for the tireless work they do on behalf of Hungarians and the Hungarian-American community in Cleveland, Ohio and across the nation.

Dr. Janos Horvath was born on November 7, 1921 in Hungary. He studied economics at the Palatine Jozsef University of Technology and Economic Sciences. In November of 1956, he left Hungary. While in exile in Strasbourg, he became a leader of the Hungarian Revolutionary Council in 1957. Later, while in New York, he became a founding member of Kossuth Foundation. He received his PhD from Columbia University in 1966. He taught at various American universities until he moved back to Hungary in 1997, after 41 years. In 1998, Dr. Horvath became the Chairman of the Economic Policy Committee of Fidesz--Hungary's Civic party. He has been a Member of Hungary's parliament since 1998 and is currently the Doyen of the Hungarian Parliament.

The William Penn Association was founded on February 21, 1886 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania by thirteen Hungarian coal miners under the name ``Verhovay Aid Association.'' The goal of the founders was to extend a helping hand to each other and to the many Hungarian immigrants who worked and suffered in the mines and industrial centers of America. The Verhovay Aid Association has grown into the largest of all the Hungarian American fraternal organizations. In 1972 the organization's name was changed to ``William Penn Association.''

The Hungarian American Coalition is a Washington based non-profit organization founded 20 years ago to coordinate the talents and resources of its members in promoting the interests of the Hungarian American community. Its goals include: to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history, culture and scientific achievements of both the United States and Hungary through cultural and educational exchanges; to protect and preserve the human and minority rights and cultural heritage of Hungarians throughout the world; and to support democratic institutions and economic development in Hungary. Every year the Coalition honors outstanding members of the Hungarian-American community in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to both Hungary and the United States.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Dr. Janos Horvath and the William Penn Association and the work they do on behalf of the Hungarian and Hungarian-American community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mayor Ralph J. Perk, the 52nd mayor of the City of Cleveland, as he is posthumously inducted into ClevelandPeople.com's International Hall of Fame.

Mayor Perk was born on January 19, 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio to Mary and Joseph Perk. He attended elementary school at Our Lady of Lourdes School. After earning his high school diploma, Mayor Perk studied history, political science and mathematics at Case Western Reserve University and St. John College. Throughout his adolescence Ralph worked as a pattern maker and later an ice peddler with his brother, George, at Perk Coal & Ice Co. In 1940, Perk married Lucille Gagliardi; they had seven children and were together for 59 years.

At the age of 20, Perk joined the 13th Ward Republican Club and in 1953 was elected as the ward's council member. During his five terms as the Broadway-E.55th Street councilman, Perk organized the American Nationalities Movement, an agency that represents 35 ethnic and nationality groups. Mayor Perk was an outspoken proponent of human rights and is well known for his celebration of cultural diversity. In 1962, Perk was elected as Cuyahoga County Auditor, and became the first Republican elected to county office since the 1930s. He was reelected twice and served as a county official until 1970.

Mayor Perk became the 52nd mayor of the City of Cleveland in 1971 and was reelected in 1973 and 1975. While in office Mayor Perk was instrumental in the creation and establishment of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, the Office of International Trade at Cleveland's City Hall and the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Republican Mayors caucus. After serving as the Mayor of Cleveland, in 1978, Mr. Perk began a consulting business, Ralph Perk & Associates Inc. Mayor Perk was a political figure and prominent businessman in the City of Cleveland until his death on April 21, 1999.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mayor Ralph J. Perk as he is celebrated at ClevelandPeople.com's International Hall of Fame ceremony.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Frank L. Kowalski, Jr., a gentleman whose dedication to the Polish-American community of Cleveland has led the Cleveland Society of Poles Foundation to name him the 2011 recipient of the ``Good Joe'' Award.

Mr. Kowalski was born and raised in the Tremont area of Cleveland. After graduating from Lincoln High School, he joined the Navy Reserve. He was soon called into active duty and served on the USS Navarro as a machinist's mate during the Korean War. Upon his discharge in 1954, Mr. Kowalski joined the Polish Legion of American Veterans and he remains an active member of the organization to this day.

Mr. Kowalski attended Fenn College (now Cleveland State University) under the GI Bill and graduated in 1965. He worked at the Thompson Products Plant until 1972, when he pursued a second career in property management and maintenance.

Many organizations within the Polish-American community in Cleveland have benefitted from Mr. Kowalski's leadership. He has served as Post Commander, Financial Director, and National Financial Director for the Polish Legion of American Veterans; Director, Treasurer, and Vice President of the Polonia Foundation of Ohio; Financial Secretary of the Cleveland Society; Financial Director of the Polish National Alliance Group #171; and Treasurer of the Tremont Residence Service Corporation. He has been named a Knight of Pulaski by the Polonia Foundation of Ohio and

was awarded the Miecze Hallerowskie Medal by the Polish Army Veterans Kosciuszko Post 152. He is also an active parishioner at St. John Cantius Catholic Church.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Mr. Frank L. Kowalski, Jr., whose tireless devotion to the Polish- American community has been an inspiration to many. I offer Mr. Kowalski my sincerest congratulations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Sri Karunamayi Amma, a Hindu spiritual leader who has devoted her life to peace, unity, compassion, and respect for all life forms. Sri Karunamayi will be visiting Cleveland during her 17th World Tour at the end of May.

Sri Karunamayi, known as ``Amma,'' the Telugu word for ``mother'' by her followers, was born in South India in 1958. From an early age, her compassion for the less fortunate and her insights into ancient Sanskrit spiritual teachings and prayers were noted by her family and learned spiritual scholars alike. At the age of 21, Sri Karunamayi travelled to the sacred Penusila Forest, where she lived a life of strict asceticism, meditation, and study of ancient Vedic texts for ten years. At this time, she decided it was time to share her knowledge with the rest of the world.

Since emerging from the Penusila Forest, Sri Karunamayi Amma has devoted her life to charity works and teaching. She has founded two free elementary schools, a free college, a free hospital, mobile medical clinics, emergency relief programs, food and clothing donation programs, and free housing programs, all to allow the impoverished people of her native India to live better lives. She has also travelled the world, sharing her blessings, teachings, and quest for peace, hope, and emotional healing with thousands of people. Sri Karunamayi Amma teaches that ``we should realize the great opportunity we have as human beings to cultivate inner beauty, offer ourselves in service to the entire universe, and ultimately attain spiritual liberation.''

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Sri Karunamayi Amma, whose charitable works and spiritual guidance have inspired countless people around the world. I extend my personal thanks to Sri Karunamayi for sharing her message with the people of northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Frank H. Gauthan of Cleveland, Ohio, who will be celebrating his 90th birthday on May 14. Mr. Gauthan bravely served his country and the citizens of Cleveland with honor and distinction.

Mr. Gauthan began his life of public service as a member of the 5th Division of the Marine Corps during World War II. Stationed in the South Pacific, he fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Guam.

Following the war, Mr. Gauthan served with the Cleveland Police Department for 31 years. He was promoted to the rank of detective, and served in the narcotics division of the Cleveland Police Department. As an experienced narcotics officer, he was crucial in the establishment of the narcotics department of the Cuyahoga County Sherriff's Department. Mr. Gauthan played a crucial role in the development of a new county-wide office to aid in the fight against narcotics.

Mr. Gauthan is an active member of the Retired Irish Police Society (RIPS), Westside Irish American Club, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 1079. He also volunteers with Meals on Wheels and has been an active volunteer with the Democratic Party. In addition, Mr. Gauthan is an avid golfer and bowler, and has garnered many awards and trophies throughout the years.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in wishing Mr. Frank H. Gauthan a very happy 90th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Bishop Emeritus Anthony M. Pilla, the 2011 recipient of the Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus' Four Eagles Award. Bishop Pilla is being honored for his many years of service and commitment to the Saint Stanislaus community.

Bishop Anthony Pilla was born in Cleveland on November 12, 1932. He attended John Carroll University and went on to be ordained a Catholic Priest within the Cleveland Diocese in 1959. On June 30, 1979, Pope John Paul II named him Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland. In 1980, he was named Apostolic Administrator of the Cleveland Diocese, and became the ninth Bishop of Cleveland on January 6, 1981. He was elected president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1995 and served in that position for three years. He served as Bishop until his retirement in 2006.

Bishop Anthony Pilla is being honored for his outstanding record of dedication to the Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus in Cleveland, Ohio. As Bishop of Cleveland, he advised Fr. William Gulas regarding the Church's renovations. He was responsible for achieving the Church's status as a shrine, thus opening the doors to thousands of visitors. He was instrumental in expanding Cleveland Central Catholic High School, which is located on St. Stanislaus Church's campus, and worked with community members on countless development and revitalization efforts. Even since his retirement, he has remained an active member of the St. Stanislaus community. For these reasons, the St. Stanislaus community is awarding Bishop Emeritus Anthony Pilla the Four Eagle Award, named for the legendary four eagles that protected the body of the martyred St. Stanislaus.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Bishop Emeritus Anthony M. Pilla as he receives the Four Eagles Award for his devotion and dedication to the parish and community of the Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Mr. Robert M. Foulkrod, a writer, life coach, and spiritual awakening researcher who passed away on May 2, 2011.

Mr. Foulkrod was born on May 8, 1924 in State College, Pennsylvania. He eventually moved to Dover, New Hampshire where he attended high school. After high school, Robert served with the U.S. Army, climbing the ranks from private to sergeant. He later earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at University of New Hampshire in 1961. Upon completing his education, Robert again joined the armed forces and served with the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant performing research on aircraft armament systems.

Robert had very successful careers in electronic engineering and career counseling. As a mechanical engineering section manager with Sanders Associates, Inc., Mr. Foulkrod researched, designed and produced several new technologies and systems. During his tenure as an electronic engineer Robert was a member of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. After years as an electronic engineer, Robert changed careers and began working for Honeywell Computer Company as their hospital systems marketing manager. As marketing manager, he developed and performed inspirational training to hospital computer systems salespeople.

Later, Mr. Foulkrod would work as a career change counselor with Bernard Haldane Associates. He served as a personal coach to people aspiring to change career paths. In addition to his influence as a counselor, Mr. Foulkrod was a revered researcher in spiritual awakening. He dedicated years of his life to research and published several articles with the United States Psychotronics Association. He also authored a number of books on the subject including Visit Boosting Friends and The Game of Awakening.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Mr. Robert M. Foulkrod, who served the country bravely and inspired many throughout his life. I offer my condolences to his life partner, Barbara Hero, three children, family, and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Poles, Polish- Americans and the Honorable Ambassador from Poland, Robert Kupiecki, and his wife, Malgorzata Kupiecki, on the occasion of Polish Constitution Day, celebrated on May 3, 2011.

Polish Constitution Day is a day when people of all cultures join with the people of Poland to celebrate the rich culture, traditions and history of Poland. After almost five centuries of struggle and perseverance, the Governmental Statute of Poland became the first written constitution in Europe on May 3, 1791. The Polish Constitution established the separation of government powers, freedom of religion, and abolished elements of serfdom, all of these are key elements of freedom and democracy.

The Polish American Congress strives to make Americans of Polish heritage more successful and involved U.S. citizens by encouraging them to assume the responsibilities of leadership. Since its foundation over sixty years ago, the group has created programs to successfully integrate people of Polish decent in the U.S. and enrich Cleveland's social fabric. These programs include the Displaced Persons Program, which allowed almost 150,000 Polish immigrants to enter the U.S. after World War Two. The group also won American veterans benefits for Polish Veterans of both World War One and World War Two. The Polish American Congress has played a crucial role in the Polish Community, and in its many years of support and service has been an invaluable contribution to the City of Cleveland and this nation. This year, the Greater Cleveland Community can celebrate Poland's rich history and culture by joining Cleveland's Polish community in attending events such as the Polonia Ball, the Grand Parade and the Photographic Exhibition.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me today, Polish Constitution Day, in honoring the struggles, courage and triumphs of the people of Poland and honoring all people of Polish descent. Through their successive struggles for freedom, the people of Poland have given the world hope.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Brent Larkin, a lifelong resident of Cleveland who is being recognized as Voices of Ohio's Children's 2011 Champion for Children.

Mr. Larkin was born and raised in the greater Cleveland area. He graduated from Brush High School and went on to Ohio University, where he received a degree in journalism in 1969. Soon after graduating, he became a reporter for the Cleveland Press, thus beginning an illustrious career. In 1981, Larkin began working for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and in 1991, he was named head of the Plain Dealer's opinion page. As head of the opinion page, he wrote many thoughtful editorials addressing the concerns of children within the social welfare and juvenile justice system. He was inducted into the Cleveland Press Club Hall of Fame in 2002.

In addition to his newspaper career, Brent Larkin has long been an advocate for young people. He has worked to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood programs and services. He has also served as a volunteer with Invest in Children, Cuyahoga County's initiative to promote investment in and support of children through programs such as Home Visiting, Early Literacy, Healthy Start Outreach, Universal Pre- Kindergarten, and Special Needs Child Care. It is this dedication to the young people of his community that has prompted Voices for Ohio's Children to name him 2011 Champion for Children.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Mr. Brent Larkin, a distinguished journalist dedicated to improving the lives of children within his community.