Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pearline Lounds. Pearline was born on the island of Jamaica in the West Indies, where she has six brothers and sisters, It was there she received a formal education in home economics. Pearline later relocated to England, working at South Mead Hospital as a nurse's assistant, which gave her an opportunity to help support her family in Jamaica until her return. However, she decided instead to relocate to New York.

Pearline continued her education, attending New York City Technical College where she graduated with an associate's degree in applied science. She furthered her studies at York College of the City University of New York, earning a bachelor's degree of science and graduating with a 4.0 grade point average. Pearline later went to work at Sephardic Nursing Home as a nurse's aide. She left there for an opportunity as a social worker for Project Chance and as a social worker for Bushwick Community Services as well as Safe Horizon.

Pearline is a champion for peace. She is a member of the Interreligous and International Federation for World Peace, and in 2001, the United Nations honored her with the title of Ambassador for Peace. Pearline is a board member of New York's Family Center and is known as ``Mama P'' in the community, consistently encouraging young people to be themselves. She is a mother, friend, counselor, leader and guide.

Pearline is married with 7 children; 24 grandchildren; and 9 great- grandchildren, 2 of whom have been in her care for the past 7 years.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize this wonderful and caring woman who has always put the needs of her family and her community before her own.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Pearline Lounds.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Brooklyn's Fidelity Chapter No. 54, Order of Eastern Star. The Fidelity Chapter has been outstanding in its service to the Brooklyn community for nearly 70 years. I am privileged to have such a dedicated group of individuals in my district.

On the Seventh day of November, 1938, Roland R. Johnson, Worthy Grand Patron of Eureka Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star of the State of New York, Prince Hall Affiliation, by virtue of the authority vested in him, did grant and issue a warrant to Fidelity Chapter No. 54 to be held in Brooklyn, New York; Samantha Taylor, Worthy Grand Matron,

Octavia Giles, Associate Grand Matron, and Frances E. Frances, Grand Secretary.

Fidelity No. 54 has been fortunate to have had dedicated members to serve Eureka Grand Chapter. Past Worthy Matrons with the help of Worthy Patrons, have contributed their time, knowledge, and experience enabling the Fidelity No. 54 Chapter to carry out a varied number of community programs. Fidelity No. 54 has been responsible for sending underprivileged children to camp during the summer, assisting in the feeding of the homeless in the Second District, responding to a request for non-perishable food and clothing for natural disaster victims, and extending charity to the family of their deceased members. Fidelity No. 54 members have taken part in doing volunteer work at several hospitals and nursing homes.

Fidelity No. 54 holds a host of community service events at the end of each year, including their annual Thanksgiving dinner for the community and their annual clothes drive.

Madam Speaker, I would like to also recognize the impressive achievements of Paulette Cudjoe, Fidelity's Worthy Matron and Elwood E. Gregory, Fidelity's Worthy Patron for their commitment to the Brooklyn community.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this wonderful group of Americans and the great things for which they stand.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Alba May Powell. Alba was born and raised in the Republic of Costa Rica. She is from a tightly knit family composed of five sisters and one brother. She received her formal education at Liberty Hall School and later moved to Panama where she lived for 35 years. In 1964, she migrated to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, NY.

Alba is an active participant at the East New York Seventh Day Adventist Church, where she has been a member for the past 36 years. Additionally, she is a member of the East New York Community Service Department, an honorary deaconess, and a member of the East New York Benevolence Society. Alba is also a faithful supporter of the Concerned Women of Brooklyn.

Alba received a New York State Assembly Citation for Outstanding Achievements and Senior of the Year by Assemblywoman Diane Gordon.

Alba has no biological children of her own. She has been a supportive and concerned mother and grandmother to many children over the years. She is also a dedicated aunt to all of her beloved nieces and nephews. Alba vows to continue helping others as long as she is allowed.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize this wonderful and caring woman who has given so much of herself, asking very little in return.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Alba May Powell.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Wanda A. Jackson. Wanda is the second generation child of the civic-minded parents, Della and Irkston R. ``Jack'' Jackson, Jr. Her mother, known as a friend to the friendless, providing a home for the homeless and making everyone feel special, has long been considered the mayor of East New York. In the shadow of her parents and the only girl in a family of six boys, Wanda has quietly and steadily made contributions to the Brooklyn community as well as to the community at large.

Wanda is a native of New York and a product of the city's public school system, graduating from John Dewey High School. She earned a business management degree at Berkeley College where she graduated magna cum laude. In 2005, she was listed among Who's Who of the Berkeley College Alumni Association.

Wanda maintains strong family ties while juggling a demanding, fast- paced career for nearly 20 years as an executive assistant at a major brokerage firm on Wall Street. She still finds time to lend assistance to major fundraising campaigns such as the United Negro College Fund, United Way of Tri-State, the Building Capital Fund Campaign at St. Paul's Community Baptist Church and Project Sunshine, a non-profit organization that provides free social, educational and recreational programs to children and families living with medical challenges. During tax season, Wanda can be found preparing tax returns for Brooklyn's East New York residents. She is also former treasurer of the Rosetta Gaston United Democratic Club, Inc., where she was a close friend of the late Mary Warren, district leader for East New York. She is also a current member of the Spirit of America Heart Volunteers.

In addition to her professional and volunteer accomplishments, Wanda is extremely creative, with a flair for fashion. She attended Fishburn's Charm School and graduated from Barbizon Modeling School. She has designed her own clothes, which she models at talent shows.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize this accomplished, civic- minded woman who comes from a lineage of giving people.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Wanda A. Jackson.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to LaDonna Paulette Kornegay of Brooklyn, NY. LaDonna's musical talent, as well as her dedication to service and ministry, is truly inspirational.

LaDonna, a lifelong New Yorker, was born on December 6, 1980 to Donald Kornegay, Sr. and Emily Kornegay-Brown. Music has always been an important part of LaDonna's life. She was inspired by her father, who would sit with all of his children and teach them the lyrics to popular songs. LaDonna began to sing formally at a young age. She joined her elementary school Glee Club and her junior high school Gospel Chorus. As a member of the New Canaan Baptist Church for 27 years, she has blessed the congregation with her talents through her consistent involvement with the church's musical programs.

LaDonna began singing at the church as part of the Sunbeams. She later moved up to the RJL Youth Choir eventually becoming a member of the ALC Choral Ensemble and the directress of all New Canaan Church choirs. Along with fellow directress, Alethea Brisco, LaDonna has taken the Youth Choirs to several competitions, and has ministered in churches across New York City.

LaDonna graduated third in her class from Thomas Jefferson H.S. in Brooklyn after only 3 years. She was a leader in the school's Fine Arts Academy and a member of the school's Gospel Chorus and Dance Club. She was also a participant in the school's Rights of Passage Cotillion. LaDonna attended college at the Katherine Gibbs School, where she majored in business administration and minored in business law. In college, she maintained excellent grades, earning a placement on the Dean's List multiple semesters while at the same time caring for her father who had become disabled.

LaDonna lost her father January of last year but she continues to be inspired by him. Although she currently works at HSBC Private Bank, she continues to be committed to music and ministry. She sings and ministers at churches, competitions, nursing homes, shelters and hospitals. She had the privilege of singing at New York City Hall on two occasions for both Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Mayor David Dinkins.

LaDonna is a volunteer youth tutor and a youth praise and worship leader, and is a member of the Youth United in the Body of Christ Ministry and Forever Anointed of Brooklyn. In addition, she is a member of Gospel Workshop of America, which hopes to release its first album in 2008.

Madam Speaker, I would like to commend this gifted woman who has so unselfishly shared her talents with the people of New York.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to LaDonna Paulette Kornegay for her remarkable abilities and her commitment to the Brooklyn community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor to Krystianni Hills. Krystianni is the daughter of Harold and Patricia Hills. She was born in March of 1990 at the Long Island College Hospital.

At age five, Krystianni was enrolled in St. Mark's Day School where she excelled in all of her classes. She graduated in 2004 and was one of two students in her graduating class to pass the specialized high school exam.

Krystianni is currently a senior at Brooklyn Technical High School where she majors in architecture. She is a member of the track team and the cheerleading squad. Krystianni was a flutist for the Brooklyn Technical High School Jazz Band during her sophomore and junior years. She now has an internship with Salle de Danse, a dance shop located in Flatbush and plans to attend college next year pursuing a major in forensic science.

Krystianni first received her religious training at Newman Memorial United Methodist Church Sunday School. She is currently a member of Berean Baptist Church where she serves with the Ministry of Sacred Dance under the direction of Paulette Newberns. Krystianni is the former vice-president of the Junior Usher Board under the guidance of Deacon Vernart Jenkins.

Krystianni's hobbies and interests include reading, jumping double- dutch, and science. One of her favorite television programs is C.S.I.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize one of our young people who is really doing some great things and who is working hard to make a difference.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Krystianni Hills.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Christopher Michalski of New York City, New York. Mr. Michalski is an asset to our fair city and a testament to the American dream.

Mr. Michalski was born on July 12, 1949 in a small city in Poland where he grew up with huge dreams of coming to America. While in school he studied architecture extensively and eventually received a master's degree in structural engineering. He instantly put his knowledge to good use by following in his family's footsteps to become a third generation church builder.

While Mr. Michalski was in his midtwenties, he was afforded an opportunity to migrate to America of which he eagerly took advantage. With strength and perseverance Chris was able to build a new life for himself and his family in New York City. He married his long-time love Dorothy and had two beautiful children, Monica and Eric.

Today, Chris Michalski can be found running his company, Solution New York Contracting Inc., while interacting with people from all over the world. He is a dog lover, a church builder, and a one-of-a-kind individual.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Chris Michalski: for his hard work and structural contributions to the city of New York.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this intrepid individual who is fine example of the entrepreneurial spirit upon which America was built.

Madam Speaker, I welcome the unanimous decision of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to elect Kazakhstan its Chair-in-Office for 2010, reached on November 30, 2007 in Madrid.

This is undoubtedly a monumental event not only in the history of modem Kazakhstan, but also of the OSCE of which the United States is a member. For the first time, a country which in recent past was part of the Soviet Empire will lead this international institution. This vividly shows that Kazakhstan has managed to make a breakthrough from its communist past to a democratic future in a short time. This is also testimony to the evolutionary development of the OSCE itself. The Madrid decision, helps the OSCE strengthen its unity and become an organization of equal partners who sincerely believe in and are committed to ideals of democracy and freedom.

This is a stellar moment for the people of Kazakhstan, and a recognition of the longstanding efforts of their leader, President Nursultan Nazarbayev, on building a truly democratic and free society. President Nazarbayev has managed to achieve things leaders of many other countries can only dream of. To pull the country from the chaos of Soviet era and lead it towards the ranks of economically strong and democratically developed nations of the world in a little more than a decade takes incredible efforts, strategic vision and endless care for one's people. Today, Kazakhstan is a recognized leader in Central Asia, and I believe that, as Chair-in-Office, Kazakhstan will not only strengthen its leadership in that key region but will also help strengthen the OSCE's authority internationally, as well as improve mutual understanding and cooperation between East and West.

Madam Speaker, next week the people of Kazakhstan will celebrate the 16th anniversary of their independence and mark the establishment of Kazakhstan-U.S. diplomatic relations. We are proud that in these 16 years our relations have developed into a true strategic partnership. Kazakhstan has always been true to its commitments and has never wavered in its support for our nation.

I join my colleagues in congratulating our strategic ally and friend with its Chairmanship of OSCE in 2010 and with the 16th anniversary of independence. I strongly believe the opportunities Kazakhstan and our strategic partnership have to offer have not been fully explored. I wish the wise people of Kazakhstan and their leader Nursultan Nazarbayev happiness, well-being, and further prosperity.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor to the work and achievements of Rev. Dr. William A. Watson, Jr. A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, Reverend William Jr. is the fifth of seven children and the first male child born to Deacon William A. Watson, Sr., and Cornelia Watson.

Reverend William Jr. was educated in the Virginia public school system. He relocated to Hempstead, New York, and earned a vocational degree from Manpower Development Training School in New Hyde Park. Reverend William Jr. became a licensed minister in June 1978. He was ordained in July 1979 as an assistant to the late Rev. Joseph J. Howell. He became the interim Pastor of St. John's Baptist Church in Westbury in April 1983. Following that, he became the first secretary of the Eastern Baptist Association's Board of Evangelism.

Reverend William Jr. served as chairman of the board of evangelism; vice-moderator of Nassau County; vice-moderator at large of the Eastern Baptist Association of New York, Inc. He was appointed Vice President of area 7 for the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc., of New York State. In addition, he is the chaplain for the incorporated village of Hempstead's police department and president of its board of directors.

Reverend William Jr. is a retired businessman and a 41-year resident of the incorporated village of Hempstead. He continues to be on the front line of the struggle for unity and empowerment for the church and his community.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Rev. Dr. William A. Watson, Jr., for his contributions to our community and for his years of service to New Yorkers.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Rev. Dr. William A. Watson, Jr.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay to Mrs. Maggie Baker.

Mrs. Baker was born in Alabama and migrated to Brooklyn, NY, where she married Jessie Baker, Sr. She and her husband of 45 years are the proud parents of 5 sons, 1 daughter, and 20 grandchildren.

Mrs. Baker is most recognized for her years of service with the board of education until 2004. A dedicated member of New Canaan Baptist Church, Mrs. Baker has served as president of the usher board and as a Sunday school teacher for more than 31 years. Although she is actively involved in other community organizations, Mrs. Baker enjoys spending quality time with her family and traveling.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the impressive achievements of Mrs. Maggie Baker for her commitment to the Brooklyn community.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to a great individual of high morals, ethics, and integrity.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor the work and achievements of William Turner. William is the second child born to the union of William and Mary Turner of Tampa, Florida. William spent his childhood years in Tampa and later migrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his uncle Samuel Turner. He left Pennsylvania for New York where he studied at Pace University, Long Island University, Columbia University, New York University, Hofstra University and Brooklyn College.

William has been an entrepreneur in the Bedford-Stuyvesant Community for more than 45 years, primarily as President of Cross Boro Realty. He is also a licensed insurance broker, certified general appraiser and tax consultant. He has served on the Bedford-Stuyvesant Real Estate Board as president, chairman, vice-president, and secretary. He has also served as president of the Real Estate Non-Profit Housing Company, chairman of the Legal Defense Fund, chairman of the Journal Committee and elected to the honorary position of ambassador at large.

William has initiated and coordinated several programs, among them: The development of a strong educational program for members of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Real Estate Board which allows them to survive one of the worst housing crises in our Nation's history; assisted board members in winning 7 of 9 Housing and Urban Development area managers' contracts, and; presented testimony on redlining in the Bedford- Stuyvesant area to a legislative panel chaired by the Honorable Shirley Chisholm.

William is married to his lovely wife, Melanie Turner. He is the proud father of 3 daughters, Sheila, Joyce, and Karen; three granddaughters, Fallon, Melanie, Jazmine; and 1 grandson, Ronald Cartlidge III.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the contributions of William Turner. He has been a pillar of the Bedford-Stuyvesant business community for years.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to William Turner.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Brooklyn resident, Rev. Rush Geneva Richburg. Reverend Richburg was born and raised in Summerton, SC, and is the 15th of 21 children. Her parents are the late Reverend Gussie Pearson and Mrs. Geneva Pearson.

Reverend Richburg, a member of the New Canaan Baptist for 18 years, was called to be an evangelist in 1990 and ordained as a reverend in 2004. She has served as president of the New Canaan's Christian Women's Fellowship; vice president of the Pastor's Aide Club Ministry; chaplain of the Sunday school department; and as a member of the block association.

Reverend Richburg was married to Frank Richburg, Sr., for 32 years prior to his death. Of that union, four children were born: Frank, Jr., Jeremiah, Theresa, and Harry. She also has 14 grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I commend Rev. Rush Geneva Richburg for her contributions to her church and her community.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this wonderful woman.

Madame Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Perry Pettus. He was elected in March of 2002 to the Village of Hempstead Board of Trustees. Mr. Pettus represents residents of the incorporated village.

Mr. Pettus immediately began exercising his leadership as he took on Hempstead landlords over poor conditions in apartment buildings. He utilized his negotiating skills to bring the two sides together to help resolve tenant issues. He has effectively used the media to bring issues to light, not only for exposure but also for problem solving.

As a successful local businessman, Mr. Pettus has brought effective business skills to his position. He has already built business/ government partnerships which have benefited the community.

Mr. Pettus resurrected legislation requiring the village to contract a portion of its business with minority contractors and continues to fight for its passage. He has gotten legislation

passed that would lower speed limits in school zones, and proposed legislation to beautify the business district by removing unsightly security gates. Campaigning on quality of life issues, Mr. Pettus has worked to ensure that all of the residents of Hempstead can enjoy the quality of life they deserve.

Perry Pettus strongly believes in community policing and that an effective police force is there to serve and protect all of the village's residents. He recently provided scholarships to individuals from the community who were interested in taking the NCPD test. His efforts will help give the Hempstead Village Police Department a list of community-based candidates.

Perry Pettus and his wife Kennetha have five children.

Madam Speaker, I would also like to recognize the impressive achievement of Perry Pettus. He has received numerous awards and citations from organizations like the Hempstead NAACP, Hofstra University, 100 Black Men, the Central Nassau Club, the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, and the Chamber of Commerce, Operation Get Ahead, and the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this outstanding citizen and all the great things he stands for.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Brooklyn Borough Hall President Marty Markowitz. No one works harder for the 2.5 million plus residents of Brooklyn than Marty. He has been the chief advocate for the Borough's economic, social, and cultural interests while initiating and promoting efforts to improve the quality of life for Brooklynites.

Marty was born and raised in Crown Heights, graduating from Wingate High School in 1962. He received his B.A. in political science after attending night school at Brooklyn College from 1962 to 1970.

Marty began his career in public service in 1971, at the age of 26, by organizing the Flatbush Tenants Council, which grew into Brooklyn Housing and Family Services, the largest tenants' advocacy organization in New York State. He is also widely known for creating 2 of New York City's largest and longest-running free concert series: the Seaside Summer Concert Series in Coney Island, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series also in Flatbush.

Marty was elected to the New York State Senate in 1979, where he served 11 consecutive terms representing Central Brooklyn. However, he always dreamed of serving all of Brooklyn, a goal he achieved as the first Borough President elected in the new millennium. He was elected to a second term in 2005.

Marty set an ambitious agenda as Borough President. Marty's agenda focused on the core issues of housing, neighborhood preservation, and community his more than three decades in public service.

Marty saw a chance to fulfill his campaign promise of returning a national sports team to Brooklyn for the first time since the Dodgers left for Los Angeles in 1957 when the New Jersey Nets were put up for sale in 2002. He has actively supported moving the team from New Jersey to a new downtown arena at Atlantic Yards. The team hopes to play its first game in Brooklyn in the fall of 2009.

Marty has also assisted in creating jobs for Brooklynites. He oversaw a historic community benefits agreement for Atlantic Yards, guaranteeing that the majority of the new jobs generated by the project would go to those Brooklynites who needed them most, including residents of nearby public housing. He has been a tireless advocate for bringing the cruise-ship industry to Brooklyn, and in April 2006 the Queen Mary II will begin docking in Red Hook, followed by the Crown Princess in June, creating new jobs and introducing thousands of visitors to this great borough.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the impressive achievements of our Borough President Marty Markowitz for his commitment to the residents of Brooklyn, New York.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this business savvy man who loves Brooklyn so very much.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor James P. Freeland. James was born January 7, 1940, in Durham, NC, to Willie and Annie Freeland. The youngest of six children, at age 11 he was selected as one of the Red Feather Poster Kids for the United Way Campaign representing the John Avery Boys Club for the city of Durham. He graduated high school in 1958 and was later employed by a local supermarket for 7 years as the assistant butcher.

James joined the U.S. Air Force in January 1962. He received an honorable discharge in 1966 and 3 years later moved to Brooklyn, New York, in May 1969. In February 1970, James obtained employment with the New York Telephone Company where he worked as a service technician and assistant manager. In September 1999, he retired from Verizon Communications after 29 years of dedicated service.

James joined New Canaan Baptist Church, the same year he married Gennie Chennault. In 1980, their daughter Jamelia was born. He is a member of the mass choir and the North Carolina Club. James also serves as the Men's Day chairman and president of the Building Fund Committee. In addition, he sings with the male choir and is a member of the trustee board, the Missionary Disciples Outreach Ministry and donates his time as a Sunday school teacher.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize James P. Freeland for his huge heart and generous spirit. He is a man who has a great sense of humor and who is always willing to lend a helping hand.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to James P. Freeland.