Jack Quinn

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. C. Stuart Hunt for his outstanding service, tireless dedication and fruitful endeavors for Western New York.

Mr. Hunt served on the Board of Directors of Buffalo Place Inc. from 1991 through 2004. Buffalo Place enjoyed phenomenal growth during his tenure as Chairman from 1994 to 1998. During that time, Buffalo Place Inc. went from a $1.8 million organization to a $3.2 million organization.

Beginning in 1997, under Mr. Hunt's leadership and direction, a strong emphasis was placed on increasing funding for special event production in Downtown Buffalo. The success of the Thursday at the Square concert series positively impacted the Downtown economy, representing $4.4 million annually.

Under Mr. Hunt's leadership, an annual weekend music festival on Buffalo's waterfront was conceived, Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor. In addition, the Cars Sharing Main Street initiative became one of the top three priorities on the federal legislative agenda for Western New York.

In 1997, under Mr. Hunt's guidance, the Americorps Ranger Escort Program was launched and received federal funding until 2003 when it was eliminated. This important initiative continues today as the Buffalo Place Ranger Program. He also was involved in the Park N' Go Shuttle Program, converting major streets from one-way to two-way traffic and providing both on-street and off-street parking.

In his professional life, Mr. Hunt serves as Chairman of Hunt Commercial Real Estate, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hunt Real Estate, the largest commercial/residential real estate organization in Upstate New York.

With the purchase of the Brisbane Building in 1984, Stuart began a tireless restoration of this beautiful property. The building holds a special place in his heart, as his father, Charles Stanley Hunt, was a tenant in the Brisbane Building for almost 50 years. I'm proud that my district office is located at this historic site also.

Mr. Hunt's career spanned more than half a century. He is a consummate professional and gentleman. His work ethic and professionalism place him at the top of the list of the most well respected professional civic leaders of our time. His commitment to Downtown Buffalo has never wavered and future generations will benefit from and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Mr. Hunt's college career was interrupted when he answered the call to serve his country. Mr. Hunt is a veteran of World War II and a 1947 graduate of Colgate University.

In addition to a successful civic and professional career, Stuart has enjoyed a wonderfully fulfilling personal life. On December 27, 1946, C. Stuart Hunt married the beautiful Jane Helfrich. They have enjoyed a full and rich life and were blessed with three sons and one daughter.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Hunt touched the lives of so many Western New Yorkers and while he vacates his seat on the Board of Directors of Buffalo Place Inc., he will always remain a role model and mentor to the staff of Buffalo Place Inc. C. Stuart Hunt leaves a unique and indelible mark on Downtown Buffalo, as he will never be forgotten.

Thank you, Stuart, for your strong leadership, diligent effort and personal commitment to our community. Thanks also for your friendship.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to inform the House of Representatives that last Thursday, September 9, 2004, I was unavoidably detained and missed the following roll call votes:

Rollcall No. 434 on Agreeing to the Obey Amendment. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

Rollcall No. 435 on Agreeing to the Hayworth Amendment. Had I been present I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall No. 436 on Agreeing to the Kildee Amendment. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

Rollcall No. 437 on agreeing to the Stark Amendment. Had I been present I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall No. 438 on agreeing to the Paul Amendment. Had I been present I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall No. 439 on agreeing to the Hayworth Amendment number six. Had I been present I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall No. 440 on the question of final passage of H.R. 5006. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I am here to report to the House and to the general public the results of last evening's sixth annual benefit basketball game between Members of Congress and the lobbying community here in Washington. I am here also to report that the outcome was a 58- 41 victory for the Members of Congress.

I would like to mention the players, our bipartisan team of Jeff Flake, Vito Fossella, Harold Ford, Kenny Hulshof, Devin Nunes, Todd Platts, Tim Ryan, John Shimkus, and Todd Tiahrt.

In the past 6 years I am also happy to report that the House Members have a 5-1 record after last night's game, but to report after 6 years that the game has raised over $150,000 for charities here in Washington, D.C., particularly the Hortons Kids charity that services inner city young children.

Special thanks also, Mr. Speaker, to Mr. Paul Miller and others at the American League of Lobbyists, who worked tirelessly during the year to put the game together. As we go forward in the next year, hopefully we can do bigger and better things.