Joseph Sempolinski

Madam Speaker, this week marks the anniversary of the Treaty of Hartford. Prior to 1786, the States of Massachusetts and New York had a territorial dispute regarding whether the territory of what is now Greater Western New York would be part of Massachusetts or New York.

On December 16, 1786, the Treaty of Hartford resolved this dispute. As part of the treaty, land in Greater Western New York became part of New York State. However, Massachusetts retained the right of preemption, that is, the right to negotiate any land purchase from the Iroquois Confederacy members or Haudenosaunee, especially the Seneca people who then resided and continue to reside on it to this day. Later in 1788, Massachusetts sold this right of preemption to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham.

Early agreements such as the Treaty of Hartford and the still-binding Treaty of Canandaigua shaped the future of Greater Western New York. The beginning of this region's association with New York State started this week, in 1786. The region continues to be a vital and unique part of the northeastern United States and the Seneca Nation, with a unique economy, culture, and character.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of my constituent, David Kane.

Dave, who has lived a distinguished life, will be 93 in March 2023.

During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Military's 3rd Right Aviation Section on the 38th Parallel.

Dave continued his public service as a corrections officer in Dannemora, New York, and worked on the levees around Elmira, New York.

Dave is a loving husband to his wife, Beverly, and father to his daughter, Peggy. He is an outstanding citizen of New York's 23rd Congressional District and is worthy of praise.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Brian J. Hyland. Brian was an extraordinary, talented, kind, and interesting man and these traits allowed him to touch so many lives in so many different ways.

Brian was a dedicated public servant and worked tirelessly to help his constituents. Appointed to the Chemung County Legislature in 2011, Brian used his decades of business management and life experience, and his unending charm to go above and beyond for his community. There was no job too big or too small for Brian.

Brian was also a teacher and mentor at Tioga Tae Kwon Do, in Waverly, New York, where he used more than sixty years in martial arts to teach hundreds of students how to be the best versions of themselves. He was a businessman, a leader in the community, and above all else, a family man. Brian was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, son-in- law, and brother.

His wife Suzanne, was the love of his life, he took immense pride in his six children, he cared deeply for his sister Patricia, and he helped all those around him to succeed.

Brian will be greatly missed by all who knew him.