[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 111 (Thursday, July 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1378-E1379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A SALUTE TO JOHN POWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 1996

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise on the floor of the Congress to 
commend a great American, John Powell, who is assisting the Jewish 
National Fund in their efforts to bring trees to the land of Israel. I 
may also note,

[[Page E1379]]

with some trepidation, that John serves as the highly effective 
chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee. Throughout his 
career, he has displayed a strong commitment to his community, and has 
gained the utmost respect from local leaders on both sides of the 
partisan divide. Moreover, John's career underscores how much one 
person can accomplish through a disciplined work ethic.
  John Powell moved to Long Island when he was 11-years-old and 
graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School in 1978. While attending 
Suffolk Community College, John held two gas station jobs to help pay 
for his education. He also volunteered with the Brookhaven Republican 
Party, stuffing envelopes and making phone calls. These early 
experiences helped establish his strong work ethic, and commitment to 
public service. John eventually was recommended for a job with the 
Brookhaven Town Highway Department where he was quickly promoted to 
being an executive assistant to Highway Superintendent Harold Malkmes. 
Once again, John's hard work and dedication helped him rise to meet new 
challenges.
  In 1988, John was elected to the New York State Assembly. He brought 
his unique, blue collar perspective to the halls of the New York State 
Capitol. After a year in Albany, John felt the need to return to his 
community. He ran for Brookhaven town council and won handily. During 
his tenure on the council, John became intricately involved in 
Brookhaven town matters. In 1991, John became the Brookhaven town 
Republican leader. By 1995, he rose to the chairmanship of the Suffolk 
County Republican Committee, where he has served with honor and 
distinction. He now lives in the town of Medford with his wife Linda, 
and their three children, Alexandria, John, and Anthony.
  John often works closely with the county executive to solve some of 
Long Island's most complex problems. His perseverance and dedication to 
the community have gained recognition across New York State. More 
importantly, he has used his own life experiences toward the betterment 
of others.
  John has also championed the ideal of an inclusive community. In this 
spirit, he has consistently worked alongside the Jewish community in 
Suffolk County. It is only appropriate that John Powell be involved 
with the Jewish National Fund.
  The Jewish National Fund is helping rebuild the land of Israel 
through afforestation, housing, and agricultural projects. Moreover, 
this organization constructs dams and reservoirs, provides employment 
and promotes Zionist education. The JNF is literally transforming a 
once arid dessert into a lush, agricultural community. This year, the 
JNF will help celebrate Jerusalem's 3,000th anniversary by developing 
new projects throughout the city. These include a new Parks and Events 
Center, a Children's Garden and Educational Center, and the completion 
of the greenbelt around Jerusalem.
  John is now being honored by the JNF at their Tree of Life Award 
dinner dance. As an honoree, he will help the JNF raise much needed 
funds for environmental projects in both Israel and around the world. 
His actions today will be appreciated for generations to come. John's 
commitment to the Jewish National Fund epitomizes a lifetime of 
dedication to worthwhile causes. His distinguished career should serve 
as a model for us all.

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