[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DAVID A. FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 1997

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I speak today of David Ford, a man I am happy 
to call a friend and a confidant--a man I am proud to know. He has 
served his community faithfully and well and it is with no little 
sorrow that I note his retirement as leader of the Democratic Party of 
Mount Vernon.
  When he came to Mount Vernon the Democratic Party was virtually 
nonexistent. He is leaving us with a vibrant and dominant party that 
has elected the first African-American mayor of a New York State city 
and the first African-American assemblyman from Westchester County. I 
went to Mount Vernon in 1992 when it was made part of my congressional 
district and I have never been sorry. It is rare to find someone who 
can be such a good friend and still give such wonderful advice.
  David is married to the former Eula Gadson and they have four 
children and four grandchildren. For the past two decades he has served 
as commissioner of Mount Vernon's board of water supply, a position 
which does not begin to tell the breadth of his involvement in his city 
and community. Among his honors are being named YMCA Man of the Year 
and a life member of the Mount Vernon NAACP. His abilities have 
attracted people from throughout Westchester County and the State 
seeking his guidance and counsel.
  David has made not only his city better but the time we live in. His 
wisdom and leadership have made us better than we would have been. Even 
with his retirement as leader of the Democratic Party, I look forward 
to sharing in that wisdom of many years to come.

                          ____________________