[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 30 (Tuesday, March 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




DeLAURO HONORS JOHN KINGSTON AS HE ENDS OVER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE ON THE 
                  CONNECTICUT BOARD OF LABOR RELATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 1997

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on April 1, 1997, John Kingston is retiring 
from the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations. I am pleased to 
rise today to commend Jack on a great career in State service and an 
outstanding tenure with the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations.
  For more than 25 years, Jack has served as agent to the board of 
labor relations. His hard work, strong leadership and commitment to 
excellence have left an indelible mark on the board of labor relations. 
Jack has seen a number of changes over the last quarter century. During 
Jack's tenure on the board, the Connecticut State Employee Relations 
Act was passed. Jack handled the first petitions filed by State 
employees in their efforts to organize. He also conducted elections for 
the 30,000 State employees under the new act. His experience in the 
area of State employee union negotiations is invaluable and his 
colleagues and coworkers rely on his encyclopedic knowledge of the 
labor board processes and procedures.
  Over the course of his career, Jack has become one of the most highly 
respected and admired people in the labor relations field. The fact 
that both advocates for both labor and management frequently call for 
his advice and counsel, speaks volumes about his reputation. Everyone 
who knows Jack seems to recall one thing in particular when asked about 
him and his career. They recall his integrity and sense of fairness. 
They also talk about Jack's commitment to settling disputes and 
bringing sides together. Under his leadership, the board has boasted an 
87-percent settlement rate for the 1,000 cases they handle per year.
  I have been told that as word of Jack's retirement made its way 
through the State, everyone who heard asked ``What are we going to do 
without Jack?'' What is absolutely clear is Jack's commitment to doing 
his job well so that both labor and management come out ahead.
  I am proud to join the entire labor community in congratulating Jack 
as he retires. He has continually demonstrated his commitment to 
service. He should take great pride in this moment and enjoy a much 
deserved tribute. I know that he will continue to do great things in 
his retirement. I wish him many years of good health and happiness. He 
truly deserves it.

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