[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF DAVID L. COHEN, CHIEF OF STAFF TO MAYOR EDWARD G. RENDELL 
                            OF PHILADELPHIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a good friend and 
servant to the city of Philadelphia, David L. Cohen.
  By now almost everyone across the county knows the Philadelphia story 
and the accomplishments of the Rendell administration in leading what 
the New York Times called ``one of the most stunning turnarounds in 
recent urban history.'' Today I want to recognize one of the architects 
of Philadelphia's remarkable renaissance: David L. Cohen, chief of 
staff to Philadelphia's terrific mayor, Edward G. Rendell.
  While there is no doubt that Mayor Rendell has provided the vision 
and enthusiastic leadership that has brought the city back from the 
brink of disaster, it is also unquestionably true that without David 
Cohen's incredible work ethic, unparalleled judgment, and steady 
dedication to the mayor's vision of reducing the cost of government, 
the Philadelphia story would be a far different tale. Certainly, it 
would not be a story that includes four consecutive balanced budgets, 
and four consecutive budget surpluses, including a fiscal year 1996 
surplus of $118 million, the largest in the modern history of the city.
  David Cohen led Ed Rendell's cost-cutting revolution in city 
government. He was the mayor's primary liaison with city council, 
without whose cooperation the city's recovery would not have been 
possible; he served as the principal author of the nationally renowned 
5-year financial plan, the city's blueprint for recovery; he has led or 
facilitated labor settlements with both public and private-sector 
unions on a variety of issues of importance to the city; he chaired the 
administration's Initiative Compliance Committee, which oversees the 
spending habits of every city department right down to the penny, to 
guard against a return to the free-spending days of Philadelphia's 
past; and he has served as an articulate and passionate spokesman for 
the critical problems that face America's cities. Through it all, David 
displayed a superior intelligence, a steely determination to make tough 
decisions in order to save money for city taxpayers, and an abiding 
love for Philadelphia, and indeed, for all cities.
  Now, after more than 5 years of incredibly effective government 
service, David Cohen is returning to the private sector, where he will 
realize a lifelong professional dream by becoming chairman of his law 
firm, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll.
  Mr. Speaker, without question, Ed Rendell deserves credit and praise 
for his efforts to revitalize Philadelphia. But that success would not 
have been possible without the tireless efforts of David Cohen. This 
talented individual exemplifies public service: working hard, long 
hours with great sacrifice to himself and his family. He could have 
chosen a more lucrative private career path, but instead chose to 
dedicate many years of his life to a partnership with the mayor that 
led to the rebirth of a great city. Every Philadelphian is better off 
today for that choice.
  On behalf of my fellow 1.6 million Philadelphians, I wish David Cohen 
and his family great success and happiness in their future endeavors. 
We are all deeply indebted for the outstanding dedicated public service 
that David provided to help restore a bright, hopeful future for the 
city that we all love.

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