[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E899-E900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THOMAS W. ROACH, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize a man who has given his life to aiding the poor and 
underprivileged of New York's Ulster County.
  Thomas W. Roach, Jr. began his long and distinguished career in 
public service as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. After leaving the 
military, he spent 30 years working in the insurance industry. During 
that time, beginning in 1974, Mr. Roach served in several capacities on 
the Ulster County Legislature, including minority leader from 1978 to 
1979, and chairman from 1980 to 1983. While a member of the 
legislature, Mr. Roach was the chairman of the mental health committee 
for 2 years, and chairman of the public health committee for 4 years, 
while sitting on several other committees as well.
  When Mr. Roach left the legislature, it was to continue his devotion 
to Ulster County as the county commissioner of social services. Under 
his leadership, the Ulster County Department of Social Services became 
known throughout New York as a model in innovative program development 
and initiative. Healthy Start, a home-visitor based early intervention 
program, the Family Violence Investigative Unit, and the Social 
Services Roundtable, which has greatly improved communication between 
the commissioner, staff, and clients of social services, are only a few 
of the programs developed by Commissioner Roach.
  Outside of his professional commitment to Ulster County and the 
welfare of its people, Thomas Roach has also participated in many 
community activities in this area. He served as president of the 
Maternal-Infant Services Network Board, the American Cancer Society-
Ulster County Chapter, and the New York State Public Welfare 
Association, of which he is still a board member, and many other 
organizations.
  To my great sadness, Thomas W. Roach, Jr. has decided to retire from 
his position as Ulster County Commissioner of Social Services after 12 
years of dedicated service. His departure will be keenly felt by those 
he worked with, the many people he helped during his tenure, and our 
entire community. I can only hope that his successor will be able to 
continue the precedent he has set for dedication, innovation, and 
collaboration, and that he continues the charitable work in our 
community which he has been involved in for so

[[Page E900]]

many years. He has always been and will continue to be a good citizen 
and a great friend.

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