[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 74 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATING LEON MED-VEDOW ON HIS 70TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 1999

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
recognize Leon Medvedow as he celebrates his 70th birthday. This 
evening friends, family, and the New Haven community will gather to pay 
tribute to Leon for a lifetime of contributions to the City of New 
Haven.
  A respected leader of the community, Leon has served the City of New 
Haven and its residents with an unparalleled commitment for over fifty 
years. His distinguished record of public service began with his 
election as New Haven's Old Third Ward Alderman in 1953. For decades, 
Leon continued his leadership and vision for New Haven in many other 
capacities including City Clerk, Chairman of the Board of Finance, and 
Chairman of the 25th Ward Democratic Committee.
  Leon was honored by former President Jimmy Carter with an appointment 
to the Federal Small Business Administration Advisory Council in 
recognition of his professionalism as a small business owner. Today he 
remains president of Leon A. Medvedow & Associates, Inc., a printing 
company he built from the ground up, and continues his political career 
as Campaign General Chairman for New Haven's current mayor, John 
DeStefano, Jr. His exceptional talents remain focused on the 
improvement of the New Haven community.
  The generosity Leon has shown throughout his life has made him a true 
friend to the community. He gives his seemingly endless time and energy 
to many community organizations. Currently, he is a member of 
Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel as well as the Board of Directors for 
the New Haven Jewish Community Center, overseeing a myriad of social 
programs for New Haven's Jewish community. He is a former trustee of 
the University of Connecticut's Alumni Association and a founder and 
past president of the UCONN Club. An avid basketball fan, he is a fifty 
year veteran basketball season ticket holder showing true loyalty and 
spirit for his alma mater. His passion for the sport led him to sponsor 
a local team, the New Haven Elms, bringing the game he loves to the 
City of New Haven.
  After five decades of accomplishments, you wouldn't think Leon would 
have anything left to achieve and yet he continues to add to his 
extraordinary life. Just five days ago, Leon celebrated his Bar 
Mitzvah, fulfilling a promise he made to himself over fifty years ago 
when circumstances forced the ceremony to fall by the wayside.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to join Leon's 
wife, Phyllis, children, grandchildren, friends, and the entire New 
Haven community to wish my good friend a very happy 70th birthday. 
Leon's work and commitment have truly left this community a better 
place and for that we thank him.

                          ____________________