[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 79 (Monday, June 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     A TRIBUTE TO VICTOR A. KOVNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 7, 1999

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my great admiration 
for Victor A. Kovner, a remarkable leader and citizen who this year 
receives the Stanley M. Isaacs Human Relations Award from the New York 
Chapter of the American Jewish Committee.
  A man of high principle, piercing intelligence, and extraordinary 
ability, Mr. Kovner has touched countless lives in the New York area 
through a variety of professional and civic activities, while also 
promoting the cause of peace and justice throughout the world.
  A senior partner with the law firm of Davis Wright Tremaine, Mr. 
Kovner is widely respected for his legal experience and skill, 
qualities evident during his service as Corporation Counsel of the City 
of New York, and in a wide range of other important positions such as 
Chair of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, as well as 
Chair of the New York City Bar Association's Committees on the 
Judiciary and Communications & Media Law.
  But despite this stellar professional record, it is Mr. Kovner's 
extra-professional accomplishments in which his character and 
dedication are most apparent. He has been instrumental in advancing the 
cause of Middle-east peace as a member of the board of Americans for 
Peace Now and as a leader with the Israel Policy Forum.
  In the United States, Mr. Kovner has been a tireless advocate for 
social justice and progress. He helped found the Black-Jewish 
Coalition, chaired the board of Planned Parenthood, and worked to 
advance such important goals as artistic creativity, environmental 
protection, and civil liberties.
  In short, Victor Kovner is a man of national and international 
stature, whose vision and leadership have made a material difference to 
many individuals--and inspired even more to demonstrate a similar 
devotion to social and community ideals.
  I am proud to join in recognizing Mr. Kovner and confident that he 
will remain a leading light for many years to come.

                          ____________________