[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING PAUL TOWNSEND'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO LONG ISLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2000

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional man who 
has dedicated himself to Long Island, its people, its businesses, and 
its natural resources. A tenth generation Long Islander, Mr. Paul 
Townsend has worked for more than half a century to promote and 
preserve Long Island.
  Mr. Townsend has provided leadership at the highest level. He has 
served as a catalyst for change and development of our region. His 
energy and enthusiasm for a wide range of projects is unparalleled. He 
promoted landmarks such as Levittown. He worked with the federal 
government to create the Fire Island National Seashore. He created 
institutions such as Long Island Business News and North Shore 
University Hospital. He and his wife Terry, worked to establish Long 
Island's first professional Equity theatre. He served as editor of the 
Long Island Business News for 45 years and now serves as editor 
emeritus.
  Using his vision, Mr. Townsend assembled the talent to bring 
important projects to fruition. He worked to produce affordable housing 
which is now a model for the nation. He, and his colleagues, developed 
the United Way of Long Island and he served as its first executive 
director. Long Island's United Way now consists of over 160 health and 
human care service agencies. The United Way helps local people and in 
the process, strengthens the community. This organization has helped to 
prevent youth violence, help care for the very young and the old, 
provide emergency food, shelter and clothing, and support job 
assistance training for the disabled.
  Mr. Townsend also founded the Long Island Business Development 
Council and worked to establish Long Island's Entrepreneur Awards 
Program. He and his wife received the Long Island Association's first 
Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been an integral part of the Long 
Island business community.
  Mr. Townsend has made countless contributions to the Long Island 
community. His dedication to the community distinguishes him as a role 
model all Americans should aspire to emulate. And so it is with great 
pleasure that I commend Mr. Townsend on his achievements, and wish him 
all the best for the future.

                          ____________________