[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF THE LONG ISLAND CITY YMCA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to 
the The Long Island City YMCA on the occasion of their Third Annual 
Frank J. Tempone Service to Youth Dinner Dance. For their unwavering 
commitment and many charitable endeavors, Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin, 
Al Samilenko,, and Joseph Previte will be honored this evening.
  The LIC YMCA opened its first full-service facility on March 1, 1999. 
This multi-service family center, the first in the area, represents a 
major commitment to the families, residents, businesses, and employees 
of Western Queens.
  Since his election to the Legislature in 1992, Assemblyman McLaughlin 
has been an outstanding representative for Queens, focusing on criminal 
justice reform, renovating aging infrastructure to promote economic 
development and job growth, consumer protection, housing, and programs 
and services for older adults. An effective legislator, Assemblyman 
McLaughlin has authored more than a dozen state laws, including 
measures toughening crime laws and improving health care in the 
community. For his unyielding commitment to community service, numerous 
organizations have honored Assemblyman McLaughlin, including the East 
Flushing Civic Association, the Flushing Council on Culture and the 
Arts, and the Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Assemblyman McLaughlin 
has also been a community activist in Queens and a leading figure in 
New York City's labor movement for more than two decades. He currently 
serves as the President of the New York City Central Labor Council, 
which represents more than 1.5 million working men and women.
  In 1958, while attending Rutgers University, Albert J. Samilenko 
started his own company, Garden State Electric. He subsequently was 
employed in managerial positions in prominent electrical construction 
firms, where he honed his project management skills and engineering 
abilities. In 1993, Mr. Samilenko purchased Fred Geller Electrical, 
expanding the firm so that it is engaged in all aspects of electrical 
construction and engineering. In addition, Mr. Samilenko currently 
serves as President of the Association of Electrical Contractors of New 
York City, an organization that represents 140 companies in the New 
York Metropolitan Area. Always committed to the advancement of youth, 
Mr. Samilenko has been actively involved in a wide range of 
organizations, including Friends of Saint Dominic's, The Boy Scouts of 
America, and Covenant House.
  Joseph Previte has been a member of the Queens County Bar Association 
for 30 years, a member of the Columbian Lawyers Association for 12 
years, and a past Vice Chairman and member of the Long Island City YMCA 
for 22 years. Mr. Previte has devoted his free time to public service, 
working as the Director of the Queens Library Foundation, participating 
in the Queens District Attorney's Business Advisory Council, and 
serving on the Judiciary Advisory Council Unified Court System of New 
York State. In addition, he was Commissioner and President of the New 
York City Board of Elections for 11 years, a past member of the Board 
of Directors of the Queens Botanical Gardens, and a past Vice President 
of the Queens Museum of Art. Mr. Previte is presently counsel to the 
law firm of Pennisi, Daniels and Norelli, LLC, and Former Senior 
Partner of the law firm of Previte, Farber, and Rosen, P.C.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the selfless efforts of 
Assemblyman McLaughlin, Al Samilenko, and Joseph Previte, and Long 
Island City YMCA's outstanding contributions to the community, and 
wishing them a wonderful evening at this Third Annual Frank J. Tempone 
Service to Youth Dinner Dance.

                          ____________________