[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1996-E1997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  IN HONOR OF GREATER ASTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S SELECTION OF DENIS 
           BUTLER AS 2002 HONORARY MAYOR OF LONG ISLAND CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mrs. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 
Greater Astoria Historical Society and Denis Butler, who has been named 
2003 Honorary Mayor of Long Island City.
  Long Island City, just across the East River from Manhattan, is the 
largest community in Queens with 250,000 residents. The history of Long 
Island City spans more than 360 years from its humble beginning as 
Dutch farmland in the 1640s to its present incarnation as a residential 
and commercial hub.
  Chartered in 1870, Long Island City was the consolidation of several 
villages and areas, which included Astoria, Steinway, Ravens[chyph]wood 
and Hunters Point. Long Island City existed independently from New York 
City for 28 years. The new city government encouraged industry, which 
spread northward with gas plants and chemical and glass factories 
lining the East River waterfront. By the end of the 19th century, the 
city had the highest concentration of industry in the United States. 
Long Island City was incorporated by the City of New York in the 
consolidation of 1898.
  Long Island City was transformed in 1909 by the opening of 
Queensborough Bridge, immediately changing the community from a remote 
suburb to the destination minutes from Manhattan. Today Long Island 
City is connected with the rest of New York City by six tunnels and 
five bridges.
  The Greater Astoria Historical Society, chartered in 1985, is a non-
profit cultural and community oriented organization dedicated to 
preserving the past and promoting Long Island City's future. The 
Society hosts field trips, walking tours, slide presentations, and 
guest lectures to schools and the public.
  The Society believes that history is the most powerful tool that a 
society processes. It tells us why the things we value are the things 
we should value, and it tells us the things that should be ignored. 
That is true power, a profound power--the power to define a whole 
society.
  Denis Butler, who was an outstanding Assemblyman for Astoria and Long 
Island City for 24 years, is an outstanding choice for honorary Mayor. 
An active legislator and a caring civic leader, Assemblyman Butler 
exemplifies the strength and creativity of Long Island City.
  Assemblyman Butler was a champion of the aging, disabled, and 
underprivileged, and has worked tirelessly for the working men and 
women of his district. With the support of the Assembly leadership, 
Assemblyman Butler

[[Page E1997]]

created SCRIE (Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption), which has 
helped low income seniors remain in their homes. Additionally, he was a 
prime sponsor of EPIC, New York's prescription drug buy plan, which has 
helped thousands of elderly new Yorkers pay for necessary medication.
  Assemblyman Butler has been extremely active in civic affairs and has 
worked alongside local community activists on a wide range of issues, 
working to improve educational and youth programs, and increase local 
police presence. His caring guidance and enthusiasm have truly made 
this neighborhood a more pleasant place to live and work.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Greater Astoria 
Historical Society and saluting them for selecting Denis Butler as the 
2003 Honorary Mayor of Long Island City.

                          ____________________