[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO LEWIS A. WATKINS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2003

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Lewis A. Watkins, Sr. for 
his dedication to serving his community and the City of New York.
  For almost 30 years, Lewis has worked for the City of New York in a 
variety of administrative positions. During most of that time, he has 
also dedicated himself to serving Community Planning Board #3 in 
Bedford Stuyvesant, which represents the largest African-American 
community in New York City.
  Educated, diligent and committed, he was promoted from Youth 
Coordinator for the district to District Manager of Community Board #3. 
Mr. Watkins' primary role is to coordinate the delivery of city 
services and to advise a Board of 50 members who are appointed by the 
Brooklyn Borough President and City Council Members. In this capacity, 
he works with residents, block associations, community-based and civic 
organizations, businesses, and churches in order to best serve the 
neighborhood. For issues in Bedford Stuyvesant relating to housing, 
seniors, health care, parks, child welfare, day care, education, 
transportation, police, fire, environmental protection and economic 
development, Lewis is the main source of information for the City and 
plays a key role in solving problems for the community related to these 
areas.
  Lewis received his Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education 
with a Minor in Urban Policy Science from State University of New York 
at Stony Brook University. He taught high school for several years but 
realizes now that city government has been his true calling.
  In retrospect, he also realizes that his inspiration for community 
services came from his role models, his mother, Bernice Watkins and his 
maternal grandmother.
  Mr. Speaker, Lewis A. Watkins has been a dedicated public servant to 
his community. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our 
recognition. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring 
this truly remarkable individual.

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