[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 117 (Friday, September 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNITION OF MICHAEL F. CANTWELL IN HONOR OF HIS RETIREMENT

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2004

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
individual who I am fortunate enough to call a dear friend, Mr. Michael 
Cantwell. Mike, who started his career as an Apprentice Steamfitter in 
1960, will be retiring this week, leaving behind a legacy of public 
service and dedication to working families throughout the great State 
of New Jersey.
  As a longtime union member and leader, Mike has tirelessly devoted 
his efforts and time to countless State, county and municipal 
organizations. For the past 44 years, he has served proudly, as a 
member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Locals 
236 and 9. Currently, he serves as Local 9's business manager, 
financial secretary-treasurer. As a staunch supporter of worker's 
rights and active union member and leader, Mike currently serves as the 
vice president of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and the New Jersey State 
Building and Construction Trades Council. He is also a member of the 
New Jersey Joint Labor-Management Committee and the New Jersey Alliance 
for Action.
  In addition, Mike is president of the New Jersey State Association of 
Pipe Trades, and the Mechanical Trades Council of New Jersey. He also 
chairs the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union No. 9 Joint 
Apprenticeship Committee, as well as the Trustees of the Education 
Fund--UA/Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Association of 
New Jersey.
  For the past 17 years, Mike has proudly served on the Mercer County 
vocational Technical School Board, and his civic responsibilities also 
include his service on the New Jersey State Employment and Training 
Commission Executive Committee and the Mercer County Planning Board.
  An avid golfer, and proud father of 4, Michael, Lee, Barbara and 
Patrick, and grandfather to Luke and Eric, Mike has been married to his 
wife Lynne for the past 44 years. A true friend, and ardent supporter, 
Mike has been invaluable to my reelection efforts over the years. I 
have profound admiration and respect for Mike, and I am certain that 
his best years have yet to come. I wish Mike and his family the best 
that retirement has to offer and I extend my heartfelt praise and 
gratitude for all that he has done.

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