[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING VILLAGE OF ORCHARD PARK MAYOR PATRICIA A. DICKMAN FOR 
                   EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO HER COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2005

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call your attention to 
Patricia A. Dickman, a woman who after years of dedicated public 
service, will retire from her position as the Village of Orchard Park 
Mayor in Erie County, New York.
  Mayor Dickman's devotion to developing a better future for her 
community was evident early, as she chose to dedicate 12 years to the 
teaching profession, educating young people.
  Over the last 30 years Mayor Dickman expanded her dedication from 
working with youth to working with the community as a whole.
  Mayor Dickman's government service is extensive. Prior to her 
election to the seat of Mayor, Ms. Dickman worked for 6 years on the 
Village of Orchard Park Planning Board, including 4 years as Chair. She 
also served as a Village of Orchard Park Trustee for 6 years and has 
led the Beautify Orchard Park Committee for over 24 years.
  Throughout her tenure as Mayor, Ms. Dickman has sat on several local 
boards and organizations including: the Erie County Sewer District III, 
the Southtown's Sewer Agency, the Village Officials Association and the 
Erie County Governments Association.
  Though her accomplishments are too numbered to mention here today, 
some of the highlights of her service consist of contributions to local 
economic development through the ``Facade'' program and facilitation of 
infrastructure projects including reconstruction of Route 240/277. At 
the same time, through the duration of her term, the Mayor has been 
successful in maintaining the lowest tax rate in Erie County.
  It is with great pride and gratitude I stand here today to recognize 
Village of Orchard Park Mayor Patricia Dickman, a genuine public 
servant and faithful community advocate, may her life in retirement be 
met with the many triumphs achieved in her years as Mayor.

                          ____________________