[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING RETIRING ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATOR JEANNE Z. CHASE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the public service of Erie 
County Legislator Jeanne Z. Chase, who has served the residents of the 
Erie County Legislature's 12th Legislative district, which currently 
includes the towns of Boston, Brant, Eden, Evans, Hamburg, and North 
Collins, since her initial appointment in 1997, and who will leave the 
Legislature at the conclusion of her current term at the end of this 
year.
  Jeanne Chase has been, above all else, someone dedicated to the sound 
and effective representation of her constituents, all of whom are also 
residents of the 27th Congressional district. It is her commitment to 
her constituents and to her community at large that has always 
impressed me about Jeanne Chase, and it is why I am delighted to honor 
her service to Erie County today.
  Jeanne Chase is a lifelong resident of the Town of Evans. A graduate 
of Immaculata Academy, and SUNY Fredonia, Jeanne worked in the private 
sector for many years before seeking appointment to the 12th district 
seat upon the resignation of then-Legislator Bert Villarini in 1997. 
Jeanne defeated a well-known and well-funded challenger in her first 
election in 1997 and won re-election to her seat in three succeeding 
elections.
  Jeanne Chase is a longtime member of the Legislature's Public Safety 
committee, and has always placed the safety of her constituents as a 
top priority. As Chair of the Legislature's Public Safety committee 
from 2002 to 2003, Erie County moved forward with the construction of 
the state-of-the-art Public Safety Campus, which, when completed, will 
become the communications center and focal point for all police, fire 
and emergency services in our region. A longtime supporter of crime 
victims' rights, Jeanne has supported initiatives that increase 
protection for crime victims throughout New York State, and worked to 
establish a Domestic Violence Satellite Office in the Southtowns. 
Jeanne has seen many public accomplishments but cites as her greatest 
accomplishments her family. Husband Rob and daughter Chelsea are proud 
of Jeanne's service to her constituents, and we are as well.
  Jeanne Chase has chosen not to leave public service. She is applying 
her experience in the field of real estate to her service as Town 
Assessor in the Town of Evans. I am proud and grateful, Mr. Speaker, to 
call to the House's attention the dedicated public service of Erie 
County Legislator Jeanne Chase, and I am certain that the whole House 
would join me in offering to Jeanne and to her entire family wishes of 
good luck and Godspeed in the months and years to come.

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