[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 168 (Thursday, December 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2648-E2649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ON THE RETIREMENT OF THOMAS F. McHUGH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 22, 2005

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
the 37 years of public service Mr. Thomas F. McHugh has devoted to the 
City of Rochester. His hard work and commitment to the city's 
development will set an example for current and future public servants, 
and Rochester is grateful for all that Mr. McHugh has contributed.
  Mr. McHugh grew up in Ancram, Massachusetts. His father was in the 
insurance business and his mother was a teacher. It was from them that 
he learned the importance of a strong work ethic and a responsibility 
to community. He carried these lessons with him as studied at 
University of Syracuse and moved to Rochester upon his graduation.

[[Page E2649]]

  Mr. McHugh began his career with the City of Rochester, serving 5 
years as Project Director in the Department of Urban Renewal & Economic 
Development. In that capacity, he directed the $100 million, 175-acre 
Upper Falls Urban Renewal Project. From there, he moved to the 
Rochester Housing Authority where he has served as the Executive 
Director of the Rochester Housing Authority for the past 32 years. As 
Executive Director, he has ensured that low-income families, elderly, 
people with disabilities and many other members of the community have 
access to quality affordable housing.
  Mr. McHugh has greatly expanded the affordable housing opportunities 
in the City of Rochester and Monroe County. When Mr. McHugh started 
with the RHA in 1974, it had approximately 1,100 Public Housing Units 
and 93 employees. Today RHA consists of 2,440 Public Housing units, 
7,700 Assisted Housing units and 195 employees. Even with the addition 
of so many units, the Rochester community continues to regard RHA in 
the highest terms because of the commitment to keep properties in good 
repair. Mr. McHugh has developed and nurtured collaborations and 
partnerships with numerous public service agencies and community 
organizations. He has continuously maintained a positive working 
relationship with not only the City of Rochester, but also Monroe 
County, and State and Federal agencies.
  While administering housing for more than 10,000 households is a 
daunting task in and of itself, under Mr. McHugh's leadership, RHA has 
used its resources in an effective and efficient manner. RHA has 
reported solid financial performance year after year and achieved high 
ratings in HUD's assessment programs for Section 8 and public housing.

  Mr. McHugh spearheaded the effort to redesign Rochester's first 
public housing complex, the State-built Hanover Houses that consisted 
of seven high rise building for low-income families. He replaced the 
Hanover Houses with townhouse units to house families, seniors and 
people with disabilities that maintain a much greater degree of 
livability and security.
  Mr. McHugh greatly expanded the scope of resident and educational 
services at RHA. Through the Family Investment Center Department and a 
Social Services Department, RHA has provided to thousands of residents 
training on family self-sufficiency, computers, construction trades 
apprenticeships, GED attainment and job placement. RHA also now has 
resources and staff available to assist residents who need counseling 
services for drug prevention or other types of intervention. Under Mr. 
McHugh's leadership, RHA developed a summer camp program which serves 
over 250 young people and created an after school tutoring program. RHA 
has nutrition programs for seniors and provides a senior escort van to 
transport them to shopping and doctor appointments.
  Mr. McHugh's public service has not been limited to only the 
Rochester Housing Authority. During his 32-year career at RHA he has 
had long time affiliations, board memberships and service on committees 
with many organizations such as: Council of Large Public Housing 
Agencies (CLPHA), National Association of Housing and Redevelopment 
Officials (NAHRO), Middle Atlantic Regional Council of NAHRO, National 
Leased Housing Association, National Low-Income Housing Coalition, 
Regional Council on Aging, Legal Aid Society of Rochester, Women's 
Career Center, St. John the Evangelist Church, Sisters of Mercy 
Founders Club, SWV Realty Corporation, Monroe Housing Development 
Corporation, GEVA Theatre, Downstairs Cabaret Theatre, Rochester Area 
Educational Television Association, Blue Cross of Monroe County, 
Project Self-Sufficiency Monroe County Task Force, Marie and Joseph 
Wilson Foundation, Workforce Investment Board and the Family First 
Federal Credit Union.
  Through Mr. McHugh's leadership, compassion and commitment, thousands 
of people have been able to improve the quality of their lives because 
they had a good quality, safe, and affordable home. Many have used RHA 
as a springboard to better jobs, self-sufficiency and home ownership. 
He is a shining example of the difference one devoted individual can 
make in providing quality affordable housing opportunities, building 
communities, encouraging self-sufficiency and protecting the dignity of 
people with limited resources while at the same time safeguarding the 
public trust.
  As Mr. McHugh heads into retirement, it is with great pleasure that I 
recognize and commend Mr. McHugh for his 37 years of dedicated and 
successful public service. If a man can be judged wealthy because he 
has friends and colleagues who both respect and admire him, then Thomas 
F. McHugh is truly a wealthy man. He leaves a great legacy that can 
serve as an example to all of us. My most sincere and heartfelt 
congratulations go out to Mr. McHugh for a job well done.

                          ____________________