[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 99 (Tuesday, July 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING FORMER MEMBER OF CONGRESS THOMAS J. MANTON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 24, 2006

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and 
accomplishments of our recently-passed colleague Thomas Manton.
  Tom Manton's life epitomized the American dream. Born to Irish 
immigrants in 1932, he worked to put himself through college and law 
school and eventually rose to become one of the most influential 
politicians in New York City.
  After attending Catholic school in Queens and Brooklyn, Tom enlisted 
in the Marine Corps, serving from 1951 to 1953. He went on to graduate 
from St. Johns University in 1958 and earned his law degree there in 
1962. In addition to his service defending our country in the armed 
forces, Tom put his life on the line protecting the citizens of New 
York in the police force from 1955 to 1960.
  After serving on the New York City Council from 1970 to 1984, Tom was 
elected to Congress. He served proudly and responsibly for seven terms 
in the House of Representatives, during which he also became Chair of 
the Queens Democratic Party.
  In his work with the Queens Democrats, he brought those of all 
different racial and ethnic backgrounds into the political fold. 
Although he followed the tradition of Irish Catholic influence in New 
York City politics, he recruited candidates of all ethnic backgrounds 
to truly represent the diversity that exists throughout Queens on all 
levels of government.
  It is a testament to the respect Tom Manton earned and to the counsel 
he provided that during the 1992 Presidential campaign, then Governor 
Bill Clinton visited the Queens Democratic Party Headquarters in Forest 
Hills to speak with Tom. Additionally, Tom advised Mayor Michael 
Bloomberg during his initial city-wide campaign in 2001.
  On a personal note, I will miss the plain-spoken style of Tom Manton. 
When I first came to Congress in 1989, Tom provided me with a bevy of 
candid advice. During our time in Congress together, I considered him a 
close advisor, was honored to call him my colleague, and more 
importantly, always valued our friendship.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in paying respect 
to the family of Thomas Manton and offering condolences to all those 
who have benefited from his service to our country.

                          ____________________