[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2499-E2500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO PERRY PETTUS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madame Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Perry 
Pettus. He was elected in March of 2002 to the Village of Hempstead 
Board of Trustees. Mr. Pettus represents residents of the incorporated 
village.
  Mr. Pettus immediately began exercising his leadership as he took on 
Hempstead landlords over poor conditions in apartment buildings. He 
utilized his negotiating skills to bring the two sides together to help 
resolve tenant issues. He has effectively used the media to bring 
issues to light, not only for exposure but also for problem solving.
  As a successful local businessman, Mr. Pettus has brought effective 
business skills to his position. He has already built business/
government partnerships which have benefited the community.
  Mr. Pettus resurrected legislation requiring the village to contract 
a portion of its business with minority contractors and continues to 
fight for its passage. He has gotten legislation

[[Page E2500]]

passed that would lower speed limits in school zones, and proposed 
legislation to beautify the business district by removing unsightly 
security gates. Campaigning on quality of life issues, Mr. Pettus has 
worked to ensure that all of the residents of Hempstead can enjoy the 
quality of life they deserve.
  Perry Pettus strongly believes in community policing and that an 
effective police force is there to serve and protect all of the 
village's residents. He recently provided scholarships to individuals 
from the community who were interested in taking the NCPD test. His 
efforts will help give the Hempstead Village Police Department a list 
of community-based candidates.
  Perry Pettus and his wife Kennetha have five children.
  Madam Speaker, I would also like to recognize the impressive 
achievement of Perry Pettus. He has received numerous awards and 
citations from organizations like the Hempstead NAACP, Hofstra 
University, 100 Black Men, the Central Nassau Club, the Black and 
Puerto Rican Caucus, and the Chamber of Commerce, Operation Get Ahead, 
and the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
this outstanding citizen and all the great things he stands for.

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