[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO MARTY MARKOWITZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Brooklyn 
Borough Hall President Marty Markowitz. No one works harder for the 2.5 
million plus residents of Brooklyn than Marty. He has been the chief 
advocate for the Borough's economic, social, and cultural interests 
while initiating and promoting efforts to improve the quality of life 
for Brooklynites.
  Marty was born and raised in Crown Heights, graduating from Wingate 
High School in 1962. He received his B.A. in political science after 
attending night school at Brooklyn College from 1962 to 1970.
  Marty began his career in public service in 1971, at the age of 26, 
by organizing the Flatbush Tenants Council, which grew into Brooklyn 
Housing and Family Services, the largest tenants' advocacy organization 
in New York State. He is also widely known for creating 2 of New York 
City's largest and longest-running free concert series: the Seaside 
Summer Concert Series in Coney Island, and the Martin Luther King Jr. 
Concert Series also in Flatbush.
  Marty was elected to the New York State Senate in 1979, where he 
served 11 consecutive terms representing Central Brooklyn. However, he 
always dreamed of serving all of Brooklyn, a goal he achieved as the 
first Borough President elected in the new millennium. He was elected 
to a second term in 2005.
  Marty set an ambitious agenda as Borough President. Marty's agenda 
focused on the core issues of housing, neighborhood preservation, and 
community his more than three decades in public service.
  Marty saw a chance to fulfill his campaign promise of returning a 
national sports team to Brooklyn for the first time since the Dodgers 
left for Los Angeles in 1957 when the New Jersey Nets were put up for 
sale in 2002. He has actively supported moving the team from New Jersey 
to a new downtown arena at Atlantic Yards. The team hopes to play its 
first game in Brooklyn in the fall of 2009.
  Marty has also assisted in creating jobs for Brooklynites. He oversaw 
a historic community benefits agreement for Atlantic Yards, 
guaranteeing that the majority of the new jobs generated by the project 
would go to those Brooklynites who needed them most, including 
residents of nearby public housing. He has been a tireless advocate for 
bringing the cruise-ship industry to Brooklyn, and in April 2006 the 
Queen Mary II will begin docking in Red Hook, followed by the Crown 
Princess in June, creating new jobs and introducing thousands of 
visitors to this great borough.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the impressive achievements 
of our Borough President Marty Markowitz for his commitment to the 
residents of Brooklyn, New York.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
this business savvy man who loves Brooklyn so very much.

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