[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING JONATHAN M. SCHNEIDER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2008

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor 
Jonathan M. Schneider, my departing district office director and 
communications director who was recently appointed the Deputy 
Supervisor of the Town of Brookhaven on Long Island.
  Jon is a hard-working and dedicated public servant who has 
consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the people of 
eastern Long Island. As one of my original staffers, I have enjoyed 
watching Jon develop and sharpen his communications and political 
skills.
  Jon started as a press secretary when I opened my Washington office 
in 2003. He became a trusted advisor who helped shape and carry out my 
agenda. He was already an experienced congressional staffer with 
service as Congressman Steve Rothman's press secretary. Additionally, 
he brought energy and environment policy expertise to my staff as a 
former national political representative of the Sierra Club.
  When Jon moved back home to Long Island, I was delighted to keep him 
on board my staff as the communications and district office director. 
As the leader of my office in Coram, New York, I have always been able 
to count on Jon's counsel to deliver effective constituent services.
  Jon has also excelled at advocating key transportation and 
infrastructure projects on Long Island. He has helped me advocate 
important conservation initiatives, particularly the preservation of 
open spaces and biodiversity in Long Island Sound. He was also 
instrumental in helping me secure a federal study of the severely 
polluted Forge River in Mastic, New York.
  Such important assignments involved working closely and almost daily 
with multiple levels of local elected representatives and maintaining 
important working relationships with government officials, civic groups 
and community advocacy organizations. As such, Jon proved to be an 
invaluable asset to my staff, both as a skilled professional and 
through his friendly, light-hearted nature.
  Jon currently resides in Port Jefferson Station with his wife, Mary 
Ellen, their nearly five-month-old daughter, Eleanor, along with a 
notorious yet very talented pet tortoise named Boris. While I am 
saddened to see him leave my staff, I congratulate Jon on his 
appointment and will look forward to observing his continuing career in 
public service in the years ahead.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of my staff and the people of the first 
congressional district of New York, I thank Jonathan M. Schneider for 
his hard work to improve the lives of eastern Long Island's residents. 
I wish him and his family continued success, good health and the best 
of luck for years to come.

                          ____________________