[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING PATRICK R. VECCHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a public 
servant of rare devotion and accomplishment. My constituent, Patrick R. 
Vecchio is marking his 30 year anniversary as supervisor of the town of 
Smithtown, a historic community on the shores of Long Island Sound. His 
tenure as supervisor is the longest in New York State's 231-year 
history, and has few rivals anywhere in the Nation.
  On October 23rd, I was proud to join the Smithtown Historical Society 
at its gala in St. James in the town of Smithtown, New York, at which 
it honored Supervisor Vecchio for his steadfast commitment and 
countless contributions to the people of Smithtown.
  Mr. Speaker, Supervisor Vecchio is a lifelong public servant, U.S. 
Army veteran and retired NYPD detective sergeant. During his tenure as 
supervisor, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal 
responsibility and low taxes while protecting vital government 
services. His legacy is clear: Today, Smithtown is on solid financial 
footing and has the lowest debt level of the 10 towns in Suffolk 
County.
  Pat Vecchio is more than an exemplary public servant, he is a friend 
and a role model. You can always trust that the words that come out of 
Supervisor Vecchio's mouth will be the truth, to the chagrin of some. 
As someone who was new to public service when I was elected to Congress 
in 2002, I learned a lot simply by watching and talking to Pat.
  In 1655, an English settler, Richard Smith, struck a unique bargain 
with local Native Americans where he was entitled to settle all of the 
area he could ride around on his bull in a day's time. Smith's ride on 
his bull, Whisper, formed the boundaries of modern-day Smithtown. 
Richard Smith's ride is the stuff of legends.
  I don't know if Pat Vecchio ever rode a bull. But I know he has 
gotten into a boxing ring with a champion fighter; I know he has 
guarded the President of the United States; I know he has taken on 
organized crime and I know he has done it all without a hint of ego. In 
short, Mr. Speaker, Pat Vecchio's life is the stuff of legends. I am 
honored and humbled to help honor his lifetime of service to the town 
of Smithtown and our Nation.

                          ____________________