[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 39 (Thursday, March 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING MAYOR THOMAS M. LEIGHTON, RECIPIENT OF THE 2009 ``MAN OF 
  THE YEAR'' AWARD FROM THE WILKES-BARRE FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 5, 2009

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Wilkes-
Barre Mayor Thomas M. Leighton, recipient of the 2009 ``Man of the 
Year'' award from the Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
  Mayor Leighton began his tenure as the Mayor of the City of Wilkes-
Barre on January 5, 2004. Prior to becoming mayor, he served three 
four-year terms as a city councilman, as Chairman in 1995, 1998 and 
2002 and as Vice Chairman in 1994, 1997, 1999 and 2001.
  A graduate of Bishop Hoban High School, Mayor Leighton earned a 
bachelor of science degree from King's College in Business 
Administration. In 1996, he became president and owner of C.A. Leighton 
Company, Inc., a real estate, insurance and appraisal business located 
in downtown Wilkes-Barre since 1921. To fulfill his professional 
licensing, Mayor Leighton has successfully completed numerous 
continuing education programs over the years in the fields of real 
estate, appraisal and insurance and has retained membership in real 
estate professional organizations.
  The combination of his municipal and business experience has provided 
him with the knowledge and familiarity to meet the financial and 
operational challenges he faces as Mayor.
  An active alumnus of King's College, Mayor Leighton served as 
chairman of the 2006 King's College Alumni Phonathon Fund Drive as well 
as on the President's Council and the Century Club. He is a former 
coach of many community sports leagues including the Wilkes-Barre 
Family YMCA, St. Theresa's Little League, Skyhawks Youth Soccer, 
Rolling Mill Hill Basketball, St. Nicholas/St. Mary's Basketball and he 
is also a certified PIAA referee.
  Mayor Leighton is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 
302, third degree, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic 
Association, Elks Club, Saint Conrad's Club, North End Slovak Club and 
the Eagles Club.
  Mayor Leighton and his wife, Patty, have three children: Kelly, Tom 
Jr. and Courtney.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mayor Leighton on the 
occasion of this auspicious event. Mayor Leighton's exemplary 
commitment to his family, his city and northeastern Pennsylvania is a 
clear reflection of his determination to play an active role in the 
improvement of the quality of life for everyone and, because of that, 
his selection as Man of the Year is a well deserved honor.

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