[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           MICHAEL CAVANAUGH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 13, 2009

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Cavanaugh, 
a dedicated Staten Islander, dear friend, tireless community organizer, 
and great humanitarian who will be retiring this year.
  Mr. Cavanaugh was born to Daniel and Mary Cavanaugh on June 23, 1949, 
in Astoria, Queens. He attended McKee Vocational High School, and 
served as an Apprentice with Local Union 3. He went on to a career as 
an outstanding electrician. He has dedicated the last 15 years of his 
working career as a local shop steward and active union representative 
fighting for the best benefits and working conditions for his fellow 
workers.
  Throughout his career, he has always advocated for the interest of 
his fellow electricians and his community. He has served as the Vice 
President of the Dakota Group, a local group of individuals dedicated 
to helping our community. He has also served as the Legislative 
Coordinator for the Staten Island Electrical Club, North Shore 
Democratic Club, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Brighton Kiwanis, 
and the Special Olympics.
  Mr. Cavanaugh is known for his neverending generosity. In addition to 
the many groups that he belongs to and supports, Mr. Cavanaugh also, on 
his own time and without any remuneration, has helped numerous people, 
families and organizations on Staten Island. To name a few, he has 
helped replace the lighting at St. Peter's Church, helped install a 
scoreboard at St. Paul's School, and he has helped many homeless people 
fix up apartments so they can have a decent place to live. Mr. 
Cavanaugh is one of the most generous people I know.
  Mr. Cavanaugh has helped the campaigns of just about every Staten 
Island Democratic candidate over the last 15 years. His assistance has 
been essential to the success of many campaigns including mine. No job 
is too big or too small for Mike. He will help in any way possible.
  Outside of his professional life, Mr. Cavanaugh is a devoted family 
man. He has been married to his wife, Monica, for the past 35 years. He 
is the father to his son, Daniel, and daughter, Erin. He is also the 
beloved grandfather to James. In addition to his family, Mike is 
totally devoted to his wonderful Golden Retriever, Rusty.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Mr. 
Cavanaugh on his dedication to the people of Staten Island and wish him 
a happy and healthy retirement.

                          ____________________