[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 200 (Wednesday, December 23, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S13881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO TARAS G. SZMAGALA

 Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Taras 
G. ``Tary'' Szmagala, on the occasion of his retirement from the 
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority in Cleveland, OH. Tary has 
dedicated his life to public service and has worked tirelessly to 
improve the quality of life for the citizens of our community. His 
career demonstrates a commitment to excellence and exemplary 
leadership, and has earned him the respect and admiration of his 
friends and associates.
  For 23 years, Tary has served the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit 
Authority, during which time he has held a number of positions, 
including: director of governmental relations, manager of 
communications, deputy general manager, interim general manager, and 
executive director of external affairs. He has made significant 
contributions towards procuring Federal and State capital improvement 
funds for the RTA's major projects, including, but not limited to, the 
Euclid Corridor Project and the extension of the Waterfront Line, and 
the Walkway from Tower City to Gateway.
  Additionally, Tary's distinguished career in public service includes 
serving as special assistant to U.S. Senator Robert Taft, teacher and 
administrator for the Parma Board of Education, and public and 
personnel coordinator for the Cleveland Regional Sewer District. 
Moreover, he has served numerous governmental leaders and 
organizations, and has devoted countless hours to civic organizations, 
including the Stella Maris Board of Directors, the National Highway 
Safety Advisory Committee, the Ohio Public Transit Association, St. 
Ignatius High School and several colleges.
  Tary has worked tirelessly to provide many Americans with a tangible 
connection to their Ukrainian heritage by serving on the Ukrainian 
Museum Archives Board of Directors, the Ukrainian National Association 
Board of Directors and as a representative of the Ukrainian-American 
community in many official capacities, including as Member of 
Presidential Delegation to Ukraine in 1991.
  It is my privilege to recognize Tary for his diligent commitment and 
dedicated service to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, 
and to the community that he has served for over three decades.

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