[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING PETER SILVESTRI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Peter 
Silvestri on his receipt of the Illinois State Crime Commission's award 
of Municipal Leader of the Year for 2010. The commission chose 
Silvestri due to his exceptional leadership skills at the county and 
municipal levels as Cook County Commissioner and the Village of Elmwood 
Park president.
  Elected in 1994 as Cook County Commissioner of the ninth district, 
Silvestri has played a crucial role in nearly every area of county 
concern. He chairs the Zoning and Building Committee, the Building 
Ordinance Commission, the Litigation Subcommittee and the Environmental 
Control Committee. As Chairman of Environmental Control, he convened a 
committee of community representatives, engineers and environmentalists 
to discuss the Forest Preserve's proposed Storm Water Management Plan. 
Additionally, he sponsored an amendment to the building code to change 
group homes of 8 or less residents from multi-unit requirements to 
single family requirements, for which he will receive the President's 
Award from Oak Leyden Developmental Services. He serves as vice-
chairman of more committees than any other commissioner. He also 
memorialized fallen police officers through the Cook County Peace 
Officer's Memorial.
  As Elmwood Park President since 1989, Silvestri prides himself on an 
increase in building construction and expansion of village parks. 
During his tenure, the Village of Elmwood Park has seen a new public 
safety building, family aquatic center and gymnasium, and public 
library, as well as expanded open park space now known as Central Park. 
Additionally, he and the Village Board of Trustees enhanced the 
education requirements and training for drug and gang prevention and 
enforcement at the municipal police department.
  While Pete Silvestri has received many awards, he sees himself as a 
caretaker for every person in the village and the county. I have seen 
firsthand Pete's extensive involvement in the community, and I applaud 
him on being named Municipal Leader of the Year.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Peter 
Silvestri on the Illinois State Crime Commission's acknowledgement of 
his positive effects throughout Chicago.

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