[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING BERNICE SPRECKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. EMGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 30, 2016

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an amazing public 
servant and an even better friend, former Westchester County Legislator 
Bernice Spreckman, who recently resigned after serving for 20 years as 
the Representative for the county's 14th District.
  A longtime resident of Yonkers, Bernice was first elected in 1995 to 
the 14th district's legislative seat where she proudly represented and 
passionately advocated for the hard-working taxpayers of Yonkers and 
parts of Mount Vernon. Prior to becoming a county legislator, she 
served in several posts in Yonkers City government, including three 
terms as 2nd ward Council Member, Council Member-at-large, Vice Mayor 
and Chair of the City Council's Committees on Rules and Real Estate; 
she was also elected the first female President of the New York State 
Councilman's Association.
  As County Legislator, Bernice was a tireless advocate for senior 
citizens, working to expand the epic program; organized an annual lobby 
day in Albany; worked in a bi-partisan manor to pass universal design 
legislation to benefit senior citizens and the disabled community; co-
hosted an annual legislative speakout; and worked with State 
representatives to enact new ``independent living'' legislation to help 
protect seniors from being wrongfully displaced.
  But for all of her great accomplishments, Bernice's greatest joy in 
life was always family. She has enjoyed the love and support of her 
wonderful family; her late husband Harry, who was her constant 
companion and champion supporter; her devoted sons Alan, and his wife 
Jill, Rory, Howie, and his wife Dana; she is the loving grandmother to 
Andrew, Evan, Jake, Jaclyn, Brian, Craig, Mason, Jackson and Julianna.
  Though we never sat on the same side of the aisle, I always knew I 
could count on Bernice when it came to working together on behalf of 
our shared constituents. She was a tremendous force for good in the 
community, and I want to congratulate her on a remarkable career.

                          ____________________