[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 175 (Tuesday, December 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MRS. LINDA BERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2016

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mrs. Linda Berman, a 
dedicated volunteer for the Democratic Party and resident of Amherst, 
New York. Linda's tireless service is recognized today by her friends 
on the Amherst Democratic Committee. A member of the Committee since 
2005, Linda and her son David have committed countless hours to further 
Democratic causes in our community.
   Linda was introduced to politics in 2003, when she met Mark 
Poloncarz. Linda and her son David joined Mark to campaign for John 
Kerry's bid for the presidency. The three political volunteers 
established the group ``Democrats for Progress'' in 2005. That same 
year Mark Poloncarz sought the office of Erie County Comptroller, so 
Linda and David worked diligently to support his efforts.
   In 2005, Linda joined the Amherst Democratic Committee, where she 
remains involved in to this day. In her capacity as a volunteer, she 
worked on every facet of Democratic politics: chairing events, service 
as a Zone Leader, running phone banks and other important service on 
campaigns.
   Of particular note are Linda's efforts to elect Mark Poloncarz as 
Erie County Executive in 2011. Her experience earned her an appointment 
as a delegate in 2012 for the Democratic National Convention, where she 
traveled to North Carolina to support the nomination of incumbent 
President Barack Obama.
   Before her involvement in politics, Linda and her husband were the 
owners of Masterline, a successful small business on Sheridan Drive 
that sold hair pieces. After selling the business, Linda worked for 
five years at the Buffalo Jewish Center. Next she brought her skills to 
the business office of the Williamsville Central School District, a 
position she held for fifteen years before her retirement in July of 
2008.
   Linda shares her passion for politics with her beloved son David, 
who has unwaveringly supported his mother and her efforts every step of 
the way. Over the years, he has walked in parades, knocked on doors, 
and participated in a number of Democratic campaigns. Their bond as a 
family and commitment to serving Democrats in Western New York is truly 
honorable.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor Mrs. 
Linda Berman and her admirable dedication to Democratic politics. 
Linda's commitment, which she instilled in her son David, is 
exceptional, and she is most deserving of this recognition by the 
Amherst Democratic Committee.

                          ____________________