[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 193 (Tuesday, November 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SYMRA BRANDON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 28, 2017

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to honor a dear 
friend and wonderful public servant in the Yonkers community, Symra 
Brandon, who this year is being honored by the Luther V. Garrison Sr. 
Masonic Foundation Inc. as their 2017 Woman of the Year. I have known 
Symra for many years and cannot think of a more deserving honoree.
  Symra was born in New York City, and raised in Yonkers, New York. She 
graduated from the same high school I did, Evander Childs High School 
in the Bronx, and went on to receive a degree in Sociology at Morgan 
State College, followed by a Master's of Social Work degree from Hunter 
College School of Social Work and in Public Administration from Pace 
University.
  Throughout her distinguished professional career, Symra was employed 
by the Westchester County Department of Social Services, Cornell 
University's Family Life Development Center, UAW/General Motors Skills 
Transition Center, the Westchester County Youth Bureau, where she 
served as Acting Director for the Youth Bureau, and the Office of 
Affirmative Action/EEO and Office for the Disabled. She retired from 
Westchester County in 2006 from the position of Assistant to 
Westchester County Executive Andrew J. Spano/Director of the Office of 
African American Affairs.
  Symra was also a dedicated public servant, serving six terms as a 
Yonkers City Council Member for the First District where she was the 
first African American Woman to serve in the Council. During her twelve 
year tenure, Symra worked diligently on behalf of her constituents by 
sponsoring important legislation including mandating carbon monoxide 
detectors, landlord payment of Emergency Tenant Protection act fees, 
Senior Citizen, Veteran and Gold Star Parent property tax exemptions, 
and consistently supported development on the Yonkers Waterfront in 
addition to the creation of jobs and contracts for local residents on 
major projects throughout the City. As a community leader, Symra was a 
conscientious advocate for improving the quality of life for residents 
in her district, especially to children and the elderly.
  Today, Symra continues to serve the community as a role model and 
through her participation on many boards and organizations including 
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Terrace City Chapter No. 26, Black 
Democrats of Westchester, the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women 
and The Westchester Black Women's Political Caucus.
  Symra has always been an amazing partner to me in Yonkers, and an 
even better friend. It is my privilege to honor and congratulate her 
here today.

                          ____________________