[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 189 (Friday, November 30, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE CAREER OF NEW YORK ASSEMBLYMAN BOB OAKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 30, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the illustrious 
career of New York Assemblyman Bob Oaks. Since 1992, Assemblyman Oaks 
has diligently represented the interests of Wayne, Oswego, and Cayuga 
Counties in Albany. Serving the 130th Assembly District, Assemblyman 
Oaks has always fought for his constituency's values in the State 
Legislature.
  Assemblyman Oaks was born in North Rose, New York and grew up on a 
farm owned by his family for nearly five generations. He graduated from 
North Rose-Wolcott Central School in 1970, earned a political science 
degree from Colgate University in 1974, and then proceeded to complete 
his Recreation Administration master's degree from University of 
Montana in 1976. Upon completing his education, Assemblyman Oaks began 
his career as Assistant Director of the Continuing Education Program 
for the Greece Central School District.
  After a five year stint as the Director of the Wayne County Youth 
Bureau, Assemblyman Oaks first reached public office in 1982 by winning 
the election for Wayne County Clerk. He held the office until 1992, 
when he won the 130th Assembly District seat and headed to Albany for 
the first time. Upon arriving in the State Legislature, Assemblyman 
Oaks prioritized strengthening the state economy and improving the 
competitiveness of New York agriculture.
  Throughout his career in Albany, Assemblyman Oaks fought for the 
conservative values of decreased taxes and smaller government. 
Assemblyman Oaks' dedication to these causes resulted in his 
appointment to the Ranking Minority Member position on the Ways and 
Means Committee in September 2011. This role designated Assemblyman 
Oaks as the top Republican on tax issues in the State Legislature, 
allowing him to lead debate proposed tax legislation and any impacts 
such legislation may have on New York's budget.
  Assemblyman Oaks was a part of the Republican leadership in the State 
Assembly in addition to his work on the Ways and Means committee. He 
served as the Deputy Minority Leader and was appointed by Minority 
Leader Brian Kolb to the Legislative Task Force on Redistricting in 
2012. In each of these roles, Assemblyman Oaks shaped the Republican 
agenda in the State Legislature and ensured Assembly, Senate and 
Congressional district lines were fairly drawn across the state.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in 
celebrating the successful career of Bob Oaks in the New York State 
Assembly. Assemblyman Oaks always legislated with the best interests of 
his constituents in mind. Most importantly, his offices in Albany and 
the 130th District were always committed to ensuring his constituency 
had access to the services of the state government. I express my strong 
gratitude to Assemblyman Oaks for standing up for the values of Central 
New Yorkers throughout his career in Albany.

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