[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 29, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E104-E105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF MR. J. DAVID KEANEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2019

  Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate J. David Keaney on receiving career recognition by the 
National Electrical Contractors Association (``NECA'') and his 
retirement as Executive Manager of the Western Massachusetts and 
Central Massachusetts Chapters of NECA.
  Dave Keaney grew up in Western Massachusetts. He graduated from 
Cathedral High School and attended American International College in 
Springfield, Massachusetts obtaining a bachelor's degree in 1961 and 
master's degree in 1965. He went on to attend Western New England 
College Law School and was a member of the class of 1970. He was 
subsequently admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1972. His political 
relationship with Western Massachusetts began with the friendship of 
Mayor William Sullivan and culminated as General Counsel for Sheriff 
Michael Ashe of Hampden County. This relationship would serve him well, 
leading him to work for the Second Congressional District and the Hon. 
Edward Patrick Boland, Jr. beginning on December 1, 1968. Dave would 
serve Congressman Boland for twenty years. He would go on to serve in 
my Congressional office for the next twelve years offering me 
unwavering advice on all matters affecting the constituency of the 
district. His counsel in these areas was uncompromising and steadfast.
  Over Mr. Keaney's 46 years of service to NECA he has been essential 
to the harmony of labor relations between electrical contractors and 
the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (``IBEW'') in both 
Western and Central Massachusetts. Dave has negotiated dozens of labor 
agreements and resolved labor disputes with the local IBEW unions, both 
in Massachusetts and in Washington, D.C., always in a professional 
manner aimed at furthering the industry for the benefit of all.
  Mr. Keaney has also chaired and served on numerous committees focused 
on improving the health and welfare of workers, pension funds, and the 
training and education of electricians. He has assisted with the 
implementation of joint apprenticeship and training programs in 
Springfield and Worcester, established to educate and train members of 
the IBEW to become superior electricians and leaders in the industry.
  Madam Speaker, through his counsel, leadership, and collegiality, 
Dave Keaney has assisted contractors and electricians to bring power, 
light, and communications technology to Western and Central 
Massachusetts communities; always leaving customers satisfied with the 
work provided. Dave's advice and counsel to generations of electrical 
contractors has enhanced the chapter's market share, provided impacted 
workplace safety and productivity, and created mutually beneficial 
working conditions for electrical contractors and

[[Page E105]]

workers alike. I wish my friend all the best in his future endeavors 
and thank him for his public service and his contribution to the 
industry.

                          ____________________