[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 65 (Monday, April 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E469-E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING PETER SWIDERSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 15, 2019

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I want to take a moment to honor a 
dedicated public servant and good friend, Peter Swiderski. Peter served 
as Mayor of the Village of Hastings for many years, and his exceptional 
work will leave a lasting positive impact on the community.

[[Page E470]]

  Peter has always believed deeply in our democracy and the power of 
public service. That's why he ran for Mayor of Hastings some 16 years 
ago. His slogan, ``Hastings Forward!'' spoke to his consistent 
commitment to progress. Though he took over during difficult financial 
times for the village, Peter was able to deftly navigate the choppy 
economic waters. Abandoned buildings from Hastings' industrial past 
were replaced with storefronts that our now local hot spots. The 
beautiful waterfront hugging the Hastings coastline has been 
revitalized. Parks that were once run down have been transformed. All 
of this happened under Peter's leadership, and all of it happened while 
the village's finances steadily improved. Peter grew the Hastings' 
rainy-day fund to $2 million, which has meant investments in 
infrastructure and funding for first responders can be met. But beyond 
quality of life and economic development, Peter also managed to focus 
on growing affordable housing options for residents, encourages local 
sustainability initiatives, and even started a Deer Immunocontraception 
Research Program. How many local municipalities can say that?
  After 16 successful years, Peter chose not to run for reelection as 
Mayor of Hastings. Though the village is now in the excellent care of 
new Mayor Nicola Armacost, we will all miss Peter leading the way in 
Hastings. As a partner in government, Peter was exceptional to work 
with across the board. I want to congratulate him on the years of hard 
work and thank him for his ceaseless dedication to the Hastings 
community.

                          ____________________