[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING MAYOR RICK DAVIS, A LEADER IN HIS HOMETOWN OF TONAWANDA

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2022

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my 
friend, the former mayor of the City of Tonawanda, Rick Davis. for his 
recognition as Democrat of the Year.
  A graduate of Tonawanda High School, Rick joined the Air Force in 
1992. Trained as a meteorologist, Rick was eventually stationed in 
South Korea, and later in several U.S. cities. Upon re-entry to 
civilian life ten years later, Rick dedicated his career to continuing 
his love of meteorology--but this time he did so with the Federal 
Aviation Administration. He continues his work there today.
  In 2006, Rick decided to expand his contributions in public service 
by running for and serving as 4th Ward Councilman in the City of 
Tonawanda from 2006 through 2009. In 2013, Rick ran for Mayor, 
eventually serving two terms.
  Over that time, Rick was able to obtain more than $30 million in 
grant funding and left Tonawanda with a budget surplus in excess of $8 
million--the largest surplus in the city's history. Projects like the 
Intermodal Hub, Canal Street Plaza, and improvements to Gateway Park 
were made possible through his leadership. Rick had recognized some of 
the most pressing issues facing Americans in the 21st century: economic 
growth, healthcare, and housing. For each of these challenges, Mayor 
Davis can point to tangible changes in city policy. This includes 
revamping the city's Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan and ensuring 
the Zombie Housing Grant program's presence in Tonawanda.
  Furthermore, during the pandemic, Rick Davis was a noteworthy figure 
for one distinctive reason: he was the only mayor in our congressional 
district to participate in Zoom meetings in front of a Metallica 
banner. All jokes aside, I trust that the next chapter of his life will 
include spending more time with his wife, Megan, with the ten children 
they share in their blended family, as well as with their three 
grandsons. Throughout his tenure, Rick delivered results to thousands 
of citizens within New York's 26th Congressional district, and we all 
owe him a debt of gratitude for his selfless dedication to the people 
he represented.

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