[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 150 (Monday, September 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E854-E855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF PATRICIA LaVELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2023

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize 
one of our community's great activists, Patricia LaVell, as she is 
honored at the Amherst Democratic Committee's member recognition 
dinner. A former Buffalo public school teacher, Pat's passion for the 
Democratic Party led to better candidates and governance for thousands 
of her neighbors.
  Since 2000, Pat has been a quintessential piece to the Amherst 
Democratic Committee's operation. She served as secretary to then-
Chairman Dennis Ward and has run the Committee's fundraisers and 
dinners at Classic V Banquet hall. Pat understood that her opinion and 
voice carried weight, so was elated to learn of her appointment to the 
Nominating Committee that interviews candidates running for local 
office. With so many crucial decisions coming from Town of Amherst 
officials in the last 2 decades, it is undeniable that Pat's influence 
over candidates has led to more prosperous results for the citizens of 
Amherst. She

[[Page E855]]

also volunteered for morning lawn sign efforts at fire stations, 
churches, and lawns on each Election Day. Even to this day, those 
passing Pat's front lawn are made aware of all the candidates that she 
believes are best for the community.
  Every community has its well-known leaders but has even more leaders 
that rarely make headlines. Patricia LaVell is the epitome of quiet 
leadership--the type of person that works tirelessly behind the scenes 
to put the community ahead of their own interests. It is my honor to 
recognize her, and I know that everyone wishes her the best in her 
future endeavors with the Committee.

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