[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23087]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     TRIBUTE TO CAYUGA COUNTY LEGISLATURE CHAIRMAN RALPH STANDBROOK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2001

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a strong leader in 
Central New York on the eve of his retirement from public service. 
Ralph Standbrook has devoted virtually his entire professional life to 
the betterment of his community and in defense of his nation. On 
December 11th, Mr. Stanbrook will preside over his final meeting as 
Chairman of the Cayuga County Legislature in Central New York after a 
ten-year tenure on that body.
  Shortly after graduating from Red Creek High School, Ralph Standbrook 
joined the United States Army, retiring in 1972 at the rank of 
lieutenant colonel. Chairman Standbrook served his nation in both the 
Korean and Vietnam Wars and has been decorated with the Agri-Service 
Award, Conspicuous Service Cross Award, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, 
Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, 
Combat Infantry Badge, and Senior Parachute Badge. He met his wife of 
fifty years, Tula, during his service while stationed at Fort Temple, 
Kentucky.
  After retiring from the Army, Chairman Standbrook farmed and worked 
in real estate and construction in Tennessee. In 1983, he returned to 
his native Central New York to pursue a retirement career as a charter 
fishing boat captain on Lake Ontario. In 1991, he was elected to the 
Cayuga County Legislature. He also served as Mayor of the Village of 
Fair Haven from 1991 until 1994 when he was elected Chairman of the 
Cayuga County Legislature--a position that has since developed into a 
full-time position which also oversees the County's executive branch of 
government.
  Under Chairman Standbrook's leadership, Cayuga County has prospered. 
During his watch, Standbrook ushered in major public improvements to 
the county's Emerson Park and the Sodus Bay breakwater. Standbrook led 
the effort to purchase significant Lake Ontario-front property, 
establishing the Sterling Nature Center, and created the Cayuga County 
Sewer and Water Authority. He has served as a strong steward for the 
county's watersheds and natural resources and supported the expansion 
of programs at Cayuga Community College, including the development of 
its Regional Applications Center.
  Mr. Speaker, in my twenty-plus years of public service both in local 
government and here in Washington, it is rare that I have come across a 
leader with the vision, the integrity, and the drive of Ralph 
Standbrook. He is indeed one of the best individuals I have ever met in 
public life and is a true visionary. Ralph Standbrook is a leader who 
always thinks big.
  It is my honor to recognize Chairman Ralph Standbrook for his 
tireless service on behalf of the people of Cayuga County. I thank him 
for the legacy of progress that he leaves and wish him, his wife Tula, 
and their entire family much health and happiness throughout his 
retirement from elected office. Knowing Ralph's drive and concern for 
community, I am certain he will continue to improve Central New York's 
quality of life for years to come.

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