[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Pages 3501-3502]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         HONORING JIM O'ROURKE

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate 
Connecticut State Representative Jim O'Rourke on being named the 
Irishman of the Year by the Portland-Middletown Ancient Order of 
Hibernians, an Irish-American organization with a tradition of service 
to the community.
  Jim O'Rourke, born in Boston, MA, has served the people of 
Connecticut for most of his adult life. He is a graduate of Manchester 
High School and earned a Bachelors Degree in Political Science at the 
University of Connecticut. While at the University of Connecticut, Jim 
developed a deep passion for issues affecting the environment, consumer 
protection, and education, serving as Chairman of the statewide 
Connecticut Public Interest Research Group and later as Chairman of the 
Connecticut Environmental Caucus.
  For the past 11 years, as a member of the Connecticut State House of 
Representatives, Representative O'Rourke has been a champion of 
initiatives aimed at providing cleaner air and water for the people of 
Cromwell, Portland, and Middletown. Last month, he hosted the 
Connecticut Coalition for Clean Air, CCCA, a partnership of private, 
State, and local government officials committed to educating the public 
while providing solutions to pollution concerns throughout the State. 
Jim believes that pollution of our air and waterways is more than just 
an environmental problem, it is a public health concern. Representative 
O'Rourke's leadership on these vital issues has earned him wide respect 
among his colleagues. In fact, one indication of the high regard Jim's 
colleagues have for him is that he was chosen to serve as Assistant 
Majority Leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives earlier 
this year.
  Jim O'Rourke has made numerous contributions to his community. His 
tireless work on behalf of children and families there and throughout 
Connecticut is never-ending. He works as Assistant Development Director 
of The Connection, a non-profit service and community development 
organization which provides counsel to low and moderate-income families 
seeking to purchase their first home. It also provides important 
treatment services for underprivileged families and persons in need of 
counseling.
  Mr. O'Rourke is an active member of the Portland-Middletown division 
of the Connecticut Ancient Order of Hibernians, having been granted the 
third degree prior to his latest achievement. The Order has been an 
integral part of Irish-American life since its North American branch 
was founded in 1836 in New York City, it is now the largest of all 
Irish Social Societies in the United States. Jim O'Rourke is also a 
member of the Cromwell Kiwanis Club and the DeSoto Council Cromwell 
Knights of Columbus. He serves as president of the statewide People's 
Action for Clean Energy, an organization committed to energy 
conservation and a clean and healthy environment.
  As a result of his endeavors, Jim has been the recipient of numerous 
awards, including being recently named the Legislator of the Year by 
the Connecticut Council of Small Towns and Champion of Youth by the 
Connecticut Coalition of Youth Advocates.
  As you are aware, this week is a special one for all Irish-Americans, 
for Saturday we celebrate Saint Patrick's

[[Page 3502]]

Day. Let us take this opportunity not only to recognize the rich legacy 
of the Irish in America, but also to honor a man who has worked so hard 
within his community to preserve this heritage, and to promote the well 
being of all citizens, as well. I can think of no finer illustration of 
the contributions that Americans of Irish descent continue to make to 
our Nation than the good deeds that Jim O'Rourke performs each and 
every day as an outstanding public servant.

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