[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17150]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MENTOR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 22, 2005

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, mentors have played an 
important role for business leaders, artists, athletes and politicians 
for hundreds of years. Having an influential and important role model 
to learn from and to lean on for support and advice is priceless. Today 
I would like to honor and compliment my personal mentor, New York State 
Senator Owen Johnson from Babylon, Long Island.
  For over 10 years I had the honor and privilege to work for my good 
friend Owen in the New York State Senate. Always supportive of my 
entrepreneurial efforts, Owen encouraged intellectual curiosity and 
always gave me the latitude and freedom to complete my master's degree.
  While Owen had the chance to run for Congress himself, he chose to 
remain a New York State Senator to be closer to his family. Christel, 
his lovely wife, son Owen, and daughter Chirsten are truly the loves of 
his life.
  Owen Johnson, a conservative before it was fashionable, is the 
chairman of the prestigious Senate Finance Committee. A seasoned and 
polished debater and legislator, Owen and I had hundreds of spirited 
debates over the years. While we may not have always agreed at the end 
of the day, each conversation was a learning experience.
  I am extremely proud to call Owen Johnson a mentor, a friend, and the 
best State Senator New York State has ever had.
  Here's to you Owen for all you taught me about conservative and 
family values.

                          ____________________