[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10628]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING WILLIAM A. EAGAN UPON BEING NAMED SOUTH-
                     TOWNS ``DEMOCRAT OF THE YEAR''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2006

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to recognize William 
``Bill'' Eagan, who is recognized as Western New York's Southtowns 
``Democrat of the Year'' for his selfless dedication to his community 
and commitment to public service.
  Bill was born and raised in the City of Lackawanna into a family that 
has deep roots in the Democratic Party. His father was the Democratic 
Chairman in Lackawanna for 16 years. Following in the traditions that 
his father established, Bill became an active member of the Democratic 
Party at a young age. Bill was involved in many elections and proudly 
participated in the Presidential Election of John F. Kennedy.
  Bill and his wife Patty moved to the Town of Boston in 1982. Just 
three years later, Bill Eagan became a leader in the Democratic Party 
when Former Erie County Democratic Chairman Joseph Crangle recruited 
him to become Democratic Chairman in the Town of Boston. Bill proudly 
accepted this responsibility and effectively served in this capacity 
from 1985 to 1990 and again from 1994 to present. Under Mr. Eagan's 
leadership as Chairman, the Democratic enrollment in the Town of Boston 
has increased by over fifty percent since 1985.
  In 2002, Mr. Eagan was elected Town of Boston Supervisor. During his 
first term he earned the trust and respect of the town residents and 
was re-elected to the position in 2005. Mr. Eagan is the first 
Democratic Supervisor to be elected in over 40 years and then re-
elected to another term. Mr. Eagan's success is a testament to his 
tireless efforts on behalf of the community that he serves.
  As Town of Boston's Supervisor, Democratic Chairman, and member of 
the Erie County Democratic Executive Committee, Mr. Eagan has set an 
example of leadership for his fellow Democrats to emulate. For the 
first time in 12 years, the Democratic Party holds the majority of the 
Boston Town Board. Additionally, Bill was instrumental in electing the 
first Town of Boston Democratic Highway Superintendent and two 
Councilmen.
  Thank you Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity to recognize Bill Eagan, 
a man I am proud to have as a colleague in Western New York government, 
a friend and a public servant deserving of the title ``Democrat of the 
Year.''

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