On the Retirement of Congressman Edolphus Towns

Jamaica, N.Y.--Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, (D-NY) of the Sixth Congressional District released the following statement on the retirement of Congressman Edolphus Town:

“Congressman Ed Towns’ announcement that he will not seek re-election is bitter sweet. I will miss my colleague in the halls of Congress, but I know he will now have more time with his family after 29 years of devoted service to his constituents and our nation. Congressman Towns is not only a colleague. He is also a close friend. I will always be grateful for the way he eagerly stepped forward with a helping hand when I was first elected to Congress in 1998.
“Over the intervening years, we worked closely together on many legislative issues. We stood together in casting tough votes. Ed brought to his congressional service a passion and enthusiasm for serving his constituents, and a desire to ensure that New York City and New York State received their fair share of federal resources. Congressman Towns was there for New York City as it strove to recover from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His has been an effective and consistent voice on behalf of communities, residents, and first responders exposed to toxic materials.

“Congressman Towns brought to his stewardship of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which he chaired during the109th and 110th Congresses, a rock solid determination to help make government perform not only more efficiently but also more equitably. He is also a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, serving with the same distinction with which he under took a multitude of assignments and responsibilities over his lengthy career in public service.

“Ed’s collegiality, even temperament, and warm friendship will be missed. I join with all of my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus, and in fact on both sides of the aisle, in congratulating Ed on his 29 years of service to the nation, and extend best wishes to him, to his lovely wife, Gwen, and to their entire family as he opens a new chapter of a life lived with a purpose.” [End]