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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E104-E105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. J. DAVID KEANEY
______
HON. RICHARD E. NEAL
of massachusetts
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to
congratulate J. David Keaney on receiving career recognition by the
National Electrical Contractors Association (``NECA'') and his
retirement as Executive Manager of the Western Massachusetts and
Central Massachusetts Chapters of NECA.
Dave Keaney grew up in Western Massachusetts. He graduated from
Cathedral High School and attended American International College in
Springfield, Massachusetts obtaining a bachelor's degree in 1961 and
master's degree in 1965. He went on to attend Western New England
College Law School and was a member of the class of 1970. He was
subsequently admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1972. His political
relationship with Western Massachusetts began with the friendship of
Mayor William Sullivan and culminated as General Counsel for Sheriff
Michael Ashe of Hampden County. This relationship would serve him well,
leading him to work for the Second Congressional District and the Hon.
Edward Patrick Boland, Jr. beginning on December 1, 1968. Dave would
serve Congressman Boland for twenty years. He would go on to serve in
my Congressional office for the next twelve years offering me
unwavering advice on all matters affecting the constituency of the
district. His counsel in these areas was uncompromising and steadfast.
Over Mr. Keaney's 46 years of service to NECA he has been essential
to the harmony of labor relations between electrical contractors and
the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (``IBEW'') in both
Western and Central Massachusetts. Dave has negotiated dozens of labor
agreements and resolved labor disputes with the local IBEW unions, both
in Massachusetts and in Washington, D.C., always in a professional
manner aimed at furthering the industry for the benefit of all.
Mr. Keaney has also chaired and served on numerous committees focused
on improving the health and welfare of workers, pension funds, and the
training and education of electricians. He has assisted with the
implementation of joint apprenticeship and training programs in
Springfield and Worcester, established to educate and train members of
the IBEW to become superior electricians and leaders in the industry.
Madam Speaker, through his counsel, leadership, and collegiality,
Dave Keaney has assisted contractors and electricians to bring power,
light, and communications technology to Western and Central
Massachusetts communities; always leaving customers satisfied with the
work provided. Dave's advice and counsel to generations of electrical
contractors has enhanced the chapter's market share, provided impacted
workplace safety and productivity, and created mutually beneficial
working conditions for electrical contractors and
[[Page E105]]
workers alike. I wish my friend all the best in his future endeavors
and thank him for his public service and his contribution to the
industry.
____________________