Higgins-backed bill names post office after Stan Lundine
By PATRICK FANELLIDescribing Stan Lundine as a true statesman and an extraordinary public servant, U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins is leading the charge in Congress to name the city post office building after the former Jamestown mayor.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill to that effect, and pending Senate approval and President Bush's signature, the federal building at 300 E. Third St. will be named the ''Stan Lundine Post Office Building.''
''Stan Lundine's mark on this city, state and nation is undeniable,'' said Higgins, D-South Buffalo. ''He was a regional trailblazer long before the term became popular. He recognized public service as a noble profession and dedicated decades representing the people of New York, all the while keeping Jamestown, his hometown, on his agenda as well as in his heart.''
Lundine's resume includes the six years he served as Jamestown mayor, the 12 years he spent in Congress representing the Southern Tier district and the eight years he spent as lieutenant governor serving alongside former Gov. Mario Cuomo - and Lundine has been credited as a champion for regionalism and economic development.
Only a few months have passed since Lundine completed his most recent undertaking on behalf of New York state - the final report of the state Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness, a commission he chaired. The report includes numerous recommendations on streamlining local government services to lower property taxes statewide.
''Over the years, Stan has provided a wonderful, honorable and unselfish example of what one can accomplish through public service and is the embodiment of what every public official should strive to become,'' said Mayor Sam Teresi.
Outside the post office building Wednesday, Lundine was surrounded by his friends, colleagues and friends - including his 3-month-old granddaughter, Sarah Maria - as Higgins announced passage of the bill.
Lundine said he was honored by Higgins' effort, especially since the building was home to his district office when he himself served in Congress. He also said he has a great admiration for the U.S. Postal Service.
''I think we don't always appreciate that we have the best postal service in the world in spite of, or perhaps because of, competition they get from the private sector,'' said Lundine, who celebrated his 70th birthday in February.
County Executive Greg Edwards, who was once an intern of Lundine's, said he believed it to be an appropriate honor for Lundine considering his long career in public service.
''He always delivered, so I think it's altogether appropriate for a post office to have the pleasure of having his name affixed to it,'' Edwards said.
Since leaving office, Lundine has worked as Chautauqua County Health Network executive director.
