Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-03-26

CONGRATULATING OTIS T. BARKER, SR.

Taxes

Context

On 2025-03-26, Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY-26) delivered a floor speech titled "CONGRATULATING OTIS T. BARKER, SR." in the House. The speech addressed taxes.

Full Text

CONGRATULATING OTIS T. BARKER, SR.

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)] [House] [Pages H1277-H1278] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING OTIS T. BARKER, SR. (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible career of a consummate public servant and my friend, Otis T. Barker, Sr., or as his friends call him, OTB. For nearly three decades, Otis has been at the heart and soul of Buffalo's community services, dedicating his life to uplifting our city's children and families. From his trailblazing career in business to his tireless work in public service, Otis has always led with integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Buffalo. Otis' public service journey began in 1996 when deputy speaker of the New York State Assembly Arthur O. Eve hired him as his chief of staff. From 1996 to 2002, Otis was at the center of State and community affairs, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape our neighborhoods. In 2006, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown tapped him to serve as director of the Division of Youth. His leadership continued to grow, serving as deputy commissioner in 2011 and, ultimately, commissioner of community services and recreational programming in 2017, where he oversaw critical programs for our youth, our seniors, our workforce, and our recreational spaces. As commissioner, Otis Barker helped over 30,000 young people find opportunities through the mayor's summer youth internship program, giving Buffalo's next generation a path forward. Otis' service didn't stop with government. He spent his time coaching Little League baseball, leading the North Buffalo Little League Football Organization, and coaching high school basketball, instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in young athletes across our city. [[Page H1278]] At his retirement earlier this month, Buffalo's mayor surprised Otis with the renaming of the basketball courts in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park as the Otis T. Barker Sr. Basketball Courts, a fitting tribute to someone who has helped make athletics more accessible for our young people. Otis' impact extends into Buffalo's faith and music communities, where he directs and assists choirs at St. John's Baptist Church and the Var-Son Community Choir. His voice, both in leadership and in song, has lifted up so many in our community. Buffalo will miss him in city hall, but I am confident that his mentorship, leadership, and boundless generosity will continue throughout his retirement, and I have no doubt he will continue his commitment to our city as he also enjoys more time with his wonderful family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I thank OTB for making our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I wish my friend a well-earned and rewarding retirement. We love him. Congratulations and Godspeed. ____________________

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CONGRATULATING OTIS T. BARKER, SR. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)] [House] [Pages H1277-H1278] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING OTIS T. BARKER, SR. (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible career of a consummate public servant and my friend, Otis T. Barker, Sr., or as his friends call him, OTB. For nearly three decades, Otis has been at the heart and soul of Buffalo's community services, dedicating his life to uplifting our city's children and families. From his trailblazing career in business to his tireless work in public service, Otis has always led with integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Buffalo. Otis' public service journey began in 1996 when deputy speaker of the New York State Assembly Arthur O. Eve hired him as his chief of staff. From 1996 to 2002, Otis was at the center of State and community affairs, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape our neighborhoods. In 2006, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown tapped him to serve as director of the Division of Youth. His leadership continued to grow, serving as deputy commissioner in 2011 and, ultimately, commissioner of community services and recreational programming in 2017, where he oversaw critical programs for our youth, our seniors, our workforce, and our recreational spaces. As commissioner, Otis Barker helped over 30,000 young people find opportunities through the mayor's summer youth internship program, giving Buffalo's next generation a path forward. Otis' service didn't stop with government. He spent his time coaching Little League baseball, leading the North Buffalo Little League Football Organization, and coaching high school basketball, instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in young athletes across our city. [[Page H1278]] At his retirement earlier this month, Buffalo's mayor surprised Otis with the renaming of the basketball courts in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park as the Otis T. Barker Sr. Basketball Courts, a fitting tribute to someone who has helped make athletics more accessible for our young people. Otis' impact extends into Buffalo's faith and music communities, where he directs and assists choirs at St. John's Baptist Church and the Var-Son Community Choir. His voice, both in leadership and in song, has lifted up so many in our community. Buffalo will miss him in city hall, but I am confident that his mentorship, leadership, and boundless generosity will continue throughout his retirement, and I have no doubt he will continue his commitment to our city as he also enjoys more time with his wonderful family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I thank OTB for making our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I wish my friend a well-earned and rewarding retirement. We love him. Congratulations and Godspeed. ____________________