Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John Simpson on the occasion of his retirement from public service. John has worked as Director of Constituent Services and Senior Issues in the office of Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer since January 2006. Prior to this position, Mr. Simpson served as Director of Constituent Services for then Assemblymember Scott M. Stringer on the Upper West Side of Manhattan since 1993. John has assisted hundreds of constituents throughout Manhattan in landlord-tenant disputes, consumer issues, and every other problem in the spectrum.
Mr. Simpson came to work in government after 40 years in private industry at the Hallen Construction Corporation where he worked after serving our country. He served in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955 and was recognized officially for Superior Efficiency as the Head of the Morning Report Unit.
On the Upper West Side, Mr. Simpson is a leader in our community. He is an active member of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament on West 71st Street, where he is a co-leader in one of the soup kitchen teams. He is also a Vice Chairman of Community Services and member of the Board of Directors of the Ansonia Democratic Club. In 1999, the West Side Spirit named Mr. Simpson a ``Hero of the West Side'' for his work towards social justice.
For his commitment to his community and his City, it is my privilege to congratulate John Simpson on his distinguished record of service and his retirement.