Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced today that he sponsored and the House of Representatives approved a bill (HR 6226) designating the United States Post Office located at 300 East 3rd Street in Jamestown, New York the “Stan Lundine Post Office Building.”
“Stan Lundine’s mark on this city, state and nation is undeniable,” said Congressman Higgins. “He was a regionalism 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. It is truly my honor and privilege to rename the Jamestown post office for a man who served this community so well, my predecessor in Congress and friend – Stan Lundine.”
Stan Lundine thanked Congressman Higgins for originating the idea of this designation and said, “I am honored by the action of the House of Representatives. My basic commitment in public service was to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives.” Lundine introduced his wife, Sara, his son John, his daughter-in-law, Kati, and his 3-month-old granddaughter, Sarah Maria, as well as others in attendance including members of his former Congressional staff, relatives and friends.
Stan Lundine was Mayor of Jamestown from 1970 through 1976. As Mayor, he was a generation ahead of his time as an advocate for regionalization, pushing for a merger of the social service district with Chautauqua County, consolidation of local hospitals and a county partnership leading to expansion of the local airport. In addition, Mayor Lundine earned national attention for his labor/management co-operation strategy.
Current Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi stated, “This is a proud day for Jamestown. Honoring my good friend and predecessor, Stan Lundine, with the renaming of the Federal Building and Post Office, highlights the well-deserved respect that he has engendered at every level of his public service. 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. I congratulate him and am honored to celebrate with him today.”
Lundine was also elected to the Ninety-fourth Congress, by special election, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States Representative James F. Hastings, and reelected to the five succeeding Congresses from 1976 to 1987. The southern tier Congressman was a member of the House Science and the House Banking Committees. Lundine’s district office was located in the same federal office building where the Jamestown Post office sits.
"I had the distinct pleasure of working for Stan as an intern in his Washington D.C. office when he was our Congressman,” Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards added. “I immediately discovered that he had the respect and support of those he worked with in Washington and locally because he has an innate skill of maneuvering difficult issues to successful outcomes. His approach has always been to find a way to deliver for those he serves, as an elected official, a member of his church, and a resident of our County. This is an all together appropriate recognition for him to receive, since he has always delivered and "neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stayed him from the completion of his rounds".
In 1987 Stan Lundine became the 71st Lieutenant Governor of New York State, working along side former Governor Mario Cuomo until 1994. He chaired the state Anti Drug Abuse Council, pushed for economic development and job training programs in the Empire State and was a staunch supporter of high speed rail.
After leaving office Mr. Lundine served as Executive Director of the Chautauqua County Health Network and Chairman of the Board of the Chautauqua Integrated Delivery System. In 1997 and 1998 he cosponsored two regionalism conferences at the Chautauqua Institution Most recently he chaired the State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness, a committee assigned with the mighty task of recommending ways that the State’s local governments and school districts can save taxpayers dollars and become more efficient by consolidating or sharing services and participation in regional collaboration.
Lundine has also served on many public and private boards including: American Capital Ltd., Ullman and Associates, M&T Bank’s Jamestown Advisory Board, the Chautauqua Institution Board of Trustees, the Robert H. Jackson Center Board, the Fredonia College Foundation and the Vestry of St. Lukes Episcopal Church.
Born and raised in Jamestown, New York, Stan Lundine graduated from Jamestown High School before receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from Duke University and law degree from New York University.
Following Senate approval and the President’s signing of the bill, signs officially designating the Jamestown Post Office the “Stan Lundine Post Office Building” will be unveiled inside the building.
