[Congressional Record: August 1, 2002 (Senate)]
[Page S7881]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr01au02pt2-48]

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, Tuesday evening the Boston City Council lost one of its most capable and well-liked members, Councillor Brian Honan. I rise today to join with his family, constituents and staff in mourning the loss of this universally loved man. His brief time with us proved that politics can make a difference in people's lives, that the values of a small neighborhood can help guide a city, and that integrity and humility can transcend disagreements and carve out common ground.

You don't have to search far to see what Brian stood for. There are two structures in the Allston neighborhood of Boston that stand as the pillars of his dedication and commitment he brought to public service. The West End Boys and Girls House sits on the opposite side of Ringer Park from Mary and Patrick Honan's home on Gordon Street, and together these two buildings symbolize the values of family and community that guided Brian through the public life he led and loved.

Prior to being elected to the Boston City Council in 1995, Brian served as a Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney for six years under District Attorney Ralph Martin. Brian coordinated the prosecution of 15,000 cases a year in the Roxbury District and through his dedication and tenacity rose to be a supervisor in both the Roxbury and Dorchester District Courts. Motivated by a fierce instinct to bring violent criminals to justice, Brian created fast-track prosecutions for domestic violence and gun-related crimes and helped bring swift justice to those who put our families and communities in danger.

Once sworn-in to the Boston City Council in 1996, Brian served with distinction as Chair of the City Council's Committee on Banking & Community Investment and the Committee on Residency. Through these committees, Councillor Honan co-sponsored an order to provide relief from costly prescription drug costs for Boston's seniors and helped increase housing and commercial opportunities by increasing much-needed capital improvement funds. Brian also fought for the Living Wage Amendment, sponsored legislation to preserve affordable housing for seniors, and co-sponsored the Domestic Partnership legislation.

It is on the streets and in the homes of Allston-Brighton where Brian's most lasting achievements can be seen. After becoming a member of the West End House when it first opened its Allston Street location in 1971, Brian stood with his older brother Kevin as its most passionate advocates and defenders. As a councillor, he helped Allston-Brighton build a shining new library in Allston and a brand new Oak Square YMCA facility in Brighton, which will stand as two enduring symbols of the dedication he brought to elected office. As a leader on such initiatives as the Allston-Brighton Area Planning Action Council and the Allston-Brighton Healthy Boston Coalition, Brian demonstrated his enduring commitment to helping children, seniors and families have an enjoyable and productive life.

From the classrooms of St. Patrick's High School to Boston's courtrooms, Brian demonstrated a quiet strength that makes his premature departure all the more painful. Together with my constituents across Boston, I treasure the time we shared with him. I join with his family and friends in mourning his passing.