Contact: Sunny Mindel/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
Eileen C. Dugan was born in 1945 and lived her entire life in the Carroll Gardens section of Brooklyn. She attended the Grace Institute in Manhattan and began her career in government in 1974 as a special assistant to the New York City Comptroller.
Ms. Dugan was elected to eight terms in the New York State Assembly beginning in 1980 -- admirably serving her Brooklyn constituents for 16 years. In 1985, she became the first woman to serve on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. She also served as Chairwoman of the Economic Development Committee where she was successful in establishing economic development zones in neighborhoods throughout the state, while focusing much of her attention on the economic revitalization of the waterfront in Red Hook.
As a member of the Subcommittee on Displaced Homemakers, she was also active in the passage of legislation to commit funds for training divorced and battered women at centers throughout the State.
After a long illness, Ms. Dugan passed away on November 8, 1996.
Therefore, in view of her service to her community, it is fitting that Smith Street between Atlantic Avenue and 9th Street in the area where Ms. Dugan lived, be named "Eileen C. Dugan Boulevard."
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.