It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Assemblywoman Pauline Rhodd-Cummings who served in the New York State Assembly with great distinction. Her death is a tremendous loss to her Queens constituents and this institution.

As the first woman of Caribbean descent ever elected to the state Assembly, Pauline Rhodd-Cummings was known among her colleagues as a warm and gracious individual.

She was also an effective legislator committed to those she represented. This commitment was evidenced by her steadfast advocacy for residents and businesses in her community adversely effected by severe flooding in 1999. She was also influential in securing funding for renovations to the Mott Avenue subway station and was deeply committed to immigrant issues and the seniors she represented.

Throughout her years in public service, Assemblywoman Rhodd-Cummings distinguished herself as a champion of education and economic development, particularly in her home community. Among her proudest initiatives were her ongoing efforts to develop a technology program in the Far Rockaways and provide financial support for the David Dinkins Center.

As a long-time friend, I am deeply saddened by this loss. I extend my sincere condolences to Assemblywoman Rhodd-Cummings' daughter, Andrea, to Michael Cummings, to her father, Roy, and siblings Victor, Keith, Easton and Audrey during this very difficult time.

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