E1402 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks August 3, 2012 HONORING JUDGE JOSEPH P. lenge bantamweights. While Mr. Johnson did University in Virginia, Mrs. Clark served as a CRONIN JR. not reach significant popularity due to his nurse at Orange Memorial Hospital and Winter weight class and lack of defining fights, he Park Memorial Hospital. Shortly after, she be- HON. PATRICK MEEHAN went on to become one of the top pound-for- came the first African-American female to be pound fighters in boxing for several years. OF PENNSYLVANIA the Director of the Orange County Health De- During his career, Mr. Johnson won forty- partment in Orlando, Florida. At the time of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES four professional boxing matches and lost only her retirement, she worked as a Nursing Care Thursday, August 2, 2012 five. He had twenty-eight knockouts. During Coordinator at Orlando Veteran Administration Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Johnson’s amateur career, he won 125 Outpatient Clinic. boxing matches and lost only six. He won the a great American, legal scholar and friend— As a community activist, she gave of herself Judge Joseph P. Cronin, Jr. Judge Cronin has first Junior World PentaContinental title in 1993. He held the International Boxing Fed- and her talents to benefit both the individuals shown a lifelong commitment to public service and the many organizations she served. Mrs. and to Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Judge eration Flyweight title from May 1996 to Sep- tember 1998, the International Boxing Federa- Clark became chairwoman of the Parramore Cronin first served his nation as a Marine and Heritage Renovation project which was re- following law school he joined the District At- tion Super Flyweight title from April 1999 to sponsible for assessing the needs and defin- torney’s Office in Delaware County where he November 1990, and the World Boxing Orga- ing solutions for existing conditions within this prosecuted cases in the Juvenile Court. Fol- nization Junior Bantamweight title from August historic neighborhood. She worked tirelessly to lowing his service as a prosecutor, he went on 2003 to September 2004. Mr. Johnson was maintain the goal of the agency to preserve, to become Partner at the law firm of Cronin, the first African-American in history to capture Emuryan and Breen. Although in private prac- both a World Flyweight and Super Flyweight develop and improve the economics of the tice at the time, Judge Cronin still remained boxing championship, and he did that not area; improve the educational level of the resi- dedicated to the community by serving his once, but twice. dents; and preserve the cultural heritage of township as commissioner. Since 2008, after retiring from professional the community. She took special pride in the boxing in 2008, Mr. Johnson, along with his On November 5, 1991 Judge Cronin was area because she had close ties to the com- father and lifelong trainer, Abraham ‘‘Ham’’ elected to his first 10-year term to the Dela- munity having grown up there as well as her Johnson, has been training underprivileged ware County Court of Common Pleas. During own personal and historical connection her boys and girls in their gym located in South- these years as a trial Judge he earned a rep- family had to the neighborhood. Mrs. Clark’s east Washington, D.C. Today, Mark Johnson utation as a fair-minded and wise jurist. Judge parents, Leroy E. Richardson and Rosa is employed as a Roving Leader within the Cronin was retained for a second term and in James Richardson, her paternal grandmother, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, January 2008 he was elected President Judge Adeline Richardson, and other family mem- and in that capacity, he conducts home and by the 19-member Board of Judges to serve bers were among Orlando’s earliest residents school visits, and teaches at-risk children to a five-year term. In that role, Judge Cronin in Central Florida. Mrs. Clark could recall the read and write. He also is heavily involved in showed tremendous skill in leading a busy early days of the founding Orlando community gang violence prevention. Mr. Johnson serves Court System with significant responsibilities. where needs of families were often provided as a positive and accomplished role-model for Recently, Judge Cronin was instrumental in from the surplus of another. It was those troubled youth within the Washington, D.C. helping Delaware County establish a veteran’s memories that inspired and motivated her to area. treatment court to aid those heroes who now become president of the Parramore Heritage Mr. Speaker, on June 10, 2012, Mark ‘‘Too suffer from substance abuse and mental ill- Sharp’’ Johnson was the first Boxer from Foundation, president of the Carter Street ness. Judge Cronin will retire from his position Washington, D.C. to be inducted into the Box- Neighborhood Association, and Board Director on the Court of Common Pleas on August 31, ing Hall of Fame, and, at 40 years old, he is for the Orlando Neighborhood Improvement 2012. the youngest ever to have received such an Corporation. She also became a business Judge Joseph Cronin’s service to Delaware honor. ‘‘I have known Mark since he was 6; he owner in the area to contribute to the eco- County has been invaluable and he has our deserves it and he’s the best bantamweight nomic development of the vicinity by opening enduring gratitude. I join the citizens of Dela- ever,’’ former world-champion Sugar Ray a women’s boutique, Clarks’ Ladies Fashion. ware County and the 7th Congressional Dis- Leonard said of Mark Johnson’s induction into Mrs. Clark had a very successful career and trict in wishing him and his family the best for the Hall of Fame. I ask the House to join me received numerous awards through her contin- the future. in commending Mark Johnson for his out- uous involvement of various community, social f standing accomplishments as a boxing cham- and civic groups in Central Florida including RECOGNIZING MARK JOHNSON pion and his ongoing commitment to the youth the Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma of the District of Columbia. Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she was f recognized for 15 years of outstanding service HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON and commitment. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TRIBUTE TO MERCERDESE CLARK A virtuous woman and mother of two, we IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES embrace her children and her family. She was Thursday, August 2, 2012 HON. CORRINE BROWN a loving and caring mother who nurtured not OF FLORIDA only her children, but the community. We Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ask the House of Representatives to join me honor Mrs. Clark for the many contributions in recognizing Mark Johnson, the first African- Thursday, August 2, 2012 and the impact she had on the lives of many. American in history to capture both a World Ms. BROWN of Florida. On behalf of the She was truly an invaluable member of our Flyweight and Super Flyweight championship constituents of the Third Congressional District community and an outstanding servant. The twice in his career. Also known as ‘‘Too of Florida, I rise now to offer heartfelt condo- life of Mercerdese Clark was one of accom- Sharp,’’ Mr. Johnson was a top pound-for- lences and pay tribute to the life of an extraor- plishment, excellence and service. In her pound fighter during his sixteen-year career dinary accomplished woman, Mrs. Mercerdese passing, we pay tribute to a consummate pro- from 1990 to 2006. He perfected finesse, Clark, a humanitarian, healer, life activist, and fessional woman for her life of service and we power, and speed. Attesting to his athleticism, friend. pray that by her example each of us become his perseverance, and his well-developed We are moved and encouraged when recall- the bearers of her spirit and humanitarian leg- skills, Johnson attained twenty-one knockouts ing the life achievements and service of Mrs. acy of passion for service and excellence. We before his matches made it to the fourth Clark as a nurse, community leader, and so- come now to join in prayer for, son, Kenneth round. cial activist. She has been an advocate for so- Clark and daughter Kim G. Clark and a host Mr. Johnson had more than execution; he cial service, health awareness and a role of loving relatives, Sorority Sisters, and friends had an array of intangibles that set him apart model and mentor to youth and entrepreneurs whose lives have been forever changed by from the rest of his profession. In his pursuits, in the Central Florida community for many this woman of God. We thank Our Heavenly Mr. Johnson left his natural division to take a years. An Orlando native who received her Father for allowing us to be blessed with the Super Flyweight title and then go on to chal- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Hampton time spent with Mrs. Mercerdese Clark.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:28 Aug 04, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02AU8.023 E03AUPT1 rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS August 3, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1403 PESONAL EXPLANATION any proposals that would undermine the multi- dent and CEO of the Baldwin County Eco- stakeholder model. Their testimony reinforced nomic Development Alliance. Under his lead- HON. MARTIN HEINRICH my belief that Democrats and Republicans in ership Baldwin County became the top Congress must stand united with the Adminis- ‘‘micropolitan statistical area’’ in the state and OF NEW MEXICO tration in its efforts to resist proposals that the 27th out of 576 in terms of economic IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES would undermine the existing multi-stake- strength ratings for the United States. Thursday, August 2, 2012 holder approach. Robert’s record in economic development is Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. Speaker, on July 31, I am pleased that so many Democrats and considerable. He is a Past Chairman of the 2012, I unfortunately missed three votes, Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors 17-state Southern Economic Development which included rollcall Nos. 537, 538 and 539. of this resolution. Council, and in 2001, 2003, 2006 & 2007 re- If I had been present, I would have voted This large, bipartisan coalition of co-spon- ceived the organization’s highest award, the ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall vote 537. sors demonstrates that there is support across Chairman’s Award of Distinction. Robert is a If I had been present, I would have voted the political spectrum for continuing the multi- past president of the Mississippi Jaycees, past ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall vote 538. stakeholder model that allows the Internet to National Vice President of the United States If I had been present, I would have voted thrive. We urge the Administration to continue Jaycees, and past International President of ‘‘no’’ on rollcall vote 539. to resist international efforts to allow greater the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni government control of the Internet, and I urge Association. He previously served as Presi- f my colleagues to vote for this resolution. dent of the Mississippi Association of Cham- EXPRESSING SENSE OF CONGRESS f ber of Commerce Executives and President of ON GOVERNANCE OF THE INTER- the Mississippi Economic Development Coun- NET RECOGNIZING FLEX-A-LITE ON cil. Robert holds the Professional Community THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY Economic Developer designation, is a grad- SPEECH OF uate of the Community Development Institute, HON. ADAM SMITH and served on the National Board of Directors HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN of CDI. In 2010, he was named by Janus Eco- OF WASHINGTON OF CALIFORNIA nomics, an international economic develop- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment consulting firm, as the first Janus Fellow, Wednesday, August 1, 2012 Thursday, August 2, 2012 in recognition for his service to the profession. Robert has also served as Senior Vice Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Flex-a-lite company, a Fife, President of Economic Development for the join Representative ESHOO, Representative Metro-Jackson Chamber of Commerce, has BONO MACK, Representative UPTON, and Rep- Washington manufacturer for their 50 years of American manufacturing. The company has coordinated the marketing/recruitment effort of resentative WALDEN as an original co-sponsor the three-County, Metro Economic Develop- of this resolution. continuously set itself apart from its competi- tion in the automotive industry by promoting ment Alliance, served as President/CEO of the The Internet has been a unique and power- Greenwood/Leflore Industrial Board and ful driver of social and economic progress. A strong domestic sales and rarely outsourcing manufacturing abroad. served as Economic Development Assistant to critical element of that success has been the the President of the University of Southern Eddy Davis, along with his son-in-law, open manner in which the Internet is gov- Mississippi. Robert holds both a Bachelors Rainer Willingham, founded Flex-a-lite in erned. Rather than relying on centralized con- and Masters Degree in Business Administra- 1962. The company dramatically changed the trol by governments, the Internet instead tion from Southern Miss. automotive world, by inventing the very first adopts a multi-stakeholder model in which all On the volunteer side Robert has served as flexible fan created from hand-cut fiberglass who have an interest can have a voice in the president of a chamber of commerce and roofing material. In 1978, the founders pat- Internet’s operation. chairman of an economic development foun- ented the first electric fan and three genera- Lately, however, the multi-stakeholder dation. In the private sector he has been a tions later, the company continues to prosper. model towards Internet governance has been senior business developer and commercial The current president of Flex-a-lite and under assault on the global stage. In a few lending officer in a major financial institution granddaughter of Eddy Davis, Lisa Chissus, months at the World Conference on Inter- and made multi-million dollar business loans. has said that the business has been able to national Telecommunications in Dubai in De- In the public sector he has worked in eco- overcome hardships during tough economic cember, the International Telecommunication nomic development for the State of Mississippi times because Flex-a-lite remained loyal to Union may consider proposals that could fun- and has created a comprehensive county eco- three key factors: innovation, quality, and damentally alter the way the Internet operates. nomic development agency and 501(c) 6 sub- smooth succession. Some of these proposals, if adopted, would sidiary ‘‘from scratch’’. He also served as undermine the successful decentralized ap- The company has consistently produced Mayor of the City of McComb, Mississippi, proach to Internet governance and impose a new, innovative products and continues to where he both reorganized local government government-controlled management regime, bring new ideas to the table. Flex-a-lite takes and helped consolidate local economic devel- thereby threatening citizens’ access to content great pride in their top quality products that opment agencies. On the entrepreneurial side, and information via the Internet as well as the are made and sold in the United States. It is he was one of seven organizers and a charter global free flow of information online. clear that the business’s family-owned values director and officer of Pike County National We cannot allow this to happen. have helped to successfully guide the com- Bank. The Obama Administration has worked dili- pany for a half century. In his current position, Robert oversees the gently to ensure that the Internet remains a Mr. Speaker, it is with honor that I recognize day to day operation of the Alliance and works tool for the global dissemination of ideas, in- the Flex-a-lite company. I am confident that closely with private and public sector leaders formation, and commerce. In doing so, the Ad- Flex-a-lite will flourish for years to come. on countywide and regional community/eco- ministration continues the work of previous f nomic development related issues critical to Administrations of both parties in protecting a the future of south Alabama. Robert was ac- TRIBUTE TO ROBERT INGRAM, global open Internet as a tool that benefits citi- tive in the regional work of the Coastal Recov- BALDWIN COUNTY ECONOMIC DE- zens around the world. ery Commission and currently serves on the VELOPMENT ALLIANCE In May, the Subcommittee on Communica- Board of the Coastal Alabama Leadership tions and Technology held a hearing to exam- Foundation. ine proposals that would change the Internet HON. JO BONNER On behalf of the people of Alabama and my governance model. OF ALABAMA colleagues in the Alabama Delegation, I would At that hearing we heard from witnesses IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES like to extend my personal appreciation to Mr. from the Administration and experts with a Ingram for his service to Alabama’s past, long history of working on issues relating to Thursday, August 2, 2012 present, and future through his leadership with Internet governance. The witnesses all agreed Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Baldwin County Economic Development that the United States must continue to resist Mr. Robert Ingram, who is retiring as Presi- Alliance.

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