February 4, 1999 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 1915 whom were musically inclined. In the 1950’s Mr. Francois will be missed by AASHTO as Clearly, standards of behavior and content he and his brother Tommy emigrated to New well as the people of Prince George’s County. must be established and enforced at the state York to pursue acting careers. It seemed the Mr. Francois has the vision of an all-purpose and local level by those who are directly elect- brothers were destined however, to make their reformer. I know my colleagues will join with ed and accountable to parents and the com- mark not as thespians but as musicians. Later, me in congratulating Francis Francois and his munity. Federal cooption must give way to in- their brother Liam was to join Paddy and Tom, family on his retirement and wishing them all creased parental authority. Parents must insist with Tommy Makem they created The Clancy the best as Mr. Francois enters what we all lessons and reading materials state facts and Brothers and Tommy Makem. The Clancy hope will be his most exciting adventures to relate values they know to be true. They Brothers were known for their incredible har- date. should vote for school board members who monies and their energetic concerts. These f hold their convictions and parents should at- talents were quickly recognized, and they built tend board meetings to stay connected to the a loyal fan base, playing folk clubs in Green- EDUCATION STANDARDS process. wich Village. The authority of parents to direct their chil- In 1961 they gained national notoriety fol- HON. BOB SCHAFFER dren’s education remains threatened however, lowing an incredible 16-minute set on The Ed OF COLORADO at least until zeal for federalization is extin- Sullivan Show. Their music defied definition. It IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES guished. The 105th Congress voted to keep was both beautiful and raucous at once. They Thursday, February 4, 1999 education standards in hands of parents and blended American folk music with traditional the community last year. Congress must con- Irish forms. Paddy was equally capable of Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, the Novem- tinue to stand up for the freedom of local singing an Irish drinking song or an elegant ber elections and impeachment trial have teachers to teach, and the liberty of our chil- ballad. Paddy and the Clancies also per- overshadowed a little-known victory for Colo- dren to learn. formed with Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand. rado schools. Congress succeeded in blocking f The Clancies were able to expose Americans the President’s efforts to consolidate national to the glorious music of Ireland and still incor- education standards and testing for local SYRACUSE SERVED BY INTRODUC- porate American folk into their music. schools under the authority of the federal gov- TION OF ‘‘NEW NEWSPAPER’’ 100 Ladies and gentlemen, the contributions ernment. YEARS AGO made by Paddy Clancy to music were incred- Many parents and educators have been ible. I ask you to join me today in remem- concerned about federalizing education meas- HON. JAMES T. WALSH bering this fine musician. urements, content, and curriculum since the OF NEW YORK f inception of Goals 2000 in 1994. While the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES need for standards and accountability is clear, Thursday, February 4, 1999 FRANCIS FRANCOIS, A DEDICATED concerns arise when one considers who will Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, one century ago, PUBLIC SERVANT set the standards. on January 1, 1899, Central New Yorkers Under Goals 2000 legislation, unelected were treated to a new newspaper, The Post- HON. STENY H. HOYER Washington bureaucrats set the standards. Al- Standard. That paper, one of a half-dozen at OF MARYLAND though we hope the government will come up the time, remains today. Now it is one of two IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with reasonable and fair education bench- papers, and the only morning newspaper. I Thursday, February 4, 1999 marks, in reality, there are big differences be- want to ask my colleagues to join me in con- tween what Washington experts prescribe and Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ac- gratulating the management and staff at this what parents want their kids to be taught. knowledge the retirement of Francis B. Fran- important milestone. This dilemma is no better illustrated than in cois; Executive Director of the American Asso- In particular, I would like to congratulate the the case of the National History Standards al- ciation of State Highway and Transportation top management, Mr. Stephen Rogers and Mr. ready developed under Goals 2000. Initial Officials (AASHTO). Stephen A. Rogers, the President and Pub- standards for American history did not mention Mr. Francois will retire in February after 19 lisher respectively, for their well-known civic some of the most prominent figures of Amer- years with AASHTO. In addition, during his leadership and faithful adherence to the best ican history including Paul Revere, the Wright tenure he also served on the Executive Com- of principles of journalism in the United States. mittee of the Transportation Research Board. Brothers, or George Washington’s presidency. With the stewardship of a newspaper comes Francis Francois was born and raised on an They did, however, encourage the study of an important and historic responsibility. In the Iowa farm and earned an engineering degree Mansa Musa, a West African king in the 14th attached editorial, it is mentioned that a news- at Iowa State University and then went on to Century. paper must be profitable to survive. But the earn a law degree at the George Washington Not surprisingly, the standards were unduly newspaper must be sensitive to its special sta- University. A registered patent attorney, Mr. critical of capitalism and our European found- tus in our nation’s history. It is protected Francois resides in Bowie, MD with his wife ers. Even members of the Clinton administra- mightily by the First Amendment, and its right Eileen where they have raised five children. tion and the press found the standards objec- to print news and opinion without fear of ret- Known as a skilled parliamentarian, Mr. tionable. The standards have subsequently ribution from any governmental quarter is Francois served 18 years as an elected official been revised. unique in the world. in Prince George’s County including nine as a Placing government in charge of standards Though we in this body are often at odds County Councilman. While serving the County, is certain to include not only content require- with newspapers, we know their value and we Mr. Francois was a member of many boards ments—the who, what, where, why, and how know they represent a fundamental tenet of and associations including the National Asso- of history, science, math and so on—but also freedom. I have included the attached edi- ciation of Counties and the Board of Directors subjective standards such as ‘‘students must torial, which appeared January 1 this year, of the Metropolitan Washington Area Transit demonstrate high order thinking or appreciate commemorating the centennial recognition of Authority. Having the vision for a regional ap- diversity.’’ Suppose students are held to a The Post-Standard. proach to solving problems, he earned the standard which defies lessons their parents ‘‘CENTENNIAL POST: Your morning reputation of being ‘‘Mr. Goodwrench’’ and have taught them? What if teachers are forced paper is 100 today, still pursuing much the ‘‘Mr. Fixit.’’ to teach what they know to be false or coun- same mission. ‘A legitimate primary aim of Mr. Speaker, Mr. Francois is a person dedi- terproductive? Will government curricula re- the newspaper is to make money.’ cated to solving problems, serving people and place that which locally elected school boards Thus read the editorial that appeared in setting plans in motion. In 1973, Mr. Francois have chosen? the inaugural edition of The Post-Standard was named ‘‘Washingtonian of the Year’’ by If adopted, national education priorities will 100 years ago today. The principle remains true today. As the editorial noted, quoting the Washingtonian magazine. He is also well reflect not the community nor parental values, an editor-senator from Rhode Island: ‘‘A published on such topics as the important role but those of Washington. Given the atmos- paper that cannot support itself cannot be of counties in state government, urban water phere of political and pervasive corruption in any service . . . to spend money upon it is resources and the responsibility of regional Washington, can we afford such influence in like wasting fuel in an attempt to kindle a decisionmaking. our classrooms? store. ’’

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:43 Sep 27, 2004 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR99\E04FE9.000 E04FE9 1916 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS February 4, 1999 The Post-Standard boasts a tradition that vide occasional lessons in a rented apartment. nology into the curriculum and emphasized extends back more than a century—to The Two hundred and sixty students are now en- teacher education. Recently, Central has been Post, which traces its origins to 1894, and rolled in the school, and the erection of the named the state’s lead institution in profes- The Standard, dating to 1829, decades before the founding of the City of Syracuse. The new building will provide the opportunity for sional technology. consolidation of the two newspapers was de- one hundred and twenty more students to en- Dr. Elliott became Central Missouri State’s scribed as a victory over ‘factionalism’ in roll in this outstanding educational program. 12th president on July 1, 1985, after serving Onondaga County and the ascendancy of ‘a The school has received all of the edu- for three years as president of Wayne State Republican newspaper, dedicated to the pub- cational licenses required, and is permitted to College in Wayne, NE. He came to Wayne lic weal along Republican lines, and rep- conduct lessons in accordance with the state State in 1971 as director of graduate studies resenting a united Republicanism.’ school programs. For the past two years, and had also served as a dean and vice presi- That partisan bias reflects an earlier era in many graduates were accepted by the most dent before being named president there. newspaper publishing when journals were closely allied with parties and candidates. prominent Russian universities. The students A native of Grain Valley, MO, Ed is a 1960 Most newspapers, including The Post-Stand- are also receiving religious instructions as part graduate of William Jewell College and started ard, have long since declared their independ- of their curriculum. The school has an in- his teaching career in Harrisonville that same ence from rigid party orthodoxy, endorsing house church which is named after martyr St. year. He earned his master’s degree from Co- candidates based on their qualifications, per- Pytor, the archbishop of the Russian Orthodox lumbia University in 1964, and his doctor of formance and prospects rather than political Church and close advisor to the Russian Patri- education degree from the University of North- affiliation. Of course, The Post-Standard arch in the 1930s and was killed during the ern Colorado in 1969. continues to represent a region long known Stalin regime. Regular religious services are Mr. Speaker, Dr. Ed Elliott has had an out- as a bastion of Republican fervor. Although the mission of The Post-Stand- conducted for the students. This church is also standing career in education, and he will sure- ard through the years has included some the first one to be named after a martyr of this ly be missed by everyone at Central Missouri hard truth-telling, its editorial page since century and be recognized by the Russian Or- State University. I wish him and his wife, San- the beginning has attempted to build and thodox Church. dra, all the best in the days ahead. I am cer- strengthen the community. ‘The Post-Stand- I traveled to Russia last September, and vis- tain that the Members of the House will join ard deems the blessings of life and of work ited this school on its opening day. I was im- me in playing tribute to this fine Missourian. too precious to be frittered away in per- pressed with the school’s curriculum, and with f petual contention and fault-finding,’ wrote the quality of the students who attended it. As the editor in 1899. ‘To prove itself a cheery a former school teacher and the father of five, IN HONOR OF FATHER BENJAMIN presence, seeking to say good of men and H. SKYLES things always when it can, and consenting to I know that education is the key to the future. say ill only when it must, shall be this news- For Russia’s democracy to succeed, they paper’s consistent aim.’ must look to tomorrow and educate a new HON. KEN BENTSEN Hewing to that aim is no easier today than generation of Russians in the tenets of free- OF TEXAS in 1899. There never seems to be a shortage of dom. I applaud Alexander Koulakovsky for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rascals, ludicrous schemes and conspiracies schooling Russia’s leaders of tomorrow and afoot, no less in the Age of McKinley than Thursday, February 4, 1999 for taking steps to bring quality education and the Age of Bill and Monica. Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Yet there is something uplifting and in- religious freedom to the children of Moscow. spiring in the long-ago editoralist’s aspira- f Father Benjamin H. Skyles for his outstanding tion for his paper to ‘preach the gospel of contributions to the community and citizens of right living and bright living without being TRIBUTE TO RETIRING CENTRAL Pasadena, Texas. suspected of preaching.’ He concludes: ‘If it MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY Father Skyles has served the community of can help to lift men or in any degree make PRESIDENT, DR. ED ELLIOTT Pasadena through his ministry as Rector of St. better or cheerier or more wholesome the Peter’s Episcopal Church for 34 years. His so- community with which its lot is cast, it will cial conscience is second to none. Throughout be glad and grateful for its opportunity.’ HON. IKE SKELTON We remain grateful for that opportunity OF MISSOURI those 34 years, Father Skyles has been a tre- today.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mendous asset to the Pasadena community. He has worked to protect the environment, f Thursday, February 4, 1999 care for and educate children and the elderly, TRIBUTE TO ALEXANDER Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take train workers, and give a helping hand to KOULAKOVSKY this opportunity to pay tribute to Dr. Ed Elliott, those who are ill or living in poverty. He is who is retiring from his post as President of also a dedicated husband and father. HON. CURT WELDON Central Missouri State University (CMSU), His ministry has enhanced the lives of thou- Warrensburg, MO, after serving there for near- sands of Pasadena citizens from birth to old- OF PENNSYLVANIA ly fourteen years. age. St. Peter’s Day School has nurtured and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES During Dr. Elliott’s tenure at CMSU, the Uni- educated children for over 30 years. Its After Thursday, February 4, 1999 versity has seen tremendous growth in enroll- School Program has been a safe-haven for Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, ment due to Ed’s insightful university policies. latchkey children for over 25 years. For the el- I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Alexander There has been an expansion of the school’s derly, St. Peter’s offers low-cost housing. Ad- Koulakovsky and his company ‘‘Nafta Sib’’ international and distance learning programs, ditionally, St. Peter’s has programs to confront which has undertaken an exciting new project increased admissions standards, a new gen- social ills, such as alcholism and hunger. St. in Russia. In September of 1998 at the begin- eral studies program, an emphasis in strategic Peter’s also offers English as a second lan- ning of the new school year, a traditional planning and collegial governance, and an in- guage program, Scouting Programs, and year Christian School opened in Moscow. This tegration of a new teaching-learning-assess- round GED classes. school, which was built in one year, was fund- ment model known as Continuous Process Im- In the 1960s and 1970s, Father Skyles ed by the company ‘‘Nafta Sib,’’ which also provement. In addition, numerous building ren- began his crusade to protect the environment. engages in several charities and projects ovations and new construction projects, includ- He became the first vice-president of the aimed at restoring old churches, and pre- ing the James C. Kirkpatrick Library that will Channel Area Subsidiary Chapter for Help serving icons and religious artifacts. Mr. be dedicated in March, have added to student Eliminate Pollution. As Chairman of the Pres- Koulakovsky is currently in the process of put- interest in CMSU. ervation of the Armand Bayou in 1972, he led ting together a Board of Trustees for the Under Ed’s leadership, the University has the way in a complicated battle to save a Christian School which will provide financial received dramatically increased state and beautiful natural resource so that it could be support and assist in maintaining high stand- alumni funding. He has also set academic pri- enjoyed by future generations. He chaired the ards of education. orities to develop all curriculum around a Southeast Harris Country Clinic Task Force in This new Christian School is the first since strong, liberal arts core, verifying quality 1976 and 1977, which established the Straw- the communist revolution in 1917. Prior to the through assessment and program-specific ac- berry Clinic and vital health services to the opening in September, the school would pro- creditation. In addition, he integrated tech- area.

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