December 12, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1915 Water funds, limiting resources for these vital HONORING THE LIFE OF FRANK reliable; he is always there for the residents of repairs and breaking faith with our state and VENNER III Coventry when they need him. local partners on this collaborative effort. Following his graduation from Coventry High Chesapeake Bay clean-up is at a critical HON. MARCY KAPTUR School in 1970, Walter joined the United juncture. As state and local governments are OF OHIO States Navy. Upon returning home from a working to implement ambitious plans, the fed- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES four-year tour of duty he was hired as a Class eral government must maintain or increase its D Patrolman in his local police department. funding support, not cut it. Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Walter quickly proved his dedication to his Sequestration’s meat-ax approach jeopard- Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, during the work by actively pursuing training and certifi- izes the years of planning and collaboration Christmas Season we remember people far cation courses. He continued to seek out ways that have led to this moment, arbitrarily and and near and reminisce about those who are to improve his service to the town throughout unwisely slowing progress on what should be no longer with us. I rise to remember Frank his career. This professionalism and diligence a national priority. We must replace sequestra- Venner, who passed from this life in the sum- allowed Walter to rise to the rank of Lieuten- tion with a balanced approach that includes mer of 2012 at age 85 years. ant in April, 1995. revenue increases and targeted cuts while Frank Venner was born March 8, 1927, in Throughout his time on the police force, Lt. maintaining investments in initiatives like Bay Baltimore, Maryland. After living in Providence, Solenski received many accolades and letters restoration that preserve our national re- Rhode Island and Binghamton, New York, the of gratitude from those whom he had helped. sources. The Chesapeake Bay is a national family moved to Toledo when Frank was a Coventry residents appreciated his timely re- treasure and an economic engine for the Bay teenager. He graduated from Central Catholic sponse and attention, especially to emergency states. It must not fall victim to sequestration’s High School in 1944 and from the University situations. Last summer he was chosen by a ill-advised cuts. of Notre Dame in 1949. He served in the Army local committee to be a parade marshal at Air Corps. Frank and his wife Ruth married in Coventry’s 300th Anniversary Parade- a testa- f 1952 and together raised six children. Their ment to his importance in the town. I ask that my colleagues join with me to HONORING THE SERVICE OF PASA- children, along with their eleven grandchildren, honor Lt. Walter Solenski and the work he did DENA CITY COUNCILMAN CHRIS were his pride and joy. While in college, Frank began working in for the people of Coventry. As he prepares for HOLDEN radio on the college station. Back in Toledo he his retirement with his wife Yvonne, I am con- embarked on a career over four decades in fident that Walter will continue to play an ac- HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF broadcasting. He started at WSPD, Toledo’s tive role in the community. His commitment to OF CALIFORNIA local radio and television station. Later, the tel- the Coventry Police Department and to his IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES evision component became WTVG. Frank town will not soon be forgotten. Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Venner was a news fixture at the station, his f journalism respected in the community. His PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to signature features were the popular ‘‘Weather- honor Chris Holden for his 23 years of service in-the-Weather’’ show which was broadcast on the Pasadena, California, City Council. A from atop the former Commodore Perry Hotel, HON. ADAM SMITH graduate of Pasadena High School and San the High School Quiz program which he OF WASHINGTON Diego State University, Chris was a basketball hosted for a quarter century, and the Venner- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES star in school and played professionally over- Ward Report which he co-anchored with an- Wednesday, December 12, 2012 seas. He then returned to California to give other longtime Toledo newsman Gordon Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on back to his community by spending the great Ward. Mr. Ward recalled, ‘‘Integrity was pri- majority of his life in serving the city he loves. Friday, November 30, 2012, I was unable to mary in all that he did. His word was his be present for recorded votes due to illness. He was first elected to the Pasadena City bond.’’ Frank Venner also served as editorial Council in 1989 at the age of 28 as the young- Had I been present, I would have voted: ‘‘yes’’ director and news director at the station. on vote No. 612 (on the motion to recommit est member of the Council, and served until Frank Venner’s imprimatur on Toledo news he resigned in November 2012, upon his elec- H.R. 6429 with instructions); and ‘‘no’’ on vote is solid. A true journalist, his impact on tele- No. 613 (on passage of H.R. 6429). tion to the California State Assembly. In 1997, vision from its earliest days into the 21st cen- f Chris was chosen by his colleagues to serve tury is remarkable. He leaves a lasting legacy. a two-year term as Mayor of Pasadena, the He was a man who often reported what others RECOGNIZING LISA SANTERAMO first African-American man to hold that posi- did, but also went beyond his profession and tion. left our community and its institutions stronger HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP During his years on the City Council, Chris for his presence. His resonant voice became OF NEW YORK served his Pasadena district with distinction, synonymous with Toledo. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES championing efforts to establish a living wage A more important legacy is his family. His Wednesday, December 12, 2012 in Pasadena, crack down on slumlords, create presence will be missed by his children and drug-free zones, and bring development, jobs, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Yet, he Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I and services to Northwest Pasadena. Chris lives on in them and in the media he was so am proud to rise to recognize a departing has also been a strong supporter of deregula- much a part of shaping. member of my original district staff, Lisa tion of Pasadena’s municipal utility, a leader of f Wieber Santeramo. charter reform that created a city-wide elected Since I opened my first district office in mayor, and a proponent of policies and IN HONOR OF THE LT. WALTER Coram, New York, Lisa has distinguished her- projects that have revitalized Pasadena, such SOLENSKI self as among the most competent and hard as the Paseo Colorado, Old Pasadena, and working members of my staff. Over the course the Pasadena Convention Center. HON. JOE COURTNEY of this past decade, I watched her develop His service as a long-time Board member of OF CONNECTICUT and rise from a staff assistant answering the the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Au- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES telephones at my reception desk to her ulti- thority and supporter of the creation and ex- mate position as the highest ranking member pansion of the Los Angeles to Pasadena Gold Wednesday, December 12, 2012 of my district staff, District Office Director. Line clearly demonstrates his commitment to Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Lisa was born and raised in Holbrook. She the entire region. to recognize the career of a beloved officer of attended Sachem High School, the largest I know that Chris will be missed in Pasa- the Coventry Police Department. Lt. Walter high school in the township, where she first dena City Hall, but I am pleased that he has Solenski will retire on December 31, 2012 developed her talent for public affairs as a chosen to bring his unique talents on our be- after 37 years of service to his town. A lifetime leader in student government. She brought her half to Sacramento. I join my colleagues in resident of Coventry, Connecticut, Walter’s enthusiasm and passion for leadership to my thanking Chris for his service and wish he, his compassionate attention to the community is first campaign and to my congressional office wife Melanie, and their children, Nicholas, known by young and old. Police Chief Mark after graduating from Stony Brook University Alexander, Austin, Mariah, and Noah the best Palmer described Lt. Solenski as an ‘‘every where she was also involved in student lead- in this new chapter of their lives. day hero.’’ He is someone who is steady and ership. While an undergraduate at Stony

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:16 Dec 13, 2012 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12DE8.010 E12DEPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with E1916 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 12, 2012 Brook, Lisa spent a semester interning with supervised 20 officers of which only two or his wife Jean raised five daughters. His family Minority Leader Gephardt. three were African American. He had a rep- was most precious to him. Having skillfully proved her ability to man- utation of fairness. Jean worked with the City of Toledo in for- age casework and the many important respon- Felmers Chaney was elected president of estry, and then began a career with the To- sibilities of my constituent services operation, the NAACP—Milwaukee Branch where he ledo Area Metroparks. He became the Lisa was promoted to manage special projects served for 12 years. He was a true advocate Metroparks Director in 1985 and served until and coordinate intergovernmental affairs. She for the community speaking out on a range of his retirement after 35 years in service to the excelled in these areas and built a reputation issues including: education, housing and mi- organization. During that time he was Found- for solving problems and delivering out- nority hiring and representation. He once de- ing Director of the Stranahan Arboretum. His standing service to my constituents. Thus, her scribed discrimination against blacks in Mil- tenure brought a growth which established the promotion to District Office Director in January waukee as a ‘‘broken record; it’s been going Toledo Area Metroparks as a hallmark of our of 2012 was well earned and richly deserved. on for the past 40–50 years’’ region. Jean Ward was ‘‘an ambassador of Lisa has proven time and again that she is Mr. Chaney championed Milwaukee’s inner conservation. He had a passion and a dedica- self-motivated and is constantly striving to as- city development. He was president of the tion to protecting, preserving and improving sume ever greater responsibility. I have such Central City Development Corporation which natural areas for all to enjoy.’’ His legacy will tremendous confidence in Lisa that I asked built the Central City Plaza and he was a last through the ages. His extraordinary efforts her to take an official leave of absence to founder and president of North Milwaukee brought him statewide recognition when, in manage my campaign for re-election in 2008. State Bank, Wisconsin’s first black-owned 2009 he was inducted into the Ohio Parks and Lisa has since managed my past two cam- bank. Felmers Chaney also served as presi- Recreation Association Hall of Fame and later paigns in 2010 and 2012, which were the two dent of the Milwaukee Urban League. received a Lifetime Achievement Award. most challenging races in my congressional In 2009, Mr. Chaney and his wife, Jessie at- I was privileged to work with Jean through career. Lisa presided over each of these three tended the inauguration of President Obama. many years of shared public service. Though consecutive campaigns with skill, determina- Although they both were infirm, they were de- he will be missed by all whose lives he tion and an unparalleled work ethic. termined to attend this historic event. He touched, his spirit carries forward in the nat- Lisa has indeed proven invaluable and treasured that moment of being able to partici- ural beauty his efforts enshrined for genera- achieved all of this success by the age of only pate in an event he never dreamed could tions to come. 30. She became a mother earlier this year and occur in his lifetime. f now moves on to become the Assistant Dep- Mr. Speaker, I am proud that Mr. Felmers uty County Executive for Intergovernmental Af- Chaney a civil rights champion, public servant OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL fairs for the County of Suffolk on Long Island. and trailblazer lived, worked, and served in the DEBT Lisa will be missed very much, but my staff 4th Congressional District of Wisconsin. Mr. and I are comforted in knowing that she will Chaney’s legacy will live on through the many HON. MIKE COFFMAN remain nearby and continue to serve a mutual people he mentored, his family and the com- OF COLORADO constituency in her new capacity. munity. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, on behalf of New York’s first f Wednesday, December 12, 2012 congressional district, I thank Lisa Santeramo for her many years of outstanding service and A BIRTHDAY WISH Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, wish her continued success in serving the on January 20, 2009, the day President residents of Suffolk County in the years HON. DUNCAN HUNTER Obama took office, the national debt was ahead. OF CALIFORNIA $10,626,877,048,913.08. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Today, it is $16,375, 1874,429,255.52. We’ve added $5,748,997,380,342.44 to our Wednesday, December 12, 2012 A TRIBUTE TO MR. FELMERS debt in nearly 4 years. This is $5 trillion in CHANEY Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I just want to debt our nation, our economy, and our chil- take a brief moment to wish a very Happy dren could have avoided with a balanced HON. GWEN MOORE Birthday to my son, Duncan, who turns 12 budget amendment. OF WISCONSIN years old today. Call it a coincidence, Mr. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Speaker, but he turns 12 on 12–12–12. It’s a special day for a very special boy. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Wednesday, December 12, 2012 He’s got a lot of great qualities, but it’s his Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to dedication to doing what’s right when no one HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY recognize Mr. Felmers Chaney, a civil rights is looking that makes me, as his father, so OF CALIFORNIA leader and the first African American Sergeant proud. He’s also got a great sense of humor IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD). and his energetic love for life is both infectious Mr. Chaney passed away on December 5, and inspiring. So on this occasion, Mr. Speak- Wednesday, December 12, 2012 2012 at the age of 94. er, and as I think about how the last twelve Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, on December Mr. Chaney was the son of a dairy farmer years have gone by way too fast, I want to 11, 2012, I was unavoidably detained and was and born and raised in Spooner, in northern wish him a very Happy Birthday. unable to record my vote for Rollcall No. 620. Wisconsin. He came to Milwaukee to work as f Had I been present I would have voted: a machinist in 1941 but was unable to find Rollcall No. 620—‘‘yes’’—On approving the work in that field. He was drafted into the HONORING THE LIFE OF JEAN Journal. WARD Army in 1942. He was sent to officers’ can- f didate school, graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant and commanded troops in England and HON. MARCY KAPTUR HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT France. OF OHIO After the war, he returned to Milwaukee IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and, at the urging of a friend, he joined the Wednesday, December 12, 2012 HON. FRANK R. WOLF Milwaukee Police Department in 1947. Mr. OF VIRGINIA Chaney became an MPD trailblazer; he was Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, during the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES only the 4th black person to serve on the po- Christmas Season we remember people far lice force serving 36 years as a police officer. and near and reminisce about those who are Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Mr. Chaney became the first African American no longer with us. I rise to remember Jean Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- to rise to the rank of Sergeant but this was not Ward, who passed from this life on July 16, ognize the following law enforcement officers without controversy. Felmers Chaney passed 2012. who have been honored by the Horse Shoe the Sergeant’s exam in 1954 but was asked if Jean Ward was born in Detroit, Michigan on Curve Benevolent Association for their service he would consider being a detective with the March 8, 1934 to Clarence and Agnes Ward. to their communities and continued willingness same pay and no supervision of staff. He de- He graduated from Michigan State University to put their lives on the line to protect public clined the detective post; in the mid-60’s he and served in the U.S. Navy. Together he and safety.

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