January 17, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E23 Mr. Howard is a star cornerback for the education. I wish them good luck in educating bash, awarded by former Indiana Governors Miramar High School Patriots. Thanks in part the children of South Hadley for years to Evan Bayh and Frank O’Bannon. to his proficient coverage skills, the Patriots come. A devoted wife and mother, Karen’s passion finished runner up in the Florida High School f for serving the people of Gary is matched only Athletic Association’s Class 8A Football Finals. by her love for her family. Karen and her hus- While the team is full of talented players, col- HONORING THE MAYOR OF THE band, Carmen, are the proud parents of a lege football coaches across the country rate CITY OF GARY, KAREN FREE- daughter, Jordan. Karen and Carmen have re- Mr. Howard as one of the best prospects in MAN-WILSON inforced the same sense of responsibility and the country. civic pride in their daughter that Karen learned As an indication of his talents, Mr. Howard HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY from her parents. has received numerous honors and awards. OF INDIANA Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of my He was recently named a first-team IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES distinguished colleagues join me in congratu- SportsIllustrated.com All-American. In addition Tuesday, January 17, 2012 lating Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson as she to playing in the Army All-American game, he begins her first term as the Mayor of Gary. was a finalist for both the U.S. Army All-Amer- Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with She is to be commended for her leadership, ican Player of the Year and Defensive Player great pride and the deepest respect that I rise dedication, and her love for the people of of the Year Awards. today to honor one of Northwest Indiana’s Gary. Karen serves as a true inspiration to Mr. Speaker, Tracy Howard is an extremely most distinguished citizens, the Mayor of the those she serves, and I look forward working talented athlete. His success is just one exam- City of Gary, Indiana, Karen Freeman-Wilson. with her in the years to come. ple of how talent, hard work, and dedication Born and raised in Gary, Karen is truly one of can help people achieve their dreams. I am the most passionate and involved individuals f honored to commend Mr. Howard on his ac- that I have ever known, especially when it RECOGNIZING REVEREND LARRY complishments, and wish him the best of luck comes to serving the people of Gary. Mayor WILLIAMS FOR HIS HONORABLE as he continues his football and academic ca- Freeman-Wilson’s first term began this year, SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY reer at the collegiate level. and in doing so, she took her place in history as the first female mayor of the City. f Karen Freeman was born in Gary, Indiana; HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON IN CELEBRATION OF THE MICHAEL her father, a steelworker, and her mother, the OF MISSISSIPPI E. SMITH MIDDLE SCHOOL’S 50TH coordinator of a local community center. Both IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ANNIVERSARY took great pride in their city and were heavily Tuesday, January 17, 2012 involved in their community, and it was HON. RICHARD E. NEAL through their example that Karen learned the Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- importance of hard work and public service er, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran, OF MASSACHUSETTS Reverend Larry Williams. Reverend Williams IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from a young age. Karen credits her parents with teaching her that ‘‘to whom much is has shown what can be done through hard Tuesday, January 17, 2012 given, much shall be required,’’ and it is with work, dedication and a desire to make a posi- Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ac- this ideal in mind that she has accomplished tive difference in doing God’s will. knowledge the 50th anniversary of the building so much throughout her distinguished career. Reverend Williams, a resident of of the Michael E. Smith Middle School in Following her graduation from Harvard Law Mayersville, Mississippi, was born May 25, South Hadley, Massachusetts. The school was School, Karen quickly realized that working in 1953, to Paul and Gracie Williams in Clarks- built in 1961 and was dedicated on January a law firm was not what she was meant to do. dale, Mississippi. He enlisted in the United 14, 1962. Rather, her calling was public service. States Army December 7, 1972, and served The school is celebrating this milestone with Throughout her esteemed career, Mayor Free- until January 1993. an assembly on the morning of January 18, man-Wilson has held many posts. From 1995 Reverend Williams completed his graduation 2012. The assembly will feature several impor- to 2000, she served as a presiding judge for through the Army Program while in Germany. tant faculty members who will be speaking, in- the Gary City Court, during which time she es- Later, he attended the University of Maryland cluding Principal Erica Faginski-Stark and tablished the first drug treatment court in the and earned his Associates Degree from Cen- Walter Morse, a teacher who has worked at State of Indiana. In 2000, Governor Frank tral Texas College. the school for 40 years. In addition, Super- O’Bannon appointed Karen to serve as Attor- He is married to Terry Williams. Together, intendent Sayer, Former Principal Noel, and ney General for the State of Indiana. After they have one son, Dominique Williams. Rev- State Representative John Scibak will all be leaving office, Karen continued to work for the erend Williams was installed as Pastor at speaking at this historic event. public in various capacities. She has served Saint Peter Missionary Baptist Church in De- The Michael E. Smith Middle School is a as the Chief Executive Officer of the National cember 2006. It is his passion to minister to public school in the South Hadley school dis- Association of Drug Court Professionals, the those who are lost. trict of Massachusetts. The school has gone Executive Director of the National Drug Court Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me by several names, beginning with the South Institute, the Director of the Indiana Civil in recognizing Reverend Larry Williams for his Hadley Intermediate School upon the build- Rights Commission, and as a member of the dedication and service to our great country. ing’s completion in 1962. In 1978, the school’s board of directors for Hythiam, Inc. Mayor f name was changed to the South Hadley Mid- Freeman-Wilson has also been involved with dle School. With this name change came two numerous other organizations and charitable OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL new grade levels. The fifth and sixth grades groups, including: the American Bar Associa- DEBT were added to the seventh and eighth grades tion, the Indiana State Bar Association, Legal to double the school’s classes. In 2002, the Services of Northwest Indiana, the Gary HON. MIKE COFFMAN school changed its name for the final time, Chamber of Commerce, and the Second OF COLORADO commemorating the late Michael E. Smith, a Chance Foundation, an organization aimed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES past superintendent. and combating substance abuse, for which For the last decade, the school has under- she is a founding member. She is also very Tuesday, January 17, 2012 gone several renovations, including the com- active in her church, Israel C.M.E. Church. Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, pletion of a new building and an extensive re- For her many contributions to her commu- on January 26, 1995, when the last attempt at modeling of the interior. Currently, 700 stu- nity, the State of Indiana, and beyond, the a balanced budget amendment passed the dents in the South Hadley School District are Mayor has received countless accolades. To House by a bipartisan vote of 300–132, the educated at the Michael E. Smith Middle name a few, she was recognized by Ebony national debt was $4,801,405,175,294.28. School, with a faculty and staff of 104. Ms. magazine as a Leader of the Future, by the Today, it is $15,236,323,396,400.44. We’ve Erica Faginski-Stark is the current Principal of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with the National added $10,434,918,221,106.16 dollars to our the school, and the Assistant Principals are Award for Achievement in Civil Rights, and is debt in 16 years. This is $10 trillion in debt our Mr. Vincent Napoli and Ms. Brett Costello. an inductee into the Stanley Goldstein Drug Nation, our economy, and our children could I wish to congratulate the Michael E. Smith Court Hall of Fame. In addition, she is a re- have avoided with a balanced budget amend- Middle School on providing 50 years of quality cipient of the prestigious Sagamore of the Wa- ment.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:21 Jan 18, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17JA8.011 E17JAPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E24 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 17, 2012 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. RECOGNIZING MS. KIMBERLY California Peace Officers’ Association. He has MEMORIAL BREAKFAST SMITH FOR HER DESIRE AND been recognized by the California State Sen- COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION ate for outstanding public service and was the HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY recipient of the Law Enforcement Executive of the Year Award. OF INDIANA HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON His numerous affiliations include Past Presi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dent of the California Peace Officer’s Associa- Tuesday, January 17, 2012 tion, California Police Chief’s Association, Tuesday, January 17, 2012 International Association of Chiefs of Police, Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, as we cele- Commission on Peace Officers Standards and brate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Training and Police Executive Research and reflect on his life and work, we are re- er, I rise today to honor a faithful and tena- Forum. minded of the challenges that democracy cious young woman, Ms. Kimberly Smith. She He received a Bachelor of Science degree poses to us and the delicate nature of liberty. has shown what can be done through hard in Police Science and Administration from Dr. King’s life, and, unfortunately, his untimely work, dedication, and a boundless desire to California State University, Los Angeles and death, reminds us that we must continually achieve. received his Master’s degree in Public Admin- work to secure and protect our freedoms. Dr. Ms. Smith is a lifelong resident of istration from the University of Southern Cali- King, in his courage to act, his willingness to Mayersville, Mississippi, and is the third of fornia. meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, seven children born to Melvin and Emma Mayor Wasserman is survived by his wife of embodied all that is good and true in the battle Smith. 53 years, Linda, and their two children, Dan for liberty. Ms. Smith was the salutatorian of her 1999 South Delta High School class. She attended and Jill. I join the community extending heart- The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens Jackson State University, where she earned felt sympathy to the family, colleagues and of communities throughout our nation. It lives her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary friends of Mayor Wasserman. He served with on in the people whose actions reflect the Education. Graduating with honors from Jack- honor and distinction and his many positive spirit of resolve and achievement that will help son State in 2003, she began teaching at contributions to make a difference in the lives move our country into the future. In particular, South Delta Elementary School. She taught of others have left an indelible mark and will several distinguished individuals from Indi- both second and fourth grade during her short never be forgotten. ana’s First Congressional District were recog- tenure. nized during the 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther f In 2004, Ms. Smith was in a car accident King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, that would change her life forever. After her TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF RUBEN January 14, 2012, at the Genesis Convention accident, she decided the only thing to keep AYALA Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers her going was her drive for education; for that Service Club, which was founded in 1952, reason, she pursued and obtained her Mas- HON. JOE BACA sponsors this annual breakfast. ters of Education degree. In 2008, she re- OF CALIFORNIA This year, the Gary Frontiers Service Club ceived her Masters of Education with ‘‘Hon- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES paid tribute to several local individuals who ors’’ from Delta State University. Ms. Smith have for decades unselfishly contributed to im- Tuesday, January 17, 2012 lives by the motto, ‘‘Saved by Grace, spared proving the quality of life for the people of by Mercy.’’ Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Gary. Mayor Rudolph Clay was honored with Ms. Smith is an active member of Rising Congress to pay tribute to a devoted public the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Star Seven Day Adventist, where she serves servant, Ruben Ayala. Ruben, a former State Drum Major Award for 2012. The individuals as Youth Director. Senator from California passed away on Janu- recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me ary 4, 2012, at the age of eighty-nine. Marchers at this year’s breakfast included: At- in recognizing a humble but dynamic servant, Ruben was born and raised in segregated torney Arlene D. Colvin, Mr. Richard (Chappy) Ms. Kimberly Smith for her unwavering desire Chino, California, to Hispanic parents. During Woods, Pastor Dwight A. Gardner, Ms. San- to education. his youth, he attended Chino High School and dra Jean Irons, Colonel (Retired) Richard D. was widely respected for his strong athletic f Ligon, and Bishop E. Bobby Warren. ability. After high school, Ruben served honor- Yolkfellow James Piggee was selected as the IN MEMORY OF MAYOR BOB ably in the 1st Marine Division in the South 2011 Frontier of the Year. In addition, the club WASSERMAN Pacific during World War II. also inducted its first Honorary Member, Rev- After his service in the Marine Corps, Ruben erend Pharis D. Evans, Pastor of Clark Road HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK attended the National Electronic Institute of Baptist Church in Gary, for his many years of OF CALIFORNIA Los Angeles, where he studied television re- service to the Gary Frontiers Service Club. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pair. It was during this time that he met his be- Though very different in nature, the achieve- loved wife, Irene. Ruben worked in television ment of all these individuals reflect many of Tuesday, January 17, 2012 repair in Chino, and later the insurance indus- the same attributes that Dr. King possessed, Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay try, until starting his political career in 1955 as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. tribute to the memory of the Mayor of Fre- with his election to the school board. King, these individuals saw challenges and mont, California, Bob Wasserman. The resi- In 1962, Ruben continued his career as a faced them with unwavering strength and de- dents of Fremont and communities throughout city councilman in Chino. Two years later, in termination. Each one of the honored guests’ California and beyond mourn the loss of this 1964, Ruben became Chino’s first elected greatness has been found in their willingness dedicated public servant who passed away on mayor, where he began to leave his lasting to serve with ‘‘a heart full of grace and a soul December 29, 2011. impression on the community. From 1974 until generated by love.’’ They set goals and work Mayor Wasserman was born in Gary, Indi- 1998, Ruben served admirably as a State selflessly to make them a reality. ana, and moved to California and attended Senator, becoming the first Mexican-American Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other distin- public schools in the Los Angeles area. He to serve in the Senate since 1911. guished colleagues to join me in commending became a Police Officer in the City of I had the privilege of knowing Ruben and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Chair- Montebello, California, and was appointed to Irene personally. I also had the honor of serv- man Clorius L. Lay and the Gary Frontiers the position of Chief of Police in San Carlos, ing with Ruben in the California State Legisla- Service Club officers: President Oliver J. California in 1969 where he served for three ture. During our service together, I quickly dis- Gilliam, Vice President Sean Jones, 1st Vice years. He was appointed Chief of Police in covered that Ruben was widely respected by President James Piggee, Recording Secretary Fremont in January 1976 and retired in 1992. both Democrats and Republicans, who looked Melvin Ward, Financial Secretary Sam Frazier, In 1992, Mayor Wasserman was elected to to him for advice and counsel because of his Corresponding Secretary Ferba Hines and the Fremont City Council and served until ability to lead and his hard working reputation. Treasurer/Seventh District Director Floyd Don- 2004. He was elected Mayor in 2004 and cur- Ruben’s success as a Senator opened doors aldson, as well as the honorees and all other rently held that position. for Latinos and Latinas in California. Ruben members of the service club for their initiative, Mayor Wasserman’s 40-year career in law encouraged and inspired me to run for his determination, and dedication to serving the enforcement included appointments in South- Senate seat, when his career ended due to people of Northwest Indiana. ern California and a term as president of the term limits.

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