Gerald D. Kleczka

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the children, parents, teachers, and principal at the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School. The designation of a 2004 No Child Left Behind--Blue Ribbon Award honors only those schools that have successfully achieved excellence in academics and have closed the achievement gap in academic proficiency for all of their students.

The designation of the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School is particularly meaningful to me because it is named for the former Congressman Clement J. Zablocki who was my predecessor in the U.S. Congress, and an effective and beloved representative who served the citizens of Milwaukee's south side for many years.

It is evident that the principles of accountability, focusing on what works, increased flexibility, reduction of bureaucracy and the empowerment of parents, has been successfully integrated into the daily philosophy of the Zablocki Elementary School.

Under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Patricia Walia this school has not only achieved academic excellence for the students, but has initiated innovative and creative ways of having the children of Zablocki Elementary School involved with community organizations, agencies and businesses that have enriched their lives and broadened their view of the community and world. Dr. Walia has successfully established bonds between her staff, parents and the community that support all of the goals of the school.

The Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School is only the 5th elementary school in the Milwaukee Public Schools system to be designated as a Blue Ribbon school since 1982. This is an extraordinary and remarkable achievement.

I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to the children, teachers, and principal at the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School and commend their efforts in providing a standard of excellence in the field of education.

Mr. Speaker, at the end of the 108th Congress, my Chief of Staff and loyal friend, Kathy Hein, will be retiring from federal government service after a twenty-seven year career as a dedicated and distinguished public servant.

Growing up in DePere, Wisconsin, Kathy found political inspiration at an early age when in high school she volunteered to help Eugene McCarthy's efforts to win the Democratic nomination for President. Four years later, she volunteered again for George McGovern's campaign.

Graduating with a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, she began her professional political career managing Fr. Robert Cornell's successful congressional bid. After being employed in the office of Governor Pat Lucey and Governor Marty Schreiber, she moved to Washington D.C. to work in the congressional office of my late colleague, Representative Les Aspin.

Following the unexpected passing in 1984 of my predecessor, Representative Clem Zablocki, Kathy became an invaluable asset in my successful campaign to win the Wisconsin Fourth Congressional District Democratic Primary. Since that time she has shown tremendous dedication to me and the people of Wisconsin's Fourth Congressional District. Whether it was responding to constituent requests, managing the office, or catering to my needs, over the last twenty years she has given her all to provide the best possible service to our constituents.

When Kathy is not working in the office, she can often be found at home creating culinary delicacies, and is especially famous for her amazing desserts which my staff and constituents have benefited from over the years. She has an abiding love for dogs, and has made several wonderful canines part of her family over the years, the latest of which is her Josie. And she enjoys spending time with her loving husband of twenty-three years, Gordon Werner.

The great labor leader Walter Reuther once said, ``There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well.''

Mr. Speaker, colleagues, and fellow Wisconsinites, my friend Kathryn A. Hein has ``done it well.'' She heard the call to public service and responded with enthusiasm, commitment, and perseverance. Please join me in congratulating her on an illustrious career in federal service and wish her well as she embarks on new adventures.

Mr. Speaker, on the evening of Tuesday, October 5 and on Wednesday, October 6, I was not present for business on the floor of the House due to personal business and was thereby absent for votes on rollcall Nos. 494 through 501. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 494; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 495; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 496; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 497; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 498; ``no'' on rollcall No. 499; ``no'' on rollcall No. 500; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 501.