Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch). Chairman, you have done an outstanding job, along with the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz), in outlining what this bill does.

Before I begin, because this has been such a nonpartisan effort in so many respects and a commitment, first and foremost, on the part of the Oversight Committee to take a bill, whose genesis evolved out of the last session, and make it a better bill and perfect it, to those ends, along with Mr. Lynch and Mr. Chaffetz, I would especially like to thank Chairman Ed Towns. Mr. Towns has done such a great job in marshaling this bill forward, along with Diane Watson.

I would further like to thank, on their staff, Mike McCarthy, Adam Bordes and Bert Hammond of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee; Austin Burns of the majority leader's staff; and Barney Frank, Mel Watt and Dennis Moore for their ongoing efforts to reform the regulation of our markets and financial sectors and for their input into this legislation; my good friend Todd Platts, who also assisted in this; and Frank LoBiondo, who was a cosponsor of this

bill almost 2 years ago. I especially want to single out for their efforts two reform-minded freshmen who have come to Congress, John Boccieri of Ohio and Glenn Nye of Virginia, and especially to Amy O'Donnell of my staff and Jackie Sheltry.

We refer to this bill in the short form, just frankly, as providing an independent Inspector General for the financial services industries that are in such desperate need of this oversight, and I think the chairman outlined it well. The genesis of this bill actually took place from conducting a public forum back in my district and listening to former Republican mayor of South Windsor, Connecticut, John Mitchell, and our attorney general of the State of Connecticut, Richard Blumenthal. When we were looking at speculation in the market and what was happening with the CFTC and oil commodities, when we realized that the more and closer we looked at who was regulating these agencies, it was somewhat a case of the foxes guarding the henhouse.

Many have asked when we went home over this break and since the financial collapse on Wall Street, people have been astounded in trying to answer the question of, how could it be that Bernie Madoff was scamming thousands of innocent Americans into giving up their life savings? Where were the regulators? Where were the agencies? Where were they when speculators were wreaking havoc on the oil markets?

I can think of no sector where honesty, independence and transparency are needed more right now than in our financial and commodity markets, yet the regulators of these markets have been allowed to work with no oversight of what they are doing and whether they are fulfilling their mission to protect the American consumer. That's because the Inspectors General, as the chairman outlined, who should be working on behalf of average Americans, were working for the heads of the agencies they should be overseeing. As I said earlier, this is a classic case of the fox watching the henhouse, and it's having a profound impact on the work of our regulatory agencies.

We have done a review, and this is something that we pointed out at the committee. The review found that offices of the Inspector General, that independent offices where they are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate, completed over 117 investigations in 2008 while their nonindependent counterparts completed just 12. That's 117 versus 12. The Inspector General of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission released information, showing that despite the recent economic crisis and the turbulence in the oil market, his office completed just two investigations and updated one from October of last year through March. Simply stated, an independent watchdog ensures better performance from a government agency.

I commend the committee because what they've done is provide greater accountability and transparency. I also commend United States Senator Dodd, who will also be taking this bill up on the Senate side as well. Again, I thank everybody on the committee and especially Ed Towns for his hard work and dedication to make sure this bill got to the floor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Richard C. Proto, former Director of Research for the United States National Security Agency. A great civil servant to our nation, Mr. Proto was born and raised in Connecticut, and he attended New Haven public schools growing up. He played with the Wilbur Cross 1958 New England High School basketball champions and received his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Mr. Proto went on to receive his Master's degree in mathematics from Boston College in 1964 and joined the NSA following graduation, where he remained for 35 years. During his time with the NSA, Mr. Proto received the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service and the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal. After his retirement in 1999, he remained an advisor to the intelligence community, the national laboratories, and the Institute for Defense Analysis at Princeton, until his death in July of 2008.

In a formal ceremony on May 18, 2009, the United States NSA dedicated its Symposium Center to Richard C. Proto, in honor and recognition of his dedicated service to the agency. During the ceremony, Mr. Proto was praised by his former colleagues and recognized for his creation of the still-relied upon ``Proto Algorithm.'' Mr. Proto's family was present and participated in the ceremony. Family members included his brother, Neil

Proto, sister, Diana Proto Avino, and four of Mr. Proto's cousins.

His parents, Matthew and Celeste Proto, were active in Connecticut's civic and political life. Celeste immigrated to the United States in 1916 from Italy. Mr. Proto's pride for his Italian heritage led him to also found the Antonio Gatto Lodge of the Sons of Italy in Laurel, Maryland.

I am honored to join with others in praise for this remarkably-gifted and dedicated public servant from Connecticut. Mr. Proto's strategic and practical aid to the protection of our nation and our country's troops--from the Cold War to the Gulf War--is deserving of recognition and admiration. I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring the life of this great man.

I want to start by thanking Speaker Pelosi, Congressman Frank, and Senator Dodd for their tireless work on this effort, as well as Congressman Conyers, and also thank and point out the work of Congressman Issa and his staff in working in conjunction on this.

The American people have been demanding answers about the collapse of our financial system. Today, this House votes on legislation to finally get to those answers. Shortly after our financial system began to show signs of collapse back in September, like many Members here, I went home to my district. I stopped by Augie and Ray's, which for me is where it begins and ends in my hometown in East Hartford. People simply have one question: How did this happen?

The questions I heard were no doubt similar to what my colleagues heard all across this Nation. Unfortunately, the answer is not so simple. Most Americans do not know what a credit default swap is, what derivatives are, or what naked short selling is all about. I could go on.

But they do know that their savings are dwindling. They have lost their jobs, their homes, and in many cases their health care as well. And they rightly want and demand an explanation as to why. I knew then that we needed a commission to provide answers and a narrative for the American people, and one, frankly, for the Congress as we move ahead with commonsense reforms to make sure this doesn't happen again.

Our economy has suffered through the bursting of three major economic bubbles: the savings and loan debacle of the 1980s, the dot.com bubble of the 1990s, and now the real estate bubble. It is time we learned something from these crises.

Our Nation faced a similar challenge after the stock market crash of 1929. Congress formed a panel, the Pecora Commission, that uncovered the fraudulent and unscrupulous activities that brought about the Great Depression and laid the groundwork for the regulation that has served this Nation for decades.

It is time in this century for a new commission to help develop the framework of a modern regulatory structure for the 21st-century global economy.

Americans have lost their homes, their jobs, their life savings. We owe them not only an explanation of how this happened, but a path forward that corrects the circumstances that created the crisis.

We have got to do this by looking back not just conveniently over the last 8 years, but at the last 28 years. And as Pecora said, ``We must shed the fierce light of public scrutiny'' on the dark markets, on the schemes and negligence, and the unintended consequences that have been perpetrated on our financial system. Why? So we can build a regulatory framework for this century that protects the American worker and that protects the American investor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 230, resolution honoring the significance and impact of Cinco de Mayo. I would like to begin by applauding the efforts and leadership of the author of the resolution, Congressman Joe Baca, as well as the rest of my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for bringing this bill before us today.

Mr. Speaker, since 1862 the holiday has traditionally commemorated the victory of a poorly armed Mexican militia over a larger, better equipped French army at the Battle of Puebla. Today, however, Cinco de Mayo in the United States has become a celebration of Hispanic heritage not unlike Saint Patrick's Day for Irish-Americans.

To be sure, Mr. Speaker, Irish-Americans and Hispanic-Americans have much in common. We are bound together by Catholic, working-class experiences. Our relatives came and continue to come to this country from largely rural, uneducated backgrounds. Our struggles were, are and continue to be twin struggles for equality, as well as political and cultural recognition.

From Bernardo de Galvez to Admiral David Farragut to Cesar Chavez, Hispanic-Americans have made significant contributions to the development of our nation. In just the last election, Latinos represented 9 percent of the electorate and provided the margin of victory in large swaths of the country, voting for President Obama by a margin larger than 2-to-1.

And because Hispanics constitute the majority of our nation's newest Americans, Madam Speaker, I cannot speak here without at least mentioning the subject of immigration. As Mr. Fareed Zakaria affirms in his acclaimed book, The Post-American World:

Foreign students and immigrants account for almost 50

percent of all science researchers in [our] country. In 2006

they received 40 percent of all PhDs. By 2010, 75 percent of

all science PhDs in [our] country will be awarded to foreign

students. When these graduates settle in the country, they

create economic opportunity. Half of all Silicon Valley

start-ups have one founder who is an immigrant or first

generation American. The potential for a new burst of

American productivity depends not on our education system or

R&D spending, but on our immigration policies.

Immigrants are America's great strength. If we remain true to our history; if we remain the most open and flexible society the world; if we continue to absorb cultures, devour ideas and feed off the energy of poor immigrants we will thrive. This is America's genius.

Hispanics are another great chapter in the larger history of our immigrant country. They make America more American.

I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me recognizing Mr. David Dwyer of Bristol, Connecticut. Mr. Dwyer is a lifelong Connecticut resident and has been employed by UPS for over 37 years, where he remains a member in good standing of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 671.

He has also been a member of the Forestville Fishing Club, the oldest fishing club in America, since 1978. From 1984 through 1987, Mr. Dwyer served on the club's Board of Managers, and served as Second Vice President from 1987 through 1994. In 1994, Mr. Dwyer was elected President of the Forestville Fishing Club. During his tenure, among other notable accomplishments, he presided over the expansion of club boundaries and successfully completed the Grannis Pond Revitalization Project in 2009.

I wish to congratulate Mr. David Dwyer on his 14 years of dedicated and devoted service

as President of the Forestville Fishing Club, and encourage all of my colleagues to join me in wishing him the very best in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, on April 29, 2009, I missed the vote on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 372 (rollcall vote 219), providing for consideration of H.R. 1913, to provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' for H. Res. 372.

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

In Concert

In the home of The World's Greatest Democracy . . .

Up upon a hill, our nation gathers as one twice yearly . . .

In Concert, on Memorial weekend . . .

And on The Fourth, as her birthday begins . . .

For treasured moments, which now live on . . .

All in our hearts, which are now born . . .

As when, upon Capitol Hill . . . one family . . .

The Colbert's, have brought such moments to instill . . . you

and me . . .

All, In Concert . . . The Colbert family . . .

And PBS, have so entertained us on TV . . .

As all of our hearts are so thrilled . . .

With such laughter and joy, and such tears so filled . . .

With some of our nation's, and the world's greatest talent

billed . . .

As a city gathers on her west lawn . . .

As before the world's greatest dome, a masterpiece soon dawns

. . .

As The United States Capitol, shining moments on a hill!

Beamed across our nation, to give to all such a thrill . . .

When, on a Memorial Day weekend . . .

As a national, we are all so moved to tears . . .

As we so see, the true meaning of courage so here . . .

As we watch our Armed Forces, most selfless stories appear .

. .

For no greater glory, or gift could be!

Then Arms and Legs, and precious Lives indeed . . .

All so we may be free, as we fall to our knees!

As out across this great nation, we are all brought to tears

. . .

Reminding us all, the true cost of freedom so very dear . . .

And then, on The Fourth of July . . .

As our Nation's birthday party, so fills the skies . . .

With fireworks exploding on, and off the stage . . .

As we see Jerry's, Yankee Doodle Dandy talent made . . .

All there in the glow of our nation's beloved Dome, it plays

. . .

As we're all so reminded to celebrate . . .

And why we're so blessed . . .

To but live in these here United States!

As all ``In Concert,'' as they create!

As children, babies, men and women get up to dance . . .

All in Freedom's beloved stance!

Whether, country . . . or rock and roll . . .

These giants up upon that stage, touch all of our very souls

. . .

And that most magnificent National Symphony,

And those Military Bands and Choirs continually . . .

Take our hearts even higher!

For in this city, surrounded by consequence . . .

There, is no greater place . . . on these holidays to be so

hence!

Then, up there upon Jenkins Hill . . .

On The West Front of The Capitol, letting all of your hearts

be thrilled.

In Concert . . .

Dedicated to A Great American Family, The Colbert Family .

. . Jerry and his son Michael . . . The Talent, The National

Symphony, The Military Bands, The Choirs, The Crew, and PBS

who have given so much to our nation.--Written by Albert Cary

Caswell, 2009.

Madam Speaker, on April 2, 2009, I missed one vote regarding H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on final passage (rollcall vote 187).

I want to thank the gentleman from South Carolina, Madam Chair, and commend him for the outstanding job that he has done and, most notably, as we heard from the President the other day, the civility in which you and Mr. Ryan conducted the hearings.

Our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are honorable people. They put forward proposals in an honorable fashion. They have done so for several years. This President and this administration inherited a deep and cavernous hole--from which it will take great effort, but we will make a steady ascent out of--not without having to face the largest deficits in the history of this country that were thrust upon this new President and this new Congress.

Yes, it was tried in the past to send more money, tax dollars back to the Nation's wealthiest 1 percent. Yes, they were lax in terms of oversight and review in what transpired on Wall Street that has brought this Nation the great difficulty that it is working through now.

The answer isn't the way it's been done in the past. The answer is in the hope that this administration and, under the tireless work of Mr. Spratt, that we provide the American people--not the Nation's wealthiest 1 percent, not the barons on Wall Street--but the American people with an opportunity to invest in their health care, to invest in their energy systems.

The other ``do nothing approach'' of wanting to continue to export $200 billion abroad annually to pay taxes to Russia and the OPEC nations and Venezuela is counterproductive.

It doesn't help grow our economy here, it doesn't invest in the American people, it doesn't give them what they need in terms of health care and in education. And they are inextricably tied and linked to our future.

In a knowledge-based society, what we need is the budget that has been put before us today--that brings values back and educates our people, puts them back to work and gives them energy that will allow us to be independent from our foreign competitors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Lt. Clifford Saucier for his 39 years of dedicated service with the Southington Police Department. Lt. Saucier began his career with the Southington Police Department in March 1969 as a supernumerary officer. In February of 1970 he joined the department as a full time patrolman and was a member of the first class to graduate from the Connecticut Police Academy (POST). Throughout his 39 years of full time service, Lt. Saucier demonstrated his commitment to the badge, the department and the community he serves.

During his tenure, Lt. Saucier held diverse positions while attaining the ranks of detective, sergeant and lieutenant. He served as the Crisis Incident Commander, chief hostage negotiator, police union president and interned with the State's Attorney's Office as a criminal investigator.

Throughout his career Lt. Saucier has continuously displayed his commitment to improving himself and his peers by receiving training in over twenty disciplines, giving lectures and collaborating with other agencies. His service has been recognized by civic and professional organizations, receiving the ``Honorable and Exceptional Merit Award'' from the Southington Police Department, the ``Distinguish Service Award, Man of the Year'' from the Southington Jaycees and the ``Public Safety Citation'' awarded by the B.P.O.E. Southington Lodge No. 1669.

I thank Lt. Saucier for his 39 years of dedicated public service to the First District of Connecticut, and I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating him on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today I was unable to attend four votes due to my presence at a funeral in New Jersey. I would have voted ``yes'' for the following missed votes:

On the motion to table H. Res. 312, on raising a question of the privileges of the House (rollcall vote 175); on agreeing to H. Res. 305, a measure to consider H. Con. Res. 85, to set forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2010 (rollcall vote 176); on agreeing to H. Res. 306, providing for consideration of H.R. 1664, to amend the executive compensation provisions of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (rollcall vote 177); and on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the End GREED Act (rollcall vote 178).

I thank the chairman for bringing this important legislation to the floor in all due speed, because it was necessary.

What is at stake here is really the full faith and credit of our system. When those in the private sector and on Wall Street and the great barons of capital can laugh up their sleeves at the American public that sacrifices on a daily basis, who find themselves unemployed, unable to educate their kids, out of work, and we are going to sit idle and allow them to receive these bonuses? This is wrong. And if we expect to govern as an institution, we have to do the extraordinary and set it right.

These are difficult and unchartered waters and unchartered times and it's time for us to act on behalf of the American people.

Thank you, Mr. Rangel.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. I would like to thank Congresswoman McCarthy and Congressman Miller for their persistent advocacy on such an important priority for our country. The GIVE Act will build on the President's call to action for public service by increasing opportunities available to citizens to help their communities and enhancing incentives for participation.

This bill will amend and extend programs that promote active community engagement. It will strengthen programs like Learn and Serve and AmeriCorps and will establish the Summer of Service program, which will reward middle and high school students that participate in eligible community service activities with money toward their college education.

In Connecticut, these programs have had an impact on thousands of our residents. Over 3,700 students participated in Learn and Serve activities last year and across the state we had 549 AmeriCorps volunteers. These programs offer vital services for our residents. Hartford's AmeriCorps program provided classroom support to 633 students last year, giving them one-on-one tutoring and helping them to improve their reading skills. The Learn and Serve program has also provided great benefits to Connecticut through programs that promote Civic engagement, environmental awareness, and fire-safety.

The GIVE Act is really a stimulus bill. It is estimated that every dollar spent on service initiatives is worth three dollars of investment in a community. These dollars go to repair community centers, build homes and bring back the neighborhoods that have been hit hardest by the economic downturn. This money will go to our students to provide them with the resources they need to go to college and the skills that will help them land jobs when they are done.

This legislation speaks to what is at the heart of American values. America is strongest when we are united and work together. The GIVE Act encourages just that. Once again, I would like to express my support for this bill and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the GIVE Act.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of a dear friend and one of Connecticut's most dynamic and charismatic leaders. He was known universally as Mayor Mike. A great light left us when Michael J. Peters passed away on January 4, 2009. His engaging personality, his great sense of humor and his devotion to his city, his friends and his family, will forever endure.

I was fortunate to know him and to be a direct beneficiary of his friendship and loyalty. I was equally honored to be at his funeral surrounded by friends, family and dignitaries, but it was through the remarks of his sister Geraldine and his son Chris that the essence of this great and beloved man was captured. Madam Speaker, I submit to the record of this great Nation these eulogies of Mayor Mike Peters of Hartford, Connecticut, a great American and a great example of devotion and service above self, done with a smile.

Eulogy Given by Chris Peters

Good morning. I would first like to say on behalf of my

mother, my brother, my sister and my entire extended family

thank you so much for such a genuine and unbelievable outpour

of support over the last several weeks. Your prayers and well

wishes helped us all get through this difficult time.

My father was an example to us children of what hard work

is and what it takes to raise a family. For most of our

childhood my dad worked two jobs to support our family and to

give us a roof over our heads. His main and most notable

career was as a firefighter but with the schedule being as it

was for a firefighter he had days off that allowed him to

bring in additional income. One such job was delivering oil

for John McCarthy Oil. Although it was against the oil

company's policy, my father would often bring me on

deliveries with him and he would let me hold the nozzle as we

filled the tanks at people's homes. I remember once the tank

had overflowed and I was sprayed from head to toe with fuel .

. . that was the end of that. I think he realized at that

point why there was such a policy but because he worked so

often, any chance he had to hang out with us he took

advantage, even if it meant bringing me to work and dousing

me in a highly flammable liquid.

Having a firefighter as a father was such a cool thing as a

kid. It's most kids' dream to be a firefighter when they grow

up and having him work at Engine 15 right up the street from

where we grew up; I was able to show off all the time. Bring

my friends into the firehouse and look at the trucks and

watch him slide down the pole. He gave us so much to be proud

of way before he ever became the Mayor.

He was an umpire for our little league in the south end (he

had a very tight strike zone by the way) and was instrumental

in organizing fund raisers for the league and helped shape my

love for baseball by making sure my brother David and I were

Yankee fans at a very early age. I've been told (mostly by

him) that he was quite the ball player when he was younger. I

think he was proud of my 4 year career in the McGinley Craffa

little league and he was happy to get 4 more years out of

David, who by the way, was much better than I. Watching a

Yankee game with him on a warm summer night, windows open and

a warm summer breeze blowing in, is something my brother and

I will sorely miss.

His bond with my sister Michelle was something very special

between a daughter and her father. In High School, Michelle

did what a lot of young teenage girls do; she gave our father

a lot of grey hairs. Although we joke about the trouble

Michelle got into, truth is she wasn't all that bad. Now that

I look back on it, it was more the concern my father had for

her and the love he felt for his only daughter. Those years

of rebellion helped shape a very special bond between the two

of them. My father's love and commitment to making sure he

showed her the way

helped shape Michelle into the incredible person she is. A

fantastic mother whose children will most certainly miss

their Gampy.

As my brother and sister and I got older my father

transformed into something different. He became our friend,

someone you could tell anything to. He was my best friend,

the person you wanted to do things with, anything, go to a

game, dinner or just drive around the city and talk about

anything.

He married his high school sweetheart Jeannette and if

you're not familiar with their relationship I can tell you

theirs is one of true love and dedication. My mother spent

every day in the hospital over the last 3 months with my

father. She has sacrificed so much to sit with him and root

him on. She is truly a Saint who lost her true love. My heart

will forever be broken for her.

Most of you here today know how he lived. Vibrant, larger

than life, caring, loving and concerned for anyone who needed

help. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. He had an

incredible ability to find the positive in any situation.

Always optimistic with a heart bigger than the city. He kept

his home phone number listed after he became the Mayor, he

would get all kinds of calls at all hours of the day and

night and he would always return the call. No matter how

strange the request. One night around midnight or so, he got

a call from a woman on Yale St. whose cat was stuck in a

tree, she knew my dad was a firefighter and begged him to

call the fire department and get them to her house to

retrieve her cat from the tree. My father calmed her down

from the comfort of his bed, told her the fire department

doesn't really do that sort of thing and she should go to bed

and that her cat will come down on its own and then he asked

her ``by the way, have you ever seen the skeleton of a cat in

a tree before?'' The point was well taken and sure enough he

called her back the next morning and her cat was ok. This was

how he lived, finding humor in situations, compassionate

towards the needs of others no matter how extraordinary the

request. This is how he lived, with a smile on his face and

love in his heart. Now I would like to tell you a little bit

about how he died.

(adlibbed)

I want you all to know that my father died peacefully this

past Sunday surrounded by his family, we were all there and I

believe this gave him great comfort. We believe he is in a

better place now, no longer suffering.

Over the last few days many people have been telling me how

sorry they are about my father's passing but I'm deeply sorry

for all of you as well. I feel like we are all in the same

boat. Not only did my family lose a father, grandfather,

brother, uncle, husband but we all lost a true champion, a

best friend and a confidant. The pain in my heart is no

greater than yours. I know this because he meant so much to

so many and together we will all heal by remembering him as

he was. Happy-go-lucky Mike.

His legacy should be carried out by supporting Hartford,

eating in its restaurants (hint, hint . . . plug) and getting

involved, seeing something that's wrong and doing something

about it. He always said no matter if you live in

Wethersfield or West Hartford, Simsbury or Rocky Hill, this

is your city. We all need to harness his enthusiasm and do

our part no matter how big or small because that's truly what

he would want. God Bless you Dad and Go Hartford.

Eulogy Given by Geraldine Sullivan

There were two princes born on Nov. 14, 1948; Prince

Charles and our prince, Michael Paul Peters, the firstborn

son of Christine and Paul. Michael, Paula, Eleanor, Robert

and I were raised in an apartment down the street, at 189

Campfield Avenue, surrounded by a loving, extended family.

This is the neighborhood where my grandfather owned a tailor

shop, where we attended church before gathering for late

afternoon meals, and where my parents instilled values in

each of us that would carry throughout our lives: the

importance of family, respect, compassion, and humor. Despite

our family's limited resources, envy was not tolerated.

Ultimately, my brother Michael exemplified these values

better than any of us, even though he had his own unique way

of showing it.

At a young age Mike was able to come up with creative

solutions to solve life's most difficult problems. I remember

when Michael first entered kindergarden at Naylor School. On

his way to and from school, there was a group of first grade

thugs who would taunt Mike and threaten him. When he told my

parents about the situation, my father spent the evening

teaching him how to box and defend himself when attacked. It

was a priceless father-son moment. The next day, my father

rushed home from work to hear the news. When asked if he was

bullied again, Mike answered, ``No''. My father proudly

asked, ``Well . . . what happened?'' Mike was equally proud

when he responded, ``I took a different route home from

school''. That was my brother's way throughout his life. He

thought of creative solutions. For example, he worked closely

with Don Walsh to develop Mayor Mike's Companies for Kids,

where they raised $1 million for youth programs in Hartford.

Another one of Mike's greatest attributes was his ability

to treat all people with respect. My father, Paul, was

unusual for his time in his ability to reach across racial

and economic barriers to show respect for others. In fact, he

was so concerned about respect, he enlisted Michael to attend

proms and dances with any girl who had circumstances that

prevented her from having a date. My parents' friends soon

learned of this, so when someone's daughter was left without

a date to the prom, they called Paul and Christine. Michael

attended proms and dances all around the region. Even though

renting a tux and buying flowers was difficult on a meager

family budget, Mike put on his tux and attended without

complaint. He treated every girl like she was the prom queen.

He always had an amazing gift of making people feel special,

as witnessed by us over the last few days. Our family has

been overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring from people of

all races, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds and their

stories about our brother. Throughout his life, Mike made

powerful connections with people because he treated them with

dignity and respect.

A third attribute that I'd like to mention about my brother

was his ability to get the job done. I remember when he had a

paper route, delivering the afternoon paper of the Hartford

Times. Every evening when we sat down to dinner, the phone

rang with people looking for papers that were never

delivered. My father lectured him every night about the

importance of being reliable and having a good work ethic.

Eventually the phone stopped ringing during dinner and my

father was proud that his son finally learned good

business practices. Then one day, my parents were driving

home from work and their car was stopped at the light on

the corner of Preston and Campfield Avenue. When my father

looked out the window, he saw the top of the green city

sand box slowly rise. Michael was hiding inside and

peering out at the exact same moment. They quickly

realized that Mike franchised out his route to ten workers

while he laid in a sand box hiding and still managed to

make a profit. As mayor, Mike knew how to enlist the

talents of various people to get the job done. His work

with John Wardlaw, federal agencies, and community groups

resulted in tremendous improvements in the quality of

public housing in Hartford.

There are countless stories about Mike's childhood, his

days as a fireman, and of course, as mayor of Hartford. The

best way to honor him is to share his stories, laugh often,

and live by these same attributes that defined my brother:

love of family, respect for all, and compassion towards

others. One of his favorite sayings was, ``you don't have the

biggest house on the block by tearing everyone else's house

down''. Michael could not stand seeing people treated

unfairly, and at times he took on unpopular political battles

to correct what he felt was wrong. To continue his legacy,

have the courage to stand up against injustice and work

together to make Hartford, this city that Mike loved with his

heart and soul, a place where all people are treated with

dignity and respect.

In closing, I'd like to take a minute to say something, on

behalf of my entire family about the love of Mike's life, our

sister Jeannette. They met in high school and were perfect

for each other from the moment they met. Although he loved to

go out and be social, while she was content sitting home

under a blanket watching her favorite shows, they had deep

love and respect for one another. Jeannette has always been

the light of my brother's life. Her unwavering devotion was

especially obvious over the last three months. She was there

with him, by his side . . . holding his hand . . . praying

with him. In the last few weeks, when he couldn't speak, his

eyes would search the room looking for her, and he only found

peace and comfort when he found her. They're the perfect love

story and she remained by his side until his last moments on

earth. Jeannette, we love you and thank you for making our

brother so happy.