[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 54 (Thursday, March 23, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            TRIBUTE TO THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MODESTO

                                 ______


                          HON. GARY A. CONDIT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 22, 1995
  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
the League of Women Voters of Modesto for its 48 years of dedicated 
service to the voters of our community in the 18th Congressional 
District. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the League of Women 
Voters of the United States. During its historic past throughout our 
Nation, the league has encouraged the informed and active participation 
of citizens in government as well as influenced public policy through 
education and advocacy.
  The League of Women Voters of Modesto under the leadership of its 
first president in 1947, Helen Pierce, to its current president, Julie 
Saugstad, has provided a driving force in our community to keep our 
voters abreast of the issues facing our local communities as well as 
the Nation. In the 1950's, the Modesto league began studying local 
government institutions under the leadership of Esther Beard Brack and 
Mary Johnson, founding members and former presidents. With the aid of 
former president, Thelma Van Overbeek, the league opened its first 
office. As the 1960's progressed, so did the league's involvement with 
issues on both the State and local levels. The work of then presidents 
Doris Scanlon and Irene Chadwick made it possible for the league to 
hold televised Candidate's Nights. In the 1970's, the league began 
holding a weekly television program to educate the community about 
pressing issues. In addition, it began printing its ever-popular Facts 
for Voters in both English and Spanish. At that time, the league worked 
under the direction of Connie Harris, Carole Davis, and Alita Roberts.
  The league of Modesto continued its work in the 1980's by actively 
participating in local activities. Local member Kenni Friedman went on 
to become president of the League of Women Voters of California. Former 
local presidents, Myrtle Osner, Dorothy Schmidt, Jean Hamp, and Lisa 
Howard along with the rest of the members brought the league into the 
1990's by their continued participation in government. The league can 
proudly reflect on two of its local members Councilmember Friedman of 
Modesto and Supervisor Pat Paul of Oakdale who have been elected to 
local government posts.
  The league has continued its original mission of providing voter 
service and education by its candidates forums, production of Facts for 
Voters, and the lobbying of government bodies.
  Mr. Speaker, on March 25, 1995, the League of Women Voters of Modesto 
will be recognized for its years of service at the Stanislaus County 
Commission for Women 16th Annual Outstanding Women Celebration. Since 
the inception of this annual event, 32 members of the league have been 
recognized as Outstanding Women.
  I am proud to represent such fine members of our community as well as 
to recognize the league for its invaluable service.


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