[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 167 (Thursday, October 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO JUSTICE ANDREW DOUGLAS: A TRUE CHAMPION

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 1995

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, the Cleveland AFL-CIO, one of our strongest 
labor organizations, annually hosts a special reception to honor public 
officials who are considered champions of working men and women. I was 
proud to be selected by the AFL-CIO for this honor in 1994. On October 
30, 1995, members of the AFL-CIO will gather at Thee Old Factory in 
Cleveland for the 1995 reception. This year, the Cleveland AFL-CIO will 
honor Andrew Douglas, an individual who has utilized the high court to 
champion the cause of justice and fairness.
  I am proud to join Cleveland AFL-CIO President, Frank Valenta, and 
Executive Director, Dick Acton, in saluting Ohio Supreme Court Justice 
Andrew Douglas. As the Cleveland AFL-CIO prepares to honor this 
distinguished individual, I want to share some information regarding 
Justice Douglas with my colleagues in this Chamber and others 
throughout the Nation.
  In November of 1984, Andrew Douglas was elected to the Supreme Court 
of Ohio. He was reelected to a second term in 1990 with one of the 
largest victory margins in State history. During his tenure on the 
bench, Justice Douglas has been a staunch defender of the Constitution. 
He is known on the Court as the absolutist in the area of the first 
amendment. Above all, he is a fair and compassionate jurist.
  Mr. Speaker, prior to his election to Ohio's highest court, Andrew 
Douglas was judge of the Sixth District Court of Appeals. His career 
has also included 20 years of practicing law as a partner with the firm 
of Winchester and Douglas. Additionally, Andrew Douglas made Ohio 
history in 1961 when he became the youngest person elected to the 
Toledo city council. He served as a member of the Council for 19 years. 
He is also a former special counsel to the attorney general of Ohio.
  Justice Douglas is highly respected throughout the state. His 
memberships include the Toledo, Lucas County, and Ohio State Bar 
Associations. He is a member of the American Judicature Society, the 
Ohio State Bar Association, and the International Institute.
  Justice Douglas is also the recipient of awards and honors which 
recognize his untiring dedication and commitment. He was recognized by 
the Ohio Public Employees Lawyers Association for his vigilant 
protection of the rights of the working men and women of Ohio. He is 
the recipient of the Equal Rights Award from the Ohio Employment 
Lawyers Association, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the 
University of Toledo. Justice Douglas has also been honored by the Ohio 
Hispanic Institute of Opportunity, Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, the 
Toledo Police Patrolman's Association, and the National Association of 
Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, just to name a few.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join the Cleveland AFL-CIO, his colleagues 
on the bench, and his many friends in saluting Supreme Court Justice 
Andrew Douglas. He is a true champion and role model. I am honored to 
count him as a friend and associate. He is an exceptional individual 
whom I take pride in saluting on this special occasion.

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