[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 183 (Friday, November 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            RENA BAUMGARTNER

                                 ______


                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 17, 1995

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a personal 
friend of mine who has become one of northeastern Pennsylvania's most 
important and influential political and community leaders, Rena 
Baumgartner. I am proud to have been asked to participate in a tribute 
to Rena and to be able to tell my colleagues of her contributions and 
accomplishments.
  As an active member of her community, Rena has participated in 
numerous clubs and organizations which work diligently to promote the 
betterment of and ensure safety to the general public. Rena has worked 
with the West End Ambulance and West End Fire Company Auxiliaries as 
well as the Polk Township Fire Company Auxiliary. She is a member of 
the Exchange Club of the Pocono Mountain. In addition to these 
organizations and others, Rena remains an active member in the United 
Effort Methodist Church.
  Rena may be best known for her leadership positions within the 
Democratic Party organization. Since 1968 Rena has been active in the 
political arena, beginning as a Democratic township committee person. 
From that position, Rena graduated to become the Assistant Secretary of 
the Monroe County Democratic Committee and eventually the Chairperson 
of the Monroe County Democratic Committee, a position which she still 
holds today.
  Rena's involvement in the Democratic Party was not limited to local 
politics. On the statewide level, Rena was appointed Deputy Chairperson 
of the Democratic State Party and in 1984 was made Vice-Chair of the 
party.
  On the national level, her involvement in the Democratic Party is 
deserving of even more recognition. Rena has been a member of the 
Democratic National Committee since 1979 and has taken a leading role 
in every national election since becoming a member. During the last 
three presidential elections she served as a delegate to the Democratic 
National Conventions. She has served on the executive committee of the 
Democratic National Womens Caucus and has been the Treasurer and 
Secretary of the Democratic National Committee's Eastern Regional 
Caucus. Presently, Rena is helping to select the delegation which will 
be sent to the 1996 Democratic National Convention. No one can question 
Rena's commitment to the Democratic Party.
  Certainly, an accomplishment that Rena can be extremely proud of is 
her family. With her husband William, Rena has raised two wonderful 
children, her daughter Robin and her son Bryan. In addition to having 
such a positive role on her own children, Rena is also able to play an 
active role in the upbringing of her two grandsons. Throughout all of 
her other undertakings Rena managed to keep her family at the center of 
her attention and in a position of importance above everything.
  Mr. Speaker, my close friend Rena Baumgartner has been a caring 
mother and wife. She also has been a strong leader in her community and 
throughout Monroe County. Finally, Rena Baumgartner has been a true 
leader in the Democratic Party. I salute and thank Rena for everything 
she has contributed to the betterment of northeastern Pennsylvania and 
the Democratic Party.

                          ____________________