[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 2 (Thursday, January 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E17-E18]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A CHAMPION OF ECONOMIC JUSTICE

                                 ______


                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 1996

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to former 
Seattle Councilman Sam Smith who passed away November 16, 1995. Sam 
Smith was born July 21, 1922, on a farm just outside of Gibsland, LA. 
He entered the U.S. Army in 1942, was assigned to a post in Seattle, 
and achieved the rank of warrant officer. After World War II, he 
married his high school sweetheart, Marion, and together they raised 
six children. Sam earned a degree in social science from Seattle 
University in 1951, and a degree in economics from the University of 
Washington in 1952. He entered politics in 1956, and was elected to the 
Washington State Legislature in 1958, representing the 37th Legislative 
District of Washington for five terms until 1967. Sam then was elected 
to the Seattle City Council. He was the 

[[Page E18]]
council's first black member, and he served on the council for 24 
years.
  What made Sam Smith one of the finest elected officials to hold 
office in Seattle? Was it his insistence that he answer his own 
telephone with the familiar and friendly, ``This is Sam''? Or his warm 
smile and greeting of ``Hi, neighbor'' to all he encountered on his 
regular strolls through the neighborhoods of Seattle? Was it his keen 
political skills that found answers to problems when others could not? 
Or was it his unique ability to bring opposing sides together to find 
common ground?
  Yes, Sam Smith will be remembered for the way he answered his phone, 
greeted people on the streets, found answers and not excuses. However, 
he also is remembered as a champion of economic justice. Sam Smith 
addressed issues in a direct, thoughtful, and dedicated manner, at a 
time in our country's history when talk of fair housing and fair 
employment opportunities for minorities and the working poor too often 
was met with ignorance and indifference. He is remembered as someone 
who lifted as he climbed. Sam Smith was among the fathers of the robust 
diversity that distinguishes Seattle politics nationally. Many city, 
county, and State public officials attribute their opportunities to Sam 
and the avenues he opened for them.
  Mr. Speaker, the city of Seattle mourns the loss of Sam Smith, 
someone who dedicated his life to public service, who greeted one and 
all with warmth and respect, and who, above all, cared about his 
neighbors.

                          ____________________