[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E69]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    JUDGE PENZIEN: GUILTY AS CHARGED

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, in our system of government where 
legislatures pass laws, executives sign them, and courts interpret and 
apply them, we need to be very appreciative of the dedicated jurists 
who take the task of judging disputes between society and individuals, 
or simply between individuals. The people of Bay County, MI, my home 
county, have had the good fortune to be served by a very dedicated man, 
Bay County Circuit Judge Eugene C. Penzien, who is retiring after 
nearly 40 years of effort in a stellar legal career.
  Judge Penzien began private general practice in 1958 with former 
prosecuting attorney and district and circuit court judge, Ira 
Butterfield, as well as David Skinner. After 11 years, he became the 
first full-time Bay County prosecuting attorney until 1978. He first 
became circuit judge in 1979 and also served as chief judge between 
1979 and 1982.
  During his tenure, he became a personally important individual to 
literally thousands of Bay County residents. Having rendered over 
22,000 decisions from the bench, there is no doubt that this fine 
jurist has left his mark on Bay County. But while some people think 
that the courtroom is always as dramatic as television portrays, many 
are quite appreciative of the fact that throughout his time as a 
circuit court judge that Judge Penzien has encouraged people to meet in 
chambers to reach amicable agreement in a quick and less onerous 
fashion than a protracted court fight which may ultimately be no better 
than the settlement.
  His membership in numerous professional organizations, including the 
Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan and its coordinating 
council, as well as his chairmanship of the Bay County Law Enforcement 
Council only begin to describe his civil commitment. He has been 
involved with the American Cancer Society Bay County Chapter, the Bay 
Area Child Guidance Clinic, the Bay City Kiwanis Club, the Bay County 
Mental Health Society, the Bay City YMCA, and the First United 
Methodist Church.
  He has provided an admirable role model to the people of Bay County. 
He has done so with the support of his wonderful wife Mary, his 
children Karla and Douglas, and his step-children Stephen Chick and 
Caroline Arnold. And now his grandchildren Jessica Richards and 
Kimberly Penzien, and his grandchild Daishelle Richards, can learn more 
about what justice is supposed to be from a man who has worked a 
lifetime to provide it.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and all of our colleagues to join me in 
thanking Bay County Circuit Court Judge Eugene C. Penzien for his years 
of service, and in wishing him the very best for the challenges that 
lie ahead.

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