[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ROSE TUCKER HONORED

                                 ______


                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 1996

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to pay tribute 
to my good friend and a distinguished community leader, Mrs. Rose 
Tucker. Mrs. Tucker has just completed a term as a member of the 
Luzerne County Board of Commissioners and will be honored for her 
service at a testimonial on March 1, 1996. It is my deep honor to join 
the many friends and colleagues of this extraordinary woman, who has 
earned a very special place in the history of Luzerne County.
  Rose Tucker hails from my hometown, Nanticoke, PA. With a strong 
northeastern PA. With a strong northeastern Pennsylvanian upbringing 
and education, Rose committed much of her life to serving her 
community. At the beginning of her long career, Rose was at the 
forefront of providing much needed services to migrant workers in 
northeastern Pennsylvania. In 1973, she became a human services planner 
for the United Services Agency. Her interests then led her to become 
the executive director of the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Drug and Alcohol 
Abuse Program. In 1979, Rose initiated and implemented the Community 
Cancer Corp. of Luzerne County under the auspices of the Luzerne County 
Medical Society. In 1982, Rose proved her business acumen by owning and 
operating a successful travel agency in Pittston, PA.
  During this time, Rose furthered her commitment to ensuring health 
care for northeastern and central Pennsylvanians. In 1989, Rose became 
the director of public affairs for the Maternal and Health Services 
Corp. which cares for individuals and families in 15 counties 
throughout the region.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1992 Rose Tucker took on her greatest challenge. She 
sought and was elected to the board of commissioners of Luzerne County. 
A year later, she was elected to chair the board. As one of the three 
chief executives of Luzerne County, Rose faced the challenge of 
governing a county confronting many difficult decisions. As an advocate 
of economic development in the region, Rose was responsible for 
bringing new jobs and opportunities to the county. She understood the 
importance of changing the coal town image of our area and preparing 
the county for the 21st century. Rose managed to exert strong 
leadership while maintaining her close connection to the people of 
Luzerne County, and her dedication to the people she served is greatly 
appreciated. She is truly a beloved public figure.
  Mr. Speaker, I have known Rose Tucker for many years and consider 
myself fortunate to be included among her many friends. While facing 
the daily challenges of elected office, Rose endured the agony of 
watching her husband, Leonard, battle cancer. My wife Nancy and I 
joined Rose, her friends, and family in mourning his passing.
  I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to pay tribute to the 
career of this distinguished public servant. It has been my pleasure to 
bring Rose's many accomplishments to the attention of my colleagues. 
The entire community thanks Rose Tucker for a job well done, and wishes 
her the very best.

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