[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN APPRECIATION OF KITTY ST. GEORGE

 Mr. COATS. Mr. President, ours is too often a cynical age. 
When we hear the phrase ``public servant'' we have come to think of 
cartoon characters, much like those depicted 100 years ago: Overblown 
figures in dark suits wearing top hats, spats, and smoking cigars. 
These were people on the take and on the make; serving the public was 
far from their minds.
  While the scourge of widespread cynicism is unfortunately alive and 
well in our Nation, so too is countervailing spirit of truly tireless 
public service. That is good news, very good news, indeed.
  As U.S. Senators, our first duty is to the people: To represent their 
interests, to listen to their opinions, to do what is in the best 
interest of our country and our States by taking into consideration 
what our constituents believe. Service, truly dedicated public service, 
is our mission and our call.
  To meet that goal, we must have around us people of like mind, people 
who are unapologetically committed to high ideals, people who are 
principled, and who have a sense of moral imagination.
  For more than half my time in public life, and from my first day as a 
Member of the House of Representatives, I have been privileged and 
deeply honored to have work for me in my Fort Wayne regional office a 
woman named Kitty St. George.
  Kitty is the beau ideal of public service. She is committed. She is 
dedicated. She has worked many 7-day weeks. She is cheerful. She is 
unfailingly kind.
  We have shared many laughs. We have shared a few tears. And through 
it all, Kitty has been the Webster's Dictionary definition of a 
gentlelady. Would it were there were more public servants of Kitty's 
caliber.
  As Senators, we are often placed on a pedestal as opinion-makers and 
opinion-leaders. It can be a heady place to spend part of your life.
  But what makes it so meaningful, at least in large measure, is to be 
able to take away from your constituents, your colleagues, and your 
staff some glimpse of joy and contentment.
  From Kitty, I take away a deeper sense of dedication, a renewed sense 
of hope, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to find the winsome 
in everyday life.
  As Kitty prepares to move from Indiana to the warmer climes of the 
South, I wish her much love and Godspeed.

                          ____________________