[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 130 (Thursday, September 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JIM ARMSTRONG

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 1996

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute one of America's 
beloved former teachers and former mayors, James Armstrong of Torrance, 
CA.
  I call Mr. ``Mr. Mayor.'' I doubt anyone in Torrance would dispute 
that appellation. During his 6 years (1972-78) on the Torrance City 
Council and eight more as Mayor (1978-86), Jim oversaw Torrance's 
renaissance into a beautifical and modern city.
  Jim Armstrong is also an educator. He taught American Government at 
Torrance High from 1958 to 1986. Earlier in his career, he taught at 
Torrance Elementary School, where he was an inspiration to many 
generations of young people. Because of his influence, many of them 
have entered careers in which they too serve the community.
  Through the years and in retirement, Jim has remained active by 
serving in leadership roles with many non-profit community 
organizations including the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation, the 
Torrance Education Foundation, the Torrance YWCA Advisory Board, the 
Foundation of California State University Dominquez Hills and the 
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1981, the city's municipal 
theater was named the James Armstrong Theater.
  On September 21, the Torrance YWCA will be honoring Jim Armstrong as 
Man of the Year. I join with the YWCA and all the people of the South 
Bay by giving special recognition to our special friend.

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