[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HOOSIER HERO'S--ANDERSON COMMUNITY RESOURCES SUMMIT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my report from 
Indiana. All across Indiana, my wife Ruthie and I have met so many 
wonderful, kind, and caring people.
  These are people who strive day and night to make a difference. In my 
book, these individuals are Hoosier heros. Heros in every sense of the 
word, because of their commitment to others.
  Picture if you will, concerned citizens rolling up their sleeves and 
taking the responsibility to make their community a better place to 
live.
  Today, I commend each and everyone involved with the community 
resources summit, in Anderson, IN. People like, Rudy Porter, from Mayor 
Lawler's office, Bill Raymore of the Urban League, Lennon Brown, Bill 
Watson, and Ollie Dixon have rolled up their sleeves and got involved. 
These are special people.
  Over a year ago, citizens who were concerned about the problems in 
the black community in Anderson, IN, came together to identify the 
concerns that plague their streets, harm their people, and impact their 
neighborhoods. These citizens of Anderson identified 86 areas of 
concern.
  At a later summit meeting, those concerns were consolidated to a 
little more than 20 action areas. Important issues ranging from crime, 
violence, race, the environment, care of the elderly, safety, and 
education.
  Citizens were asked to do more than pay lip service, but do something 
to solve the problems. And I'm proud to say that my staff and I joined 
in their effort.
  We signed up for care of the elderly, and we held over 83 senior 
outreach meetings across the second district. We held more than 33 
senior outreach meetings in Madison County.
  At each meeting we answered questions and addressed concerns about 
Medicare and Social Security. At leadership meetings individuals signed 
their names to concern areas. Then they were asked to come back months 
later and deliver a progress report on their efforts.
  What transpired, was truly amazing. The responsibility was taken 
seriously. Commitments were made to help others, solve problems, and 
clean up the streets from crime, drugs, and violence. So many special 
people worked day and night to help those less fortunate in Anderson.
  So many wonderful people like James Burgess and Dr. William O'Neill, 
the assistant superintendent of Anderson community schools, have taken 
the responsibility to make our community a better place.
  So today let me commend a few of the lead coordinators; Larry Burns 
with Concerned Citizens, Bruce Walker, and Rev. Louis Burgess, Jr., for 
their valuable time, prayers, strength, and efforts.
  Everyone who participated in the community resources summit are 
Hoosier heros. Mr. Speaker, that concludes my report from Indiana.

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