[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ANDERSON COMMUNITY RESOURCES SUMMIT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 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 selves 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, Bill Raymore, Dr. William O'Neill, and Rev. 
Louis Burgess.
  All of these people 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 actions 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 services, but do 
something to solve the problems.
  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.
  Responsibility was taken serious.
  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, Rudy Porter of the mayor's office, and 
Bill Raymore of the Urban League, both lent their leadership and 
influence to contribute to the summit's success.
  Also Dr. William O'Neal, the assistant superintendent of Anderson 
community schools, implemented a mentor program for seniors in high 
school.
  A mentor program that will help guide them through the difficult life 
choices they will fare after graduation.
  Caroline O'Neal is currently helping Tiffany Haskins, a senior at 
Madison Heights High School, through the confusing process of applying 
for a college.
  So today let me also commend; Rev. Louis Burgess, Jr., who 
coordinated with Jeff Weightman at Star Financial Bank to make banking 
services more comfortable and encourage low- to moderate-income 
African-Americans to open their own businesses.
  Darrin Clay, Shannon Fuller, and Derrick Newsom are three young 
citizens who took advantage of this opportunity and opened their own 
small business, the Phade Factory.
  The Phade Factory is a barber shop and beauty salon in Anderson.
  The Lead Coordinator's valuable time, prayers, strength, and efforts, 
are commendable.
  Everyone who participated in the community resources summit are 
Hoosier heroes.
  Mr. Speaker, that concludes my report from Indiana.
  Names to be entered into the Record: Bill Watson, Bruce Walker, Ollie 
Dixon, James Burgess, Larry Burns, and Lennon Brown.

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