[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       INVESTIGATING FOR FAIRNESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend Jay 
Brandow, an outstanding individual from my hometown of Bay City. For 
the past 12 years Jay has been an investigative reporter for WNEM-TV 5. 
Jay is not only an exceptional reporter but also a true asset to the 
community. His superb reporting has provided information that has 
enlightened and greatly impacted our community, our State, and our 
Nation.
  I have had the pleasure of knowing Jay for many years. I first knew 
him when I was a Michigan State Senator. The stories Jay investigated 
and reported have uncovered several critical issues in our community. 
Although many of his stories were significant, his Bancroft-Eddy story 
truly stands out. This news story revealed the terrible and unsafe 
public housing that was existing in our own community.
  Jay's investigative reporting helped bring attention to the low-
income public housing that was being subsidized by the Department of 
Federal Housing and Urban Development. The apartment buildings were 
unsafe, unclean, and hazardous to its tenants. The condition of the 
complex was alarming. His relentless investigation and reporting, 
resulted in a critical investigation into the housing condition of the 
Bancroft-Eddy complex. This official investigation by both the Michigan 
State Housing Development Authority and the Department of Housing and 
Urban Development resulted in effective efforts to improve this public 
housing. Jay's determination brought him to Washington DC to meet with 
HUD officials as well as myself, in my capacity as the fifth district 
Congressman. He was willing to go that extra mile to thoroughly 
investigate and demand improvement. Mr. Brandow's superior 
investigation and reporting skills forced the State and Federal 
Government to improve the Bancroft-Eddy housing complex in Saginaw, MI.
  Mr. Brandow should be proud of his efforts. Our community now has 
safe, clean, and livable low-income housing for those individuals and 
families who are truly in need of help. Jay's investigation and 
reporting proved that he is not only an outstanding reporter, but that 
he cares for the less fortunate in our society.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and all of our colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Jay Brandow as he is presented an award from the Tri-
County Fair Housing Commission. We wish him the best for the new 
challenges ahead.

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