[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         HONORING ESTHER KELLER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 1997

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak in praise of 
Esther Keller for her work and dedication to the people of the 17th 
Congressional District. Esther retired last month after 20 years of 
service and while I wish her the best, I will truly miss her. In fact, 
she was one of my first staff members when I was first elected to 
public office 20 years ago.
  She has worked hard and well and with little public recognition, 
except among the many she has helped. She gave constituents what they 
want and deserve most from government: Help with a problem they cannot 
solve themselves. She initially worked out of a trailer in Co-op City 
before we moved indoors to an office which I still maintain.
  Esther has been an integral part of my public life from the 
beginning. She worked long hours to help the people of the district, 
working with those who had difficulties with the Social Security system 
giving guidance when they could not find their way through the 
intricacies of the bureaucracy. She brought her own special kind of 
charm so that people who were receiving her help also felt comfortable.
  All Members of Congress know the value of a staff member who wants to 
help those in need of help. In the time Esther worked for me I came to 
appreciate her willingness and her determination to give her all to the 
constituents. She treated them as her own, using all of her ability to 
assure them that someone did care and would help. I salute her and wish 
her the very best in her retirement. I and all the people of the 17th 
Congressional District will miss her.

                          ____________________