[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 139 (Wednesday, October 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO JUANITA GITTINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 1997

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of a woman who I have 
had the pleasure to work with and know. A woman who has dedicated 13 
years of service to the people of St. Clair County. On September 30, 
1997, Juanita Gittings retired from her position as director of St. 
Clair County Family Independence Agency. Her friends and colleagues 
will honor Juanita with a retirement roast on October 10, 1997.
  Throughout the years, I have had the pleasure to work with Juanita. I 
have always thought of Juanita as a problem solver and strong leader. 
She is a decisive, cooperative, intelligent, and a dedicated team 
player. Juanita's participation on various community boards gave her 
the insight to meet the needs of the people within St. Clair County. 
Since 1984, Juanita has been a witness to many changes in policy. She 
has used her abilities to work with the various government agencies to 
implement programs that will benefit families and individuals in need.
  Juanita has always been willing to help neglected and abused children 
and people who were affected by poverty. Yet through her compassion and 
understanding, Juanita empowered people to get their lives back on the 
right track. Juanita knew that ultimately people had to help 
themselves. Her job was to give them the tools that they needed to be 
self sufficient. For these reasons, Juanita was awarded the Public 
Citizen of the Year Award for 1997.
  St. Clair County has been lucky to have a leader like Juanita 
Gittings. Few people give to their community the same time and energy 
that Juanita has given to hers. Juanita's commitment and contributions 
have touched the lives of many people. On behalf of the citizens of St. 
Clair County, I would like to thank Juanita for all of her hard work 
and dedication.

                          ____________________