[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 28, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    JUDICIAL ACTIVISM AT ITS FINEST

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                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, it is a terrible tragedy when innocent 
children are neglected or abused, especially if it is by a person they 
know such as their parent, relative or friend. My heart breaks each 
time I hear of a needless death or injury to a defenseless child. 
People who intervene in cases of abuse and neglect are a special breed.
  One of my constituents, Judge Karen Tighe, is being honored October 
29, 1997, by the Child Abuse and Neglect Council for her continued 
efforts to resolve these terrible situations and improve the quality of 
life for many children. The goal of the Child Abuse and Neglect Council 
is to end the suffering of children throughout Bay County. No one 
deserves this award more than Judge Karen Tighe for her tireless 
efforts to end the cycle of abuse and neglect.
  A 1972 graduate of the University of Michigan, Judge Tighe pursued a 
law degree and graduated from the Detroit College of Law in 1976. Her 
life long commitment to helping abused and neglected children sprung to 
life when she worked for Neighborhood Legal Services in Detroit. Upon 
graduation, while many of her classmates took jobs with large firms, 
she took a full time job with Neighborhood Legal Services where she had 
volunteered countless hours during law school.
  In 1977, Judge Tighe accepted a position as Assistant Prosecutor in 
Bay County. Shortly thereafter, she accepted the Assistant Friend of 
the Court position and in 1983 she started hearing domestic relations 
matters as a referee. Named Acting Circuit Court Administrator by her 
colleagues in 1990, Judge Tighe continued to defend the rights of 
children while overseeing the 40 employee court. Judge Tighe was 
elected Probate Judge in 1994.
  While protecting the rights of children as an attorney and judge, she 
found time to further her goal to end family violence. Judge Tighe 
spent 5 years as a board member of the Bay County Women's Center and 4 
years as President of the Bay County League of Democratic Women and 
Men. She was appointed to serve 2 years by the Governor on the Michigan 
board of Psychology. Judge Tighe also spent 2 years as Instructor of 
Family Law at Delta College and 2 years as Vice-Chair of the Michigan 
Family Support Council.
  She could not have dedicated so much time and effort without the love 
and support of her husband, Thomas E. Bock, a local attorney and former 
City Commissioner and their 12-year-old daughter Sarah.
  Mr. Speaker, if we want citizens who are absolutely driven by the 
concept of community and family, then we must continue to recognize 
individuals like Judge Karen Tighe. I ask you and all of our colleagues 
to join me in wishing Judge Tighe good fortune in all her future 
endeavors.




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