[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF STERLING PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, the most difficult and admirable public 
service is that which is closest to the people that one serves. While 
the office may be open only during part of the day, there are those 
frequent meetings with citizens at church, at school, at shopping 
centers, or at sporting events. People who serve in these posts are to 
be admired, and this weekend, the people of the charter township of 
Monitor will be recognizing 25 years of devoted public service from 
their treasurer, William Kramer.
  Elected in November, 1972, he has served continuously ever since. He 
has instituted professional recordkeeping in the treasurer's office, 
making sure that every dollar received or spent can meet a very 
demanding accounting. One of his most notable accomplishments is his 
work in the expansion of water and sewer service within the township. 
This was a most important undertaking, which required foresight and 
skilled management in order to make sure that this necessary project 
was implemented as frugally as possible.
  Bill has been able to maintain this post based on the simple fact 
that he is very responsive to the people of the community. He is known 
for his most helpful nature. He has always had a most positive manner 
of directing people to those officials who could help in those cases 
where the matter wasn't his immediate responsibility. As we all should 
know, when a constituent calls for assistance, it is our job to provide 
them with information which lead to their problem being solved. Those 
officials who simply prefer to say ``that's not my responsibility'' 
soon find out that their bureaucratic narrow-mindedness cost them their 
position of responsibility.
  Of course, Bill Kramer's careful management of money is no surprise 
to anyone who knows that for 35 years, up until 1977, he was a life 
insurance agent, who was a recognized sales achiever for many of his 
years. He learned early on the attention that people required when one 
deals with matters of finance, and he successfully carried forward that 
professional training as treasurer of Monitor Township.
  At the same time, he also served his community as an active member of 
St. Paul's Lutheran church, where he served as chairman of the 
congregation for several years.
  Mr. Speaker, public service done well is a model for all of us, and 
is an inspiration for those who may follow in years to come. I urge you 
and all of our colleagues to join me in congratulating Bill Kramer on 
his 25 years of service, and in wishing him the very best for the years 
to come.

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