[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 161 (Monday, December 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THANK YOU, HELEN LEMANSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, it is the people who work in local 
government who make things happen. They deal with the needs of our 
constituents on a face-to-face basis, each and every day. They are 
required to deal with difficult problems at work, and because they are 
so accessible around the community, they often deal with them at times 
when they are away from the office. Huron County is about to lose a 
most capable official when Helen Lemanski, the county clerk, retires 
from her post as county clerk on December 20.
  Helen has worked for Huron County for 44 years, having been county 
clerk for the past 17 years. In fact, Helen's attention to detail and 
performance have been so daunting that she has been unopposed in her 
campaign for county clerk in four out of five of her elections.
  Helen Lemanski was responsible for computerization of the country's 
records. The official records of births, deaths, voter registration, 
the circuit court, and all other public records important to the 
community were maintained by her, and greatly facilitated by her 
computerization efforts. If any resident of the county needs official 
information, they can easily get it because of her.
  And, of course, it is also easier to get information because of the 
type of person that Helen Lemanski has been. No one ever goes without 
assistance. She always works to be sure that a resident gets the help 
they need. She assists local township clerks in performing their 
responsibilities to be sure that there is effective cooperation between 
township and county offices. The people of Huron County have been 
fortunate to have had the assistance of Helen and the fine support 
staff she has trained and nurtured.
  Her work for the county has been exemplary, particularly in her 
record of attendance. Very rarely does Helen ever miss a day of work. 
And when she does, it is either because she is unquestionably ill, or 
because she is spending time with her daughter Bobbi, who has returned 
home for a visit. This woman is truly a model for both a good official, 
and a good mother.
  Mr. Speaker, this institutional memory will surely be missed in the 
halls of Huron County government. I urge you and all of our colleagues 
to join me in wishing Helen, and her husband Bob, the very best in her 
retirement, and good fortune in all that life still holds for her.

                          ____________________