[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 3 (Thursday, January 29, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S236-S237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CHARLES H. CUFFELD

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a 
distinguished public servant upon his retirement as President Judge of 
the Philadelphia Traffic Court. Born and raised in Philadelphia, 
Charles Cuffeld devoted his life to the city. Charles will be sincerely 
missed not only for the vision and leadership he brought to his office, 
but also for his integrity and character.

[[Page S237]]

  On December 24, 1991, Governor Robert Casey appointed Charles 
President Judge of the Philadelphia Traffic Court. Charles became the 
first African-American President Judge to serve in either the Traffic 
Court or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior to this appointment, 
he had served as an elected Traffic Court judge since 1982.
  Early in his tenure, President Judge Cuffeld established goals to 
improve the Court's productivity, increase public accessibility, and 
foster public respect for the law. Most would agree that great strides 
were achieved in each of these areas. For instance, President Judge 
Cuffeld modernized the Court's operations. Internal communication was 
enhanced through technological improvements. A clear chain of command 
was established for the Traffic Court departments. Supervisors were 
educated on personnel regulations. Several departments were 
reorganized, and employees were cross-trained in all departments. Even 
the judges were sent to annual training and recertification programs. 
Likewise, the Traffic Court under President Judge Cuffeld developed 
working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, 
interdepartmental units, and the local media. Other initiatives made 
Traffic Court more accessible. Expanded payment operations, night 
court, motion court, and outreach court, in which surrounding 
neighborhood police stations hosted Traffic Court, were among these 
important programs. Finally, President Judge Cuffeld strengthened 
traffic law enforcement programs. In fact, some initiatives have been 
so successful that Canadian and other foreign officials have expressed 
interest in duplicating them.
  Beyond his judicial service, Charles has participated in many 
community-oriented organizations. He has served on the Mayor's Office 
of Community Services Advisory Board and the Boy Scouts Unity District 
Council. Currently, Charles is a member of the Salvation Army Advisory 
Board and a Director of Concerned Black Men, Inc. I am also very proud 
to note that Charles serves on my own Military Academy Review Board.
  An even more revealing testament of Charles' commitment to public 
service is the fact that organizations across the political and 
ideological spectrum have honored him. Both the V.F.W. and the 
N.A.A.C.P. named him Man of the Year. For outstanding community 
service, he received a Congressional Certificate of Merit. He is a two-
time recipient of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
Highway Safety Award. WCAU-TV Channel 10 presented him the Spirit of 
Philadelphia News Award. He has received a Certificate of Appreciation 
from the Philadelphia Police Department. Finally, Charles has also been 
honored with the North Philadelphia Youth Investment Award.
  In closing, Mr. President, Charles Cuffeld set a new standard for the 
Philadelphia Traffic Court. He worked to raise awareness of the law, to 
enforce the law, and to bring justice to the people. During his tenure 
as President Judge, Charles bought the same passion for the law to his 
work as an administrator. He skillfully modernized the court, handled 
personnel matters, ensured his judges kept up to date on legal 
developments, and improved communication operations. Equally important 
is the care and compassion he has shown for the community. Charles is 
the product of hard work, focused determination, and a strong sense of 
civic responsibility. He is a fine role model for those who have been 
fortunate enough to know him. As President Judge Charles Cuffeld 
retires from public life, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending 
the Senate's best wishes to him and his family.

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