[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PATSY WATKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 1998

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Mrs. Patsy Watkins, who 
is retiring as Director of the Shelby County Board of Elections.
  Patsy Watkins has served the citizens of Shelby County on the Board 
of Elections for the past 17 years. In addition to her duties at the 
Board of Elections, Patsy has served on Congressman Mike Oxley's 
service academy review board and as chairperson of the Shelby County 
Republican Central Committee. On top of all this, she finds the time to 
be a loving, devoted wife, mother and friend.
  Patsy is a quiet leader and confidante to many. While representing 
Shelby County, I have appreciated her words of wisdom and her 
friendship. She has never been shy about telling it like it is.
  Abraham Lincoln said, ``A good leader avoids issuing orders, 
preferring to request, imply or make suggestions.'' Like Abe Lincoln, 
Patsy Watkins attained success, admiration and a positive image by 
practicing these principles. Patsy proved to be an effective leader; 
choosing a subtle, softer path rather than a heavy-handed approach. For 
this reason, among others, Patsy has become the backbone of the 
Republican Party in Shelby County.
  It is no coincidence Shelby County voters are energized. Through 
Patsy's leadership and hard work, Shelby County has enjoyed Republican 
success in recent years. She has worked to promote conservative values 
and elect those who share her vision for better government. Congressman 
Mike Oxley, who represented the citizens of Shelby County prior to 1992 
said, ``Patsy epitomizes the Republican Party in Shelby County.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and admiration that I rise to 
recognize Patsy Watkins for her service to the citizens of Shelby 
County. For those of us who know her for service to her community, we 
are grateful. For those of us who are fortunate to call Patsy friend, 
may God bless her with a long and fruitful retirement.

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