[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 70 (Wednesday, June 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. WALTER PORTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 1998

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Walter James 
Porter a founding member of the Rotary Club of Southeast San Diego, a 
retired educator, community activist and ``all-around good guy!''
  Dr. Porter and his wife Betty, also a retired educator of 
distinction, have served the community of San Diego with dedication and 
compassion for many years. While Dr. Porter's career was in the field 
of education, he is also widely known for his many civic and social 
contributions.
  Dr. Porter was a early founder of the San Diego County Human 
Relations Commission, and the San Diego Chapter of the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People. His early political 
involvement began as a staff member to then California State 
Assemblymember Peter R. Chacon and later as an associate of such 
important California political figures as former Congressmen Mervyn 
Dymally, Gus Hawkins, and State Senator Bill Green.
  Dr. Porter has always been in the forefront of grassroots political 
organizations in the community. Most recently, he joined the Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. Democratic Club, of which he is a charter member.
  With his very busy schedule, he still finds the time to contribute to 
such worthy community organizations as ``100 Black Men'' and the very 
prestigious Alpha Pi Boule of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, which 
consists of a sterling body of professionals that represent some of the 
best and brightest minds in my Congressional District.
  However, Dr. Walter Porter's most glowing accomplishments in the 
educational field continue to be the brightest star in his galaxy of 
achievements. His pioneering efforts during the era of the Model Cities 
Program, most significantly marked by the opening of the Educational 
Cultural Complex, today stand as a testament to his ingenuity.
  On Friday, June 5, 1998 during an evening of light-hearted fun, 
friends, associates and community leaders in conjunction with the 
Rotary Club of Southeast San Diego, will sponsor a roast in his honor, 
Dr. Walter Porter is more than a versatile jazz aficionado, and more 
than the visionary of Adult and College Education. Dr. Walter Porter is 
this community's icon of professionalism and leadership!

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