[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 150 (Tuesday, October 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2250-E2251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO JANET BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 1998

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to my 
Administrative Assistant, Janet Brown. In a few short weeks Janet will 
be leaving my office for the greener, or perhaps whiter, pastures of 
Minnesota. Janet and her fiance, Don Kitson, are planning a wedding 
next year and will soon start the construction of their own airplane. I 
am certain that Don and Janet have a wonderful future ahead of them--if 
she can survive five years of working for me, she can survive at least 
fifty-five years of marriage with Don.
  We all recognize the importance of congressional staff. 
Unfortunately, far too many of them come and go on short notice. 
Fortunately for my office and the constituents of the Fourth 
Congressional District of Wisconsin, Janet has not simply come and 
gone. Instead, she has sacrificed herself for all of us, be it through 
long hours at the office, helpful advice to a colleague, or timely 
service for a constituent.
  Janet has been a model of perseverance and dedication. In 1993, Janet 
came to work for me as a Staff Assistant and she leaves as my 
Administrative Assistant. In those five years, Janet has held nearly 
every position in my office. I am sure there were many times Janet went 
home, frustrated after a long day at the office, determined to move on 
to another job. To her credit, Janet always returned the next day with 
a smile on her face, eager to work.
  Janet is also a breast cancer survivor. Instead of succumbing to this 
awful disease, Janet conquered it. She never doubted her ability to 
persevere, and she is stronger person for it. More important, Janet now 
lends her time to help other women who have been diagnosed with breast 
cancer.
  Because so many of our staff come and go, we get into a habit of 
thinking that staff are interchangeable parts--if someone leaves, 
another will step in and take their place. Some staffers do not stay in 
one place long enough to make an impression, others are harder to 
replace because of their special qualities. And there are a select few 
like Janet Brown who are never truly replaced.
  Because Janet has held nearly every position in my office and has 
faced such difficult challenges, the other members of my staff 
constantly turn to her in times of need. Persons new to the office look 
to her for advice, and veterans appreciate her unique ability to be 
both a colleague and friend. When Janet departs my staff in a few 
weeks, she will be leaving behind an office that is stronger because of 
her years of service.
  Janet has also become a close friend of my family. Just as the other 
staff members rely on her for help, so do we. Our dog and office mascot 
Colby will miss the hours of undivided attention he received from 
Janet. My wife and I truly appreciate all the times Janet has helped us 
through the last-minute emergencies and scheduling changes that are 
inherent to a career in Congress. Because of those times Janet will 
always have a special place in my heart and on my auto insurance 
record.
  Mr. Speaker, I and the entire staff are saying goodbye not only to a 
truly great professional, but a truly great friend as well. Janet, we 
wish you the best of luck and our deepest and most heartfelt thanks.

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