[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E80]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO FLORA WALKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 19, 1999

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ms. Flora Walker, Past 
President of Michigan's American Federation of State, County and 
Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 25 on the occasion of her 
retirement.
  Flo Walker has served this organization as President with dedication 
and devotion for the past six years, and will be honored at a 
retirement tribute on January 29, 1999. While at the helm she has 
contributed to building a strong and united statewide Council, and 
forgoing a renewal of solidarity and unity of purpose.
  Under Flo Walker's leadership, numerous programs and initiatives were 
developed which look toward the 21st century. These include 
streamlining and updating the Arbitration Department; overhauling the 
entire Council 25's legal operation; adding more Council servicing 
staff and new computer equipment, and developing a new Web page.
  Flo Walker has led the Council in the purchase of an additional 
building in Flint, the Organizing Annex, and the former Chamber of 
Commerce Building in Detroit. The Detroit building includes an 
auditorium, and a radio/television studio.
  And the list goes on with the expansion of Council 25's Education 
Department, offering seminars and workshops for its members, and 
instituting an annual charitable golf outing to benefit the Mental 
Health Association. Ms. Walker has also led efforts to increase voter 
awareness and participation in the electoral process.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our 
gratitude to Flora Walker for so much that has been accomplished under 
her presidency, and to wish her good health and happiness for the 
future.

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