[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN CHIANG

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 1999

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to John Chiang, a dear 
friend who this year is the recipient of the Legislator of the Year 
Award from the San Fernando Valley Democratic Party. While I am 
naturally delighted that John has been selected to receive this 
prestigious award, I can't say I'm surprised. John is one of the most 
intelligent, thoughtful and generous people I have ever had the 
pleasure to know. His wide circle of friends and admirers can attest to 
his easygoing charm and strong feelings of empathy.
  The explanation for John's success in politics is simple; he works 
very hard, and he is true to himself. People who meet John invariably 
want to become part of his team.
  John's award from the San Fernando Valley Democratic Party is even 
more impressive when you consider that he was first elected to office 
only six months ago. In 1997, he was named Acting Member of the 
California State Board of Equalization. He replaced Brad Sherman, who 
was elected to Congress.
  John immersed himself in the difficult and politically unpopular job 
of administering tax policy in California. It says a lot about John 
that his popularity has actually increased as he has served in this 
particular post. In 1998, John ran for election to a four-year term on 
the Board. He won handily in a difficult primary, and then followed 
that with a smashing victory in the general election. John is now 
widely regarded as someone with a very bright future in politics.
  John is a dedicated public servant, who has become involved with many 
distinguished organizations and causes. He is a Board Member of Los 
Angeles Nonprofit Planning Council, an Advisory Council Member of Big 
Sisters of Los Angeles, and a volunteer attorney for the Los Angeles 
County Bar Association Hospice AIDS Project. John's many awards for 
community service include the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance 
Community Service Award and the State Bar of California Board of 
Governors Pro Bono Service Award.
  In the past few months, I have been tremendously impressed by the 
strength of John, his brothers Robert and Roger, and his mother, Judy, 
in coping with the loss of their beloved sister and daughter, Joyce. 
Joyce served as an intern in my San Fernando Valley office, and was a 
member of my Washington staff from 1992-95. I know how much John and 
the rest of the Chiang family miss Joyce, who was a very special young 
woman.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting John Chiang, whose 
selflessness and compassion inspire us all. I am proud to be his 
friend.

                          ____________________