[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1926-E1927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         GEORGE NEAVOLL MAKES THOUGHTFUL CONTRIBUTION TO MAINE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 1999

  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to George 
Neavoll, who edited the opinion pages of the Portland Press Herald and 
the Maine Sunday Telegram newspapers from 1991 until his retirement 
earlier this month. His readers, myself included, know that he leaves 
behind very large shoes to fill.
  In the words of his colleagues, George Neavoll ``set an 
unapologetically upbeat tone for the opinion pages, wrote extensively 
about the State's environment and worked to create a consciousness 
among Mainers that they live in the Atlantic Rim region.''
  During his time as editorial page editor, Mr. Neavoll championed many 
causes and highlighted problems in need of attention. From management 
of our fisheries and protection of our air, land, and water, to the 
return of passenger rail service in Maine and the need for improved 
East-West travel routes in our State, George Neavoll enhanced public 
discourse and made us think.
  He also opened up the editorial board meetings to the public, and 
redesigned the editorial pages to provide more space for letters to the 
editor and more opportunity for local residents to submit columns.
  Throughout his 30-year career in the newspaper business, Mr. Neavoll 
was recognized for his commitment to excellence numerous times. He 
received awards for writing, particularly in the areas of environmental 
protection and human rights. He received a Global Media Award from The 
Population Institute in 1996; a Human Rights Award from the Portland 
chapter of Amnesty International in 1995; and the first Portland Bias 
Crime Task Force's Diversity Bridge Building Award in 1995.

[[Page E1927]]

  Although originally from Oregon, his obvious love for Maine and his 
concern for its people make George Neavoll a true Mainer. His impact on 
public policy, civic life and political dialogue will be remembered and 
appreciated for many years to come. I join his many friends and 
colleagues in offering George and his wife, Laney, best wishes for the 
future. They have made Maine a better place, and they richly deserve 
this opportunity to travel and spend time with their children.

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