[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 134 (Wednesday, October 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO DARRELL W. OPFER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 6, 1999

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the lifelong 
contributions that Representative Darrell W. Opfer has made to Ohio and 
more specifically, the Fifty-Third Ohio House District. For the last 
seven years, Darrell has been the epitome of a public servant in the 
Ohio House of Representatives. He works tirelessly to represent both 
Ohio and his district to the best of his ability, and for this we are 
greatly indebted. On behalf of Ohio's lawmakers and citizens, I am 
pleased and honored to pay tribute to this outstanding leader.
  Born and raised Elmore, Ohio, Darrell has been a resident of Ottawa 
County and the Fifty-Third district his entire life. After completing 
bachelor's and master's degrees from Bowling Green State University, he 
entered the Peace Corps as a volunteer school teacher, instructing 
schoolchildren in East Africa. Upon his return, he spent sixteen years 
teaching high school government and social studies at Genova High 
School.
  Darrell began his political career by serving as an Ottawa County 
Commissioner for ten years. During this time, he helped form the Ottawa 
County Visitors Bureau and the Community Improvement Corporation. These 
organizations have improved the quality of life in his district, as 
each implemented programs to create more jobs and support local 
businesses.
  Darrell was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives, where 
during his first term he became known for his bipartisanship. During 
his tenure in the Ohio General Assembly, he was a member of the 
Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Finance and Appropriations 
Committee, Local Government and Townships Committee and Veteran's 
Affairs Committee. He was also the ranking minority member of the 
Agriculture and Development Subcommittee. In his last two terms in 
office, he was dedicated to bringing about electric deregulation, 
attempting to meet the needs of schools, local government, industry, 
customers, and public utilities. Through his career Darrell passed a 
remarkable amount of legislation, personally sponsoring 30 bills and 
co-sponsoring 718 others. During his years of service in Columbus, he 
never missed a session of the Ohio House of Representatives and never 
missed a vote. In 1991, he earned the Outstanding Chief Elected 
Official Award, presented by Ohio Training Directors Council. His 
steadfast dedication in representing his district as an Ohio House 
Member was only interrupted by state mandated term limits.
  Darrell has always been wise counsel to other elected officials and 
community leaders, quietly building coalitions on issues, bringing 
various points of view together in discussions, and offering his 
expertise with myriad concerns. Throughout his years as a Commissioner 
and State Representative, I have sought his advice many times and know 
him to be a man possessed of great skill and a wealth of knowledge. He 
has truly been an invaluable resource for all Ohioans and for us in 
Northwest Ohio.
  Upon Darrell Opfer's retirement from the State House, the prosperity 
of Ottawa County and jobs for its residents continue to drive his 
ambitions. After careful consideration, he accepted the position of 
director of Ottawa County's economic development program. He plans to 
use his government, utility, and business acumen to further economic 
development throughout Ottawa County.
  Walter Lippman once said, ``The final test of a leader is that he 
leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on. 
. . . The genius of a good leader is to leave behind him a situation 
which common sense, without the grace of genius, can deal with 
successfully.'' The work of Darrell Opfer has made out state a better 
place to live. On behalf of the entire Ohio community, I would like to 
thank you, Darrell, for your loyalty and service to our state and your 
district. We will certainly miss your skills as a legislator, but you 
know that you will continue your dedication to leadership and service 
in your new position. Good luck and God bless.




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