[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MR. LAURIE CARLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and commend the life of Mr. 
Laurie Carlson and to extend my personal sympathies to his family and 
friends in his passing. Mr. Laurie Carlson worked to enhance the lives 
of many citizens of Wisconsin over the years. He was the founder of the 
Wisconsin Progressive Party in 1934 and was elected to the Wisconsin 
State Assembly in 1936, where he served for three terms. He then 
continued his life of dedication to public service as the Clerk of 
Courts for Dane County for another four terms.
  Mr. Carlson's simple message and instructions on, ``How to get the 
Voters Involved'' is one that I deeply respect and identify with. In 
this message he spoke of town meetings and always maintaining a strong 
personal connection to constituents. Upon reflection on his time in 
public service Mr. Carlson was quoted as saying, ``Shoe leather is 
cheap. We would go out and meet people. We would get ideas from them.'' 
He also believed that a strong focus on the issues, as well as on true 
bipartisanship would help Wisconsin and the Nation move forward.
  Mr. Carlson's political achievements were numerous and great, but 
there was also much more to this wonderful man. He was a devoted 
husband and proud father of four children. His commitment to his wife 
Helen and his children--Mary, Jay, Laurene, and Geraldine, was first 
and foremost in his life. Mr. Carlson was also a dedicated friend and 
community member. He tirelessly worked to share his knowledge and 
leadership in order to assist others to become successful. He empowered 
many people to prosper in business and countless other ventures while 
always maintaining his commitment to those less fortunate in our 
society.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to honor this fine gentleman 
for his life commitment to public service.

                          ____________________