[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE ARTHUR WILKOWSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2000

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay homage to a veteran 
political leader of our 9th Congressional District. Arthur Wilkowski, 
former state legislator and judge, passed from this life on November 
30, 1999 at the age of 70 years.
  After teaching for many years and eventually earning a law degree 
from the University of Toledo in 1959, Art began his foray into 
politics the hard way. He ran unsuccessfully for state representative 
in 1960 and Toledo City Council in 1963. In 1969, after gaining 
appointment to the Ohio House Representatives he battled his way to re-
election, and held the position until his resignation in 1983. 
Throughout his tenure in the Ohio General Assembly, and later during 
brief stints as a federal judge and magistrate, Art was widely regarded 
as among the finest of orators and his speeches were well known. Former 
colleague Barney Quilter, Speaker Pro Tempore, recalled ``When he spoke 
on the floor of the House, everybody listened. They knew they would 
know more than when the speech started.'' Current Ohio House Minority 
Leader Jack Ford ``was in awe of the former legislator's talent'' 
though he did not serve with him. ``He would do everything from a 
little Shakespeare to language from the Founding Fathers,'' 
Representative Ford said.
  Art Wilkowski championed causes near and dear to him, regardless of 
controversy or popularity. He worked tirelessly on many different 
issues, but was most devoted to the creation of the Ohio Civilian 
Conservation Corp and the development of a high-speed passenger rail 
system. In his tribute to Art, Mr. Quilter noted, ``He took his ideas 
and turned them into law in Columbus. He was probably the brightest 
person I knew in the legislature.'' Perhaps the highest praise comes 
from long-time consumer advocate and community leader Mike Ferner who 
commented, ``He was uncommonly courageous. A lot of people will remark 
on his oratorical skills, but to me, his courage and integrity were 
more significant.''
  Choosing to resign from the Ohio General Assembly in July of 1983, 
Art wrote that ``public service was the fulfillment of all my boyhood 
dreams and aspirations, as such related to a productive life.'' Though 
his presence and skill were sorely missed in the Ohio House of 
Representatives, he was able to resume his law practice in Toledo's 
Polish Village taking on more legal work on behalf of clients who could 
not pay a cent for his brilliant work, serve an appointment to the 6th 
District Court of Appeals, and write. He was serving on the Lucas 
County Probate Court as Magistrate at the time of his death.
  Art Wilkowski was genuine and generous, and a man committed to his 
ideals. He will be missed not only by his family, but our community as 
well. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his children Kathy, Craig, 
and Keith, grandchildren, and sisters Helen, Wanda, and Olga. May fond 
memories of the precious gift of Art's life sustain them.

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