[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF JOSEPH F. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2000

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a bill that would rename 
a United States Post Office in Philadelphia, PA, to honor the late U.S. 
Congressman, Joseph F. Smith.
  Joe Smith started his career of service to this Nation as a sergeant 
in the United States Army, receiving a Purple Heart for his actions 
during World War II. From 1970-1981, he served in the Pennsylvania 
State Senate. As you are aware, Joe was elected to the Ninety-seventh 
Congress in 1981 and served until 1983. He worked at the forefront of 
the Democratic Party as the Democratic city chairman in Philadelphia 
from 1983-1986. Joe also served as the 31st ward leader for more than 3 
decades. He remained devoted to the people of his community until May 
1999, when he passed away.
  Throughout his career, the people of Philadelphia looked to him for 
leadership, and he immersed himself in understanding their needs. Joe 
understood that public service is most effective when one understands 
and closely reflects the convictions and beliefs of one's constituents. 
No matter what body he was serving in, his heart was always with the 
people who resided in the communities of Kensington, Port Richmond, and 
Fishtown. After his retirement, Joe could still be found sharing wisdom 
and insight from his stoop to those who sought advice and kinship.
  Joe Smith was an outstanding legislator, a great human being, and a 
distinguished American. We ask that you join us in honoring his legacy 
in the community that he so diligently served throughout his life. To 
learn more about Joe Smith, or to cosponsor this legislation, please 
contact Karen Bloom with Congressman Borski, at 5-8251.

                          ____________________