[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          HONORING WALTER BROOKS FOR A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the New Haven community, and 
my dear friend, Walter Brooks, whose passing has ended a career 
spanning over four decades--truly an era in New Haven politics. Today, 
members of the New Haven community will gather to honor the memory of 
Walter and the lifetime of contributions he has made.
  Throughout his life, Walter demonstrated a unique commitment to the 
families and neighborhoods of New Haven. I had the distinct pleasure of 
working with Walter on a variety of projects during my career. His 
charisma and energy never ceased to amaze me. I have often spoke of our 
nation's need to make communities our first priority by bringing life 
to projects that create better neighborhoods in which working families 
can earn a living and raise their children. Using his myriad of 
talents, Walter worked hard to achieve these goals. As a state 
legislator, Walter served as the chairman of the Black and Hispanic 
Caucus and was appointed to the Select Housing Committee where he 
worked with State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal to draft the 
affordable housing statute--helping to ensure that all families would 
have safe, affordable housing in which to raise their families. With 
the Hill Development Corporation, Project MORE, and most recently, the 
Beulah Land Development Corporation, Walter focused his energy on 
providing some of our communities most vulnerable families with the 
chance for an irreplaceable opportunity--the chance to own their own 
home. Serving as the Chairman of the Housing Authority Board of 
Commissioners, Walter has been an integral partner in the recent re-
organization of the agency. Tirelessly working to revitalize New Haven 
neighborhoods, Walter exemplified the activism essential to building 
strong and vital communities.
  Walter was a driving force behind Connecticut politics--locally and 
statewide. His encouragement and guidance led many minorities to seek 
and win elected office. A skilled political organizer, Walter committed 
himself to local and state issues. Serving two terms as an Alderman in 
the City of New Haven and five terms as a State Representative in the 
General Assembly, Walter was never afraid to fight for what he believed 
was right--regardless of where his party may have stood. He has often 
been characterized as a legislator willing to roll up his sleeves and 
knock on doors to get people involved. He understood the importance of 
community participation and made every effort to involve community 
members in the issues that affected their neighborhoods and families. 
Walter served on the Board of Alderman for the City of New Haven, along 
with my mother, Luisa DeLauro. There he was her colleague and her 
friend. He accompanied her on a trip to Taiwan, and of course I felt 
better knowing that he was there looking out for her. Walter 
exemplified what an elected official should be, a role model for many 
who continue to serve in public office today, and his example will 
continue to inspire people to ensure their neighborhoods have a strong 
voice advocating on their behalf.
  As a civil rights activist, housing advocate, or political advisor, 
his efforts have made a real difference in the lives of thousands of 
Connecticut residents. Walter has left an indelible mark on the City of 
New Haven and the State of Connecticut. It is with my sincerest 
condolences and greatest sympathies that I join his wife, Andrea 
Jackson-Brooks, his children, family, friends, and community members in 
bidding a sad farewell to Walter Brooks. His memory will long serve as 
an example to us all--his legacy never forgotten.

                          ____________________