[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 107 (Wednesday, September 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THOMAS SUDDES FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE AND MYRIAD 
                CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FIELD OF JOURNALISM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2000

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay special tribute to an outstanding individual from the state of 
Ohio. Mr. Speaker, on August 31, 2000, Thomas Suddes, chief legislative 
reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, retired after more than 25 
years of service in the field of journalism.
  Born in Youngstown, OH, Tom's educational journey began at St. 
Dominic Elementary and Cardinal Mooney High School. In 1976, Tom 
completed his bachelor of arts degree in journalism at the Ohio State 
University. Now, Tom will leave the Cleveland Plain Dealer after 18 
years to pursue his doctorate degree in mass communications at Ohio 
University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
  While attending the Ohio State University, Tom worked as statehouse 
reporter, columnist, editorial page editor, and editor-in-chief of the 
student-run Ohio State Lantern newspaper. After graduating from OSU, 
Tom wrote for the Chicago Sun-Times and the Des Moines Register and 
Tribune. He also served as editorial page editor with Foster's Daily 
Democrat of Dover, New Hampshire and assistant news editor with the 
Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, MS.
  In 1982, Tom Suddes began working for the organization that would 
showcase his talents and allow his career to flourish, the Cleveland 
Plain Dealer. Tom has served in many positions with the Cleveland Plain 
Dealer over the last 18 years. From state desk reporter to Columbus 
bureau chief, from columnist to chief legislative reporter, Tom Suddes 
has brought honor, integrity, and fair reporting to each of his 
assignments.
  Journalists like Tom Suddes are a credit to their profession. They 
diligently work to secure stories, which bring their readers the 
information they so desire. Yet, above all, they preserve the trust and 
respect of the leaders and public officials they cover.
  Mr. Speaker, my wife, Karen, and I have known Tom Suddes for many 
years and have the highest regard for his character and abilities as a 
journalist. While Karen and I will sorely miss his insight into Ohio 
politics and his coverage of state and national events, we know that 
our friendship will continue to flourish. At this time, I would ask my 
colleagues of the 106th Congress to stand and join me in paying special 
tribute to Thomas Suddes. His professionalism and service are a credit 
to the field of journalism. We wish him the very best in all of his 
future endeavors.

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