[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 113 (Thursday, September 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING JUDGE CLAYTON E. PREISEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2000

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a longtime community 
leader, Judge Clayton E. Preisel. On November 30, community leaders 
will join family and friends to celebrate the career of Judge Preisel 
as he marks his retirement after more than 30 years of service in the 
field of law, and to the citizens of Michigan.
  After receiving his Bachelor's Degree in 1951, Clayton Preisel began 
an 18-year career as a teacher and school administrator. During this 
time, he also received a Master's Degree. In 1964, he entered Detroit 
College of Law. After being awarded a Juris Doctorate in 1968, he began 
practicing law in 1969. Clayton established himself as a highly 
successful and competent attorney, and he continued to practice law 
privately for 23 years. His tenure as a private attorney ended in 1982, 
when he was appointed to serve as Probate Court Judge for Lapeer 
County.
  In addition to his work in the Probate Court, Judge Preisel has been 
an influential member of the community. From 1969 to 1982, he served on 
the Imlay City School Board, and has been a member in good standing of 
the Lapeer County Bar Association. He has also been involved with 
groups such as 4-H, United Way, Lions Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, 
the Community Foundation, and many other groups dedicated to improving 
the quality of life for children and families.
  Mr. Speaker, Judge Preisel has always tried to treat every person who 
appeared before him with the utmost dignity and respect. Because of the 
sometimes sensitive nature of his caseload, he was also dedicated to 
handling each issue gently and with compassion. I believe what always 
made Clayton such a special judge and person was the time he spent in 
the community, meeting with people of all economic, ethnic, and racial 
backgrounds. I number Judge Preisel among my cherished personal 
friends, and I am a better person for having known him. Furthermore, he 
is responsible for making our community a much better place. For these 
reasons I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in 
congratulating Judge Preisel on his retirement.

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