[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 155 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2194-E2195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE DEIDRA HAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2000

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a distinguished 
friend, Judge Deidra Hair, who will step down from her service on the 
Hamilton County Common Pleas Court on December 31, 2000.
  In 1995, the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court was founded as Ohio's 
first drug court. Judge Hair, who helped to establish the drug court, 
has tirelessly handled about 1,500 cases each year. Her court has 
become a model across Ohio, and since 1995, ten additional courts in 
Ohio have been crafted in its likeness.
  The goal of the drug court is to rehabilitate substance abusers and 
keep them out of court and out of prison. Those arrested on drug abuse 
charges or those who commit a non-violent felony under the influence of 
drugs may have their case heard by the drug court. Using strict 
criteria, the court may accept applicants who do not have a violent 
criminal background and who have committed a low-

[[Page E2195]]

level felony that does not require prison time. If accepted, they must 
plead guilty and enter drug rehabilitation. The goal is to break the 
cycle of addiction, so the court selects those who are most likely to 
be helped.
  I have been privileged to observe the drug court and to attend an 
inspiring graduation ceremony for participants who have successfully 
completed this program. Through that, I've seen firsthand the good work 
that drug rehabilitation can do.
  Judge Hair has literally helped to turn hundreds of lives around in 
the Cincinnati community, and she will be dearly missed when she steps 
down from the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. All of us in the 
Cincinnati area wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

                          ____________________