[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING LOUISE DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. HILDA SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2001

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the notable 
accomplishments and the extraordinary life of a woman from the 31st 
Congressional District of California.
  Louise Davis is retiring from serving over 20 years of public office 
in the San Gabriel Valley. Louise served as the mayor of Monterey Park 
for three terms, from 1980 to 1981 and again in 1983. Prior to her 
mayoral terms, she was elected as ``The Grass Roots Candidate,'' for 
Monterey Park City Council in 1976 where she served for eight years. 
She was a unique council member who spent her time directly addressing 
her constituents' problems and working to make Monterey Park a better 
place for all its residents. After a brief break from public life to 
enjoy her children and grandchildren, Louise accepted the encouragement 
from residents and ran for Monterey Park City treasurer in 1988. She 
served in this capacity for 12 years and was known for her sharp wisdom 
and good judgment.
  Louise was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, graduated from St. 
Angelea's Academy where she was class president and received a 
scholarship to pursue her college education in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At 
the conclusion of World War II, she met Bill Davis and when he returned 
from the Navy, they were soon married. Louise and Bill Davis moved to 
Monterey Park in 1955 and raised seven children--all attended public 
schools. Louise became heavily involved with the PTA and the Mothers 
March of Dimes. She was appointed to the Community Relations 
Commission, where she worked to foster better ethnic relations in 
Monterey Park, a city known for its multicultural and diverse 
population. She served as the hostess of the City's Welcome Wagon in 
the 1960s, represented her community in the March of Dimes, served on 
the Monterey Park Boys and Girls Club Board, the President's Community 
Advisory Board of East Los Angeles College and the American Red Cross 
Board, San Gabriel Valley. She has also worked diligently to preserve 
the history of the City she served so well as President of the Monterey 
Park Historical Society.
  Louise has served as a charter member and president of Hillhaven 
Health Care Center's Community Advisory Board and a charter member and 
chairperson of the Friends of the Seniors, Langley Senior Center.
  Among her many honors, Louise was named, Woman of the Year by 
Soroptomist International, Monterey Park. She has been the recipient of 
the Most Valuable Citizens Award from the Monterey Park Boys and Girls 
Club, an Award of Merit from the Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce, and 
the Community Service Award from the Monterey Park Lions Club.
  Louise Davis enjoys respect and notoriety from numerous residents of 
Monterey Park because of her vast contributions to the community. It is 
both fitting and proper that we recognize this community leader for her 
exceptional record of civic leadership and invaluable public service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask this 107th Congress to join me in recognizing the 
tireless, grass roots work of Louise Davis upon her retirement on March 
8, 2001 for her service to the constituents of California's 31st 
District and wish her good health and prosperity in her retirement.

                          ____________________