[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 116 (Monday, September 10, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S9250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONORABLE DENNIS W. ARCHER

 Mr. Levin. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the 
achievements of an accomplished jurist, distinguished public servant 
and committed civic leader from my home state of Michigan, the 
Honorable Dennis Wayne Archer, Mayor of Detroit. On October 11, 2001, 
Mayor Archer will be inducted as a Knight of Charity by the Pontifical 
Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME Missionaries) at the 43rd Knights 
of Charity Award Dinner in Dearborn, Michigan. This award is a fitting 
tribute for a man who has dedicated his life to the service of others.
  The Knights of Charity Award is presented each year to men and women 
who clearly exemplify ``Unity in Family Life with Person-to-Person 
Charity.'' This award is given to those whose words and actions promote 
the ideals of charity, friendship, love and interfaith and 
intercultural collaboration.
  Mayor Archer spent the first five years of his career teaching 
learning disabled students in the Detroit Public School system. During 
this time, Mr. Archer was also a student, studying and attending 
classes after work to earn his law degree. Mr. Archer quickly 
established himself as one of the finest legal minds in Michigan and in 
1985 he was appointed Associate Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court 
by Governor James Blanchard. The next year he was elected to an eight-
year term, which he served with distinction.
  Elected Mayor of Detroit in 1993, Dennis Archer soon became known 
nationwide for the innovative approach he brought to city government. 
Nearing the end of his second for year term, Detroit under the 
leadership of Mayor Archer has successfully reduced crime, balanced 
budgets, lowered taxes, improved public services and attracted over $14 
billion in new investment, with another $3 billion projected for this 
year. Mayor Archer has received numerous honors in recognition of his 
achievement, including being named President of the National League of 
Cities in 2001, Public Official of the Year in 2000 by Governing 
magazine, one of the 25 most dynamic mayors in America by Newsweek 
magazine, President of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors and 
one of the 100 most Influential Black Americans by Ebony magazine.
  As a native Detroiter, I can personally attest to Mayor Archer's 
leadership and his commitment to those he serves. Through his hard 
work, dedication and creativity, he has truly improved the City of 
Detroit and the lives of those who live there. I know that my Senate 
colleagues will join me in congratulating Mayor Archer on being named a 
Knight of Charity.

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