[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 169 (Friday, December 7, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S12679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RETIREMENT OF JOAN DOUGLAS

  Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Joan 
Douglas who will celebrate here retirement later this month after many 
years of dedicated service to the citizens of Ohio and the United 
States of America.
  For the past 12 years, Joan has been an integral part of my team, 
from my earliest days on the campaign trail when I was running for 
Governor of Ohio, to my current service in the U.S. Senate. Not only 
has Joan been a valued employee, she has been a friend to me and my 
wife, Janet.
  One of the things that I admire about Joan is her passion for public 
service, for it is something that both of us share. Just like I once 
did, Joan served in the Ohio Legislature, and she has also given back 
to her community at the local level, serving 8 years on the Mansfield, 
OH, City Council and by also serving on the Mansfield Elections Board.
  Given her interest in helping her fellow Ohioans, I was extremely 
pleased that Joan joined my campaign for Governor in 1990 and that she 
stayed through both my terms. Joan was the first impression that people 
had of the Governor's office whether in-person or on the phone, and I 
believe that her professionalism and compassion made thousands of great 
first impressions on visitors and callers alike.
  Joan has always had a wonderful way to make anyone who deals with her 
feel immediately at ease, whether it was frustrated constituents, 
harried staff or individuals with special needs. She has also always 
been cool under pressure, witnessing numerous demonstrations and 
protests and dealing with more than her fair share of troublesome 
individuals. And Joan always let me know what ``the pulse of the 
people'' was by keeping track of the calls we received and letting me 
know what our constituents were saying.
  Not only did Joan smooth over the problems of countless Ohioans, she 
also shared her talents with fellow staff members, serving as ``den 
mother'' to many of the younger staff members in my office. Whether it 
was a shoulder to cry on, or motherly advice, I know that many people 
cherished her guidance, her comfort and her companionship.
  When I was elected Senator, I was genuinely pleased that Joan 
continued to serve the people of Ohio when she stayed on to work for 
me. A whole new generation of staff and thousands more Ohioans had a 
chance to get to know her and experience her warmth and charm.
  My wife, Janet and I appreciate all that Joan has done for us and the 
people of Ohio and the fellowship that she has shared with so many. We 
will always treasure Joan's friendship, and we wish her many years of a 
happy and healthy retirement.

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