[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E241-E242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING SHIRLEY LASSETER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB BARR

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2002

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, there are qualities in true leaders 
that set them apart; courage, wisdom, flexibility--just to name a few. 
Perhaps just as important is the quality of timing--knowing when to 
step to the plate. Yet another admirable quality in the test of a true 
leader may lie in humility; when someone has fought the hard battle, 
done the leg work, helped ensure the cause is just and the goal 
accomplished, only to hand it over when no more can be done, and accept 
the fact they won't be praised for their efforts.
  My fellow members of Congress, today I bring before you one such 
individual and ask you to join me in singing the praises of Ms. Shirley 
Lasseter. Shirley is a resident of Duluth, Georgia and the Mayor of 
this beautiful city in Gwinnett County. She is involved in numerous 
philanthropic and business related organizations; extending from her 
participation on the Preservation District Board, to her leadership in 
the Georgia Municipal Association, and her active presence in the local 
PTSA's.
  Shirley graduated from Brenau University with a B.S. in Elementary 
Education, and continued on to Georgia State University, where she 
received her Masters in Education. She is married to Joe Lasseter and 
is the proud mother of four children. Along with her official duties 
and extracurricular activities, Shirley is a member of Duluth United 
Methodist Church, where she has worshipped for 17 years. But perhaps 
her most proud title will be awarded soon, when her daughter Jenny 
gives birth to Shirley's soon-to-be-grandchild, and ``Miss Shirley'' 
becomes ``Grandma Shirley.''
  Yet with all she has going on, Shirley made a particularly special 
effort for a project she coordinated for former House Speaker Newt 
Gingrich several years ago, for which she never received proper credit. 
In the summer of 1998, Speaker Gingrich spearheaded a bill that enacted 
a new form of protection for Georgia's Chattahoochee River. It called 
for a 48-mile stretch of the river's recreational area to be extended 
by 2,000 feet, known as a ``greenway.'' The new boundaries eased 
pollution stemming from construction and storm runoff, helped control 
flooding and erosion, and improved water quality for Georgia residents. 
Land was acquired from willing sellers and paid for by a public-private 
campaign that included a $25 million federal contribution. This move to 
help the environment came at a time when the natural resources and 
beauty of

[[Page E242]]

the Chattahoochee were under particular strain, because of the 
explosive growth the city of Atlanta and the north metro area had been 
experiencing.
  At this time I would like to not only acknowledge Shirley for her 
foresight and dedication to the community and environmental issues, but 
also recognize her for the dauntless leadership and incredible humility 
she shows to the citizens she serves. It is true leaders like Shirley 
Lasseter who are the real secret to solving local and state issues. 
Please join me in congratulating Shirley Lasseter for the 
accomplishments she has already achieved, and the goals I am certain 
she will realize in years to come.

                          ____________________