[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 23 (Wednesday, March 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E282-E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF JAMES M. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2002

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of James M. 
Smith, who is retiring after 30 years of distinguished service on the 
Cuyahoga County District Board of Health, 28 of which he served as 
President. Mr. Smith's unwavering commitment to public service has been 
invaluable to the people of Cuyahoga County. His integrity, 
intelligence, and unselfish commitment will be greatly missed.
  Mr. Smith grew up in Nebraska where as early as high school he 
displayed leadership as president of his senior class. After high 
school he served his country during WWII in the Navy and the Naval 
Corp. He went on to attend the University of Michigan where he earned a 
BBA degree from the School of Business Administration and a JD from the 
law school. He then moved to Cleveland where he opened his own law 
practice which he ran for many years before merging with the firm 
founded by William R. Van Aken in 1977. He became a senior partner in 
what is now called, Van Aken & Bond.

[[Page E283]]

  Throughout his career Mr. Smith has displayed continued leadership 
and community involvement in the Cleveland area. He spent 10 years 
beginning in 1959 as a Councilman in the city of Highland Heights, the 
last three as President of the Council. He has served as an officer and 
member of the board of directors of many Cleveland based corporations 
as well as a member of various civil organizations.
  James M. Smith's educational background, professional experience and 
extensive community involvement in Cleveland made him an ideal 
candidate to serve as President of the Cuyahoga County District Board 
of Health. His leadership, vision and genuine concern for the people of 
Cuyahoga County have led the department to be a leader in public health 
issues statewide. On behalf of the residents of Cuyahoga County and the 
city of Cleveland I would like to express sincere gratitude to the 
years of devoted service by James M. Smith.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in rising to honor this truly 
remarkable public servant for his distinguished years of service to the 
Cleveland community.

                          ____________________