[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2040-E2041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JEAN WORTHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Jean Wortham, who 
was recently honored for her commitment to public service and her 
continuous efforts to better the communities of Harris County. Jean 
Wortham has been a community activist for well over 40 years, and her 
dedication and enthusiasm have energized both the Democratic party and 
the people of Harris County. For this reason, she has been recognized 
at a special event entitled ``Salute to Jean Wortham,'' and I believe 
that this distinction could not be bestowed on a more deserving 
individual.
  Jean Wortham maintains strong family roots in Oklahoma, but has 
resided in Pasadena, Texas for over forty years, during which time she 
began a distinguished career in public service. She was employed for 
fourteen years by State Representative Erwin Barton, who represented 
District 144, a constituency that included Pasadena. From there, Jean 
Wortham went on to work for Justice of the Peace Mike Parrott, where 
she demonstrated outstanding service, upholding the constitutional laws 
of Texas relating to the Transportation Code as well as the Texas Penal 
Code in misdemeanor cases, and Small Claims and Justice Court. Her 
professional public involvement then expanded to the labor movement 
when she moved on to work as Secretary to the International Vice 
President of the Boilermakers, where she has been employed since 1996.
  Although Jean Wortham has had a notable professional career in public 
service, volunteer efforts have proved to be a major outlet for much of 
her community involvement. Her desire to further the Democratic cause 
is reflected in her years of fervent political activism, which began in 
1976 when she took over as the Area 5 Democratic Headquarters Manager 
in Pasadena. While actively volunteering as a leader in the Area 5 
Democratic Club, Jean also took on the position of Manager for Erwin 
Barton's campaign. Her energetic dynamic continued even after these 
positions ended. In 1984, she became involved in national politics as 
the coordinator for Walter Mondale for President in Texas' State Senate 
District 11.
  Jean's public service stretched to many areas other than politics, as 
she became a driving force behind the success of the American Red Cross 
when she was appointed as Chair of Volunteers for the organization's 
Pasadena Service Center. During this same time, Jean Wortham kept up 
her political involvement, serving as a member of the State Democratic 
Executive Committee from State Senate District 11. More recently, Jean 
Wortham continued her drive to better the lives of others by 
establishing the first-ever Native American Caucus at the Texas State 
Convention in El Paso earlier this year.

[[Page E2041]]

  Mr. Speaker, I commend the tireless devotion that Jean Wortham has 
pledged to the advancement and success of our community. Jean's 
extensive volunteer endeavors combined with her exceptional 
professional political career have distinguished her as a committed 
individual, who is extremely deserving of such a salute.

                          ____________________