[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO STATE SENATOR RICHARD H. FINAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID L. HOBSON

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ohio State 
Senate President Richard H. Finan, who is retiring after 30 years of 
distinguished service to the people of the State of Ohio.
  Whether it was managing the state's $45 billion two-year budget or 
restoring the Statehouse to its original grandeur, Dick Finan has 
always seen the big picture and been guided by his unwavering 
principles and love of his home state and its people.
  Dick Finan was a key figure in passing landmark ethics reforms and 
was a tremendous help to me on health care reforms I was sponsoring in 
the Committee on Health, Human Services and the Aging. Dick also will 
be long remembered for his tireless work in the restoration of the Ohio 
Statehouse and its annex, and in creating a unified organization to 
preserve and maintain all the facilities on Capitol Square.
  The Statehouse restoration had been discussed for years, but for one 
reason or another, the plans were always shelved. When Dick was put in 
charge of the project, he did what needed to be done to save the 
building for future generations while being a good steward of taxpayer 
money. Dick made sure that the project was done in the interest of 
historical accuracy, and not to create a palace for the comfort of 
state legislators.
  In Columbus, Dick Finan has been guided by faith and family and never 
chosen the trappings of office over the importance of being at home 
with his family. Dick is a true gentleman and leader, and I am proud to 
call him my friend.
  As Ohio's Seventh District Representative to the Congress of the 
United States, I take this opportunity to join with members of the Ohio 
delegation to honor the efforts and the many outstanding achievements 
of State Senator Richard H. Finan. His many contributions as a member 
of the Ohio State Legislature and leadership will be remembered.

                          ____________________