[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO FORMER MICHIGAN STATE SENATOR DON KOIVISTO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2003

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to Don 
Koivisto, a former senator in the Michigan State Senate from the 38th 
Senate District, which is comprised of ten counties in my congressional 
district.
  First elected to the Senate in 1990, Don Koivisto has just concluded 
his service in that body because of the Michigan term limits law. This 
law was enacted at the will of the voters of Michigan, but I must 
confess that I believe the law turns effective public servants out of 
office. Don has represented both the community where I grew up and the 
community where I and my family now live.
  Born August 18, 1949 in Bessemer, Don earned a bachelors degree in 
political science from Central Michigan University. Don and his wife, 
Pam, have four children.
  Prior to his twelve years in the Michigan State Senate, Don served 
three consecutive 2 year terms in the Michigan House of Representatives 
after first being elected to the House in 1980. In addition to his 
service in the Michigan legislature, Don has been a political 
consultant to former Michigan House Speaker Lewis Dodak and former 
Michigan State Representative Michael Griffin.
  Don is a former school board member and served as a high school 
teacher and basketball coach. He also worked as a Ontonagon County 
Juvenile Officer.
  It should be clear from my remarks, Mr. Speaker, that Don Koivisto 
has spent much of his adult life in public service.
  Mr. Speaker, Don's last day as a state senator was January 2, 2003. 
Don is too young a man for retirement and I am certain that he will 
find a way to continue to serve the residents of Michigan.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my House colleagues to join me in saluting 
Don Koivisto, a public servant who has spent much of his life working 
for the betterment of others.

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