[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E800]]
                      TRIBUTE TO THEODORE MANSOUR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2003

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in honoring a great educator, Theodore Mansour, as he retires from 
his position as Director of State and Federal Relations for the Genesee 
Intermediate School District.
  Ted, as his friends know him, joined the United States Army in 1944 
after he graduated from St. Matthew High School that year. He served in 
the field artillery during his time in the Armed Forces. Resuming his 
education at the University of Notre Dame after his discharge from the 
military, Ted earned a degree in Business Administration majoring in 
Accounting. He put his business skills to work and served as the 
president of Mansour's Supermarkets for 15 years. He went on to be a 
partner in Lisa's Red Carpet Travel Agency, president of Mansour's 
Budget Market and is the current owner of the Jolly Olive Deli and Bar.
  Paralleling his years of business experience, Ted also served in the 
public sector. During the time he was the supervisor of Flint Township, 
the landscape of that community was changed forever with the building 
of Genesee Valley Mall, the development of sewer and water systems and 
the construction of Carman High School. In addition to being a 
supervisor, Ted held the posts of Genesee County Supervisor and County 
Commissioner, a Michigan State Legislator for the 83rd District, a 
Flint Township Trustee, a member of the Michigan State Tax Commission 
and the Flint Township Planning Commission. Always committed to 
improving the quality of life in the Flint area, Ted has actively 
participated in the Genesys Health Systems Board, the Genesee Memorial 
Hospital Board, the Flint Heights Senior Citizens Housing Board, the 
Genesee County Food Service Advisory Board, the Boy Scouts of America, 
Tall Pines Council Executive Board, and the American Arab Heritage 
Council. In 1972 he was named Director of Government Relations for 
Genesee Intermediate School District.
  As the father of 6 children, Ted knows firsthand the hopes and dreams 
of parents for their children. This understanding of the vital need for 
quality education fueled Ted's fight for the right of every student to 
be able to learn in a safe, clean, modern environment. He worked with 
the Michigan State Legislature in 1978 to get the school zone speed 
limit law passed. He vigorously lobbied in Lansing and Washington to 
obtain funding for the schools in the Genesee Intermediate School 
District. Time and time again he has fought on behalf of individual 
school districts for disputed money. Ted is effective at communicating 
to legislators the needs of educators in their struggle to provide an 
up to date education to their students. He has earned the respect of 
educators, administrators, and legislators. I have trusted his advice 
and welcomed his input for many years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and 
honor the service of Theodore Mansour to the people and children of 
Genesee County. His ethics, commitment and effectiveness have set an 
example that public servants will try to emulate for years to come.

                          ____________________