[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 WISCONSIN THANKS JUSTICE WILLIAM BABLITCH FOR 35 YEARS OF SERVICE TO 
                               THE STATE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2003

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to honor my 
friend and former colleague, Justice William A. Bablitch, as he 
celebrates 35 years of service to the people of Wisconsin.
  Long known as a vigilant champion of the underprivileged, Justice 
Bablitch began serving others early in life. At the age of twenty-two, 
he traveled to Liberia in Western Africa with the Peace Corps, and 
spent his tour teaching young pupils in a local elementary school. 
Struck by the conditions that his students endured daily, he returned 
to his home state impassioned to work on behalf of the public and to 
study law at the University of Wisconsin.
  After receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1968, the Justice spent three 
years as a District Attorney, during the tumultuous times of the 
student-led Vietnam protests. By working with the administration of the 
University of Wisconsin--Stevens Point and the Sheriff's Department of 
Stevens Point, he helped ensure that in the wake of the Kent State 
Massacre violence or bloodshed did not erupt at UWSP.
  In 1973, Bill turned his talents to representing the people of 
Portage County in the Wisconsin State Senate where I had the esteemed 
pleasure of serving with him. A strong advocate for civil and human 
rights, Senator Bablitch pushed for legislation reform in 
discrimination, sexual assault, child abuse, and divorce law. His role 
as majority leader paved the way for public accessibility to Wisconsin 
government by creation of Wisconsin's Open Meeting and campaign reform 
laws.
  Always a defender of social justice, Justice Bablitch's career has 
been highlighted by his twenty years in the Wisconsin Supreme Court 
where he has fought for the protection of consumers, the environment, 
and a patient's right to know.
  While away from the office, Bill spends time with his wife, Anne, 
daughter, Bulleh, and granddaughters, Layteh and Nancy, at his homes in 
Northern Wisconsin and Hawaii. Whether fly-fishing with family and 
friends or cooking a meal for them, he has filled the lives of those 
around him with laughter and happiness.
  Justice William Bablitch's retirement is certainly well deserved, but 
his leadership and passion for serving the best interests of Wisconsin 
citizens will be truly missed. Congratulations, my friend.

                          ____________________