[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 88 (Monday, June 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMENDATION OF THE VILLAGE OF ADDISON, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY J. HYDE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 16, 2003

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, on March 27, my district office in Addison, 
Ill., was completely destroyed by a fire. Only a few cherished career 
mementos survived, and even then, they were severely damaged by heat, 
smoke and water. Thankfully, no one was injured by the early morning 
fire.
  After assessing our loss, my district staff's thoughts immediately 
turned to the citizens of my district. How could we continue to serve 
them locally without a roof over our heads or even something as simple 
as pen and paper?
  That's when the Village of Addison and particularly, Mayor Larry 
Hartwig, immediately stepped forward to offer their assistance free of 
charge. The Village opened the doors of its Village Hall, offering my 
staff a temporary place to call home. Office space was immediately made 
available, allowing us to resume district operations within a day. Had 
we had to search for other office space, the delay in resuming, 
operations would have been much longer. The Village also graciously 
offered my staff everything it needed to continue serving my 
constituents. From desks and chairs, to phone lines, copiers and fax 
machines, we had it all.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Village of 
Addison for unselfishly offering aid and comfort to my district staff 
in our hour of need. Paraphrasing the great movie, ``It's a Wonderful 
Life,'' I can only say that I am indeed the richest man in town with 
friends like these in Addison, Illinois.

                          ____________________