[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 22, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S9705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        HONORING ANGELA CONNOLLY

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
government leadership exemplified by Angela Connolly, the Chairwoman of 
the Polk County Board of Supervisors, in Des Moines, IA, who has been 
selected the National County Leader of the Year. American City and 
County, a national magazine about local government, honored Angela at 
the 2003 Annual Conference of the National Association of Counties that 
took place earlier this month. I have known Angela many years, and can 
testify to her commitment to the use of government in making people's 
lives better.
  Angela has exercised her leadership on a number of issues that have 
greatly impacted Iowa's capital city in a positive way. Her advocacy 
and tireless work on the Iowa Events Center will bring a premiere 
entertainment and athletics venue to central Iowa, and she was key in 
securing Vision Iowa funding for the Capital City Vision Projects, 
which include a new science center, a higher education learning center, 
a riverwalk, and a home for the World Food Prize. Angela also led the 
board of supervisors through a reorganization that significantly 
reduced a budget deficit and brought about efficiencies in the delivery 
of county services.
  Angela Connolly was elected to the Polk County Board of Supervisors 
in 1998, and is currently serving her second term and is the 2003 
chairperson. Prior to her election, Angela served more than 20 years as 
a Polk County employee. Angela is active in many civic and community 
activities, serving on a dozen boards and commissions and nearly 20 
additional committees and community organizations. A champion of health 
and human services, she serves on boards advocating for services for 
children, persons with disabilities, and mental health treatment. Among 
the boards she serves are: the Metro Mayors Group, Greater Des Moines 
Partnership, Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Polk 
County Housing Trust Fund, Metropolitan Advisory Council, Polk County 
Health Services, Polk County Correctional Services, and the Des Moines 
Arts Festival.
  Angela Connolly is an exemplary leader in county government, who 
serves her constituents with honor and integrity. I look forward to 
continuing to work with her to make Iowa a great place to call 
home.

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