[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 147 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MRS. MARGARET WILLIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 20, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and honored to recognize the 
valuable services of Mrs. Margaret Willis, as she retires as a director 
of the Northeast-Midwest Institute. For the past 9 years, Margaret has 
provided commonsense leadership by arguing effectively for policies 
that protect the environment and provide valuable comfort and dignity 
for those who are less fortunate. She has also served as the Northwest-
Midwest Institute's treasurer and has been very active on several 
committees of the organization.
  Margaret Willis is from Chesterton, IN, and has formerly served as 
both a member of the Porter County Council, as well as a board member 
and officer of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. 
While serving as a Democrat County Council member, Margaret was also a 
liaison to the Porter County Health Board. She has been a true leader 
within my Northwest Indiana community by serving as an editor of the 
Chesterton Tribune, as well as several other local community 
organizations.
  Before her dedicated work in government service, Margaret was the 
founder of the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault within her 
community, which was the first support group in Porter County. She has 
given her time and efforts selflessly through many generous avenues. 
She has also served on the Chesterton Adult Learning Center Advisory 
Board, the Porter County League of Women's Voters, as well as the 
Porter/LaPorte County AIDS Task Force and the Duneland Sierra Club.
  Mr. Speaker, I have personally served as vice-chair of the Northeast-
Midwest Congressional Coalition. The Institute and Coalition provide 
many valuable information resources to both Republicans and Democrats. 
They help to ensure that the region's lawmakers advance Great Lakes 
restoration, brownfield redevelopment, as well as many other very 
important environmental issues. I ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join with me in congratulating and applauding 
Margaret Willis for her sincere dedication and guidance to not only the 
Northeast-Midwest Institute, but for her lifetime of hard work and 
leadership to all members of her community.

                          ____________________