[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO LENN HANNON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2004

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise 
today to pay special tribute to a fine American, a true gentleman and a 
good friend of mine, Lenn Hannon, on the occasion of his retirement 
from the Oregon State Senate. It is a pleasure to honor Lenn and his 
lovely wife, Dixie, who have stood together in public life for more 
than 30 years and together have made invaluable contributions to the 
State of Oregon and its people.
  Mr. Speaker, Lenn Hannon traces his interest in public service to 
1960 when, as a high school junior and member of the school band, Lenn 
had an opportunity to shake hands with a young Senator campaigning for 
President named John F. Kennedy. Inspired by Kennedy's call to public 
service, Lenn would go on to live his life by Kennedy's famous 
admonition: ``Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you 
can do for your country.''
  Lenn began his career in public service in 1974, when he won a seat 
in the State Senate by a mere 37 votes. During his first years in the 
Senate, Hannon developed a reputation as a smart, open-minded and fair 
lawmaker whose concern for the people he represented was far greater 
than his concern for himself. In 1980, Lenn switched parties to become 
one of only seven Republicans in the State Senate. Over the years he 
gradually built up seniority to become the Senate's senior Republican 
and Chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. During this 
time, he devoted himself to a wide range of issues, from strengthening 
education and arts programs to combating substance abuse and managing 
federal land issues. One of his greatest accomplishments in the State 
Legislature was his success in helping to develop Southern Oregon 
University into a premiere educational institution for southern Oregon. 
The reverence his name inspires among SOU faculty, staff and alumni is 
a testament to his enduring contributions to the university.
  Mr. Speaker, now that Lenn's service in the State Senate has come to 
an end, Lenn will serve on the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison 
Supervision, a role that will allow him to continue serving the 
citizens of Oregon. He and Dixie will move to Salem for the new job, 
but their hearts will always remain in the community where they are so 
well loved.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these 
extraordinary Americans, Lenn and Dixie Hannon. I would like to thank 
them both personally for all they have done for the people of southern 
Oregon, the Second District, and the State of Oregon. I wish Lenn and 
Dixie and their entire family all the best in future endeavors.




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