[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 31 (Thursday, March 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E360-E361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MARILYN BICKEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Marilyn Bickel of 
Chicago on her recent retirement after seventeen years of excellence 
and dedication as Chief of Staff to Alderman Patrick J. Levar of the 
45th Ward.
  Marilyn Bickel has served the Chicago City Council and the Jefferson 
Park neighborhood ever since Alderman Levar was first sworn in on April 
16, 1987. She met the Alderman when he was a junior attending St. 
Patrick High School and began working for him during his first 
election.
  During this time, Marilyn was asked to work with the Polish-speaking 
community in the St. Constance Parish area and was later given a 
permanent place on his staff.
  Marilyn worked hard to develop close relationships with the many 
Chicago departmental representatives and always knew the right person 
to contact for a constituent in need. Marilyn always went out of her 
way to provide assistance to those who were unable to access alternate 
means of assistance.
  In addition, Marilyn has served as a liaison to local chambers of 
commerce for Alderman Levar. She calmly dealt with many difficult 
circumstances, most notably the period following the terrorist attacks 
of September 11th. In a time of apprehension and doubt, Marilyn worked 
to console the fears of her fellow Chicagoans, and the residents of the 
45th Ward.
  Marilyn's family has also been a priority in her life. Her two 
children, Robert and William, are the proud parents of her 
grandchildren Bob, Ashley, Debbie and Bailey. In retirement, she will 
join her husband, Bill Bickel, who retired after a 32 year career with 
the Chicago Police Department. Marilyn and Bill will now have the 
opportunity to travel more, something Marilyn has long been waiting to 
do.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with all of the residents of Jefferson Park and 
the 45th Ward of Chicago in congratulating Marilyn Bickel on her

[[Page E361]]

retirement, and wish her, and her wonderful husband Bill, all the 
happiness in the future.

                          ____________________