[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E745-E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING NORA BUTLER OF CHICAGO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to honor the 
contributions that Ms. Nora Butler, one of our most active community 
members, has made to the 36th Ward in the 5th Congressional District 
and Chicago's North Side.
  At 91 years young, Ms. Butler still is going strong. She is an 
instrumental volunteer at Alderman William J.P. Banks' service office, 
and still serves as a precinct captain for the ward. Her boundless 
energy and enthusiasm during this past March's primary election would 
have been remarkable for someone even half her

[[Page E746]]

age, and I cannot wait to see the results that her renewed efforts will 
bring in November.
  Born in San Bernardino, California, Ms. Butler was raised in 
Springfield, Illinois, and moved to Chicago after high school seeking 
employment. During her younger years, she served in a variety of posts 
for the Chicago Park District.
  For the last 40 years, Ms. Butler has worked as a precinct captain 
and assistant precinct captain for the 36th Ward. She loves reaching 
out to people and is willing to do whatever it takes--from placing lawn 
signs to driving residents to and from the grocery store--all to make 
her community a better place.
  Alderman Banks' staff at the 36th Ward Office look toward Ms. Butler 
as an inspiring example of a truly dedicated public servant through her 
spirit of volunteerism and her commitment of time two days per week to 
provide assistance to the staff with correspondence, answering phones, 
and constituent service.
  Mary Aiello, an aide to the Alderman, put it best in her description 
of Ms. Butler's personality and grace: ``No matter where you go with 
her, she is always friendly, gracious and interested in helping anybody 
who needs or wants anything. She is always conscious of other people's 
needs and concerns.''
  Ms. Aiello also provided an example that underlines Ms. Butler's 
selfless dedication. Each year she is charged with the important 
assignment of organizing Alderman Banks' annual senior citizens' 
function. Instead of just relaxing and enjoying the event, Ms. Butler 
serves food and does everything she can do to make sure the other 
seniors are having a good time. She is also involved with the monthly 
senior citizens' meetings at the Mont Clare Baptist Church.
  Ms. Butler's positive outlook and uplifting sense of humor are 
evident to all who know her. Although residents of the 36th Ward are 
often surprised to learn that the woman helping them is 91, she 
recently said, ``They always tell me I should run for office.''
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Butler for her many years of dedicated 
service and for the assistance she has given to so many residents of 
the 5th Congressional District. I hope her uplifting spirit, warm 
smile, and infectious personality will remain a presence in the 36th 
Ward for many more years to come. I am very proud to represent Nora 
Butler.

                          ____________________