[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING DAN HARRELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am truly happy to rise before you today to 
recognize the accomplishments of a gentleman who has selflessly 
dedicated himself to public service for most of his adult life. On 
Friday, February 18, friends and family will join civic and community 
leaders in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, to honor Dan Harrell, as he 
retires as Coordinator of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners 
after 17 years.
  After graduating from Flint Northwestern High School in 1967, Dan 
Harrell enrolled in what was then known as Genesee Community College, 
graduating in 1969. From there, he went on to the University of 
Michigan-Flint, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 
Political Science and History in 1971. Dan's love of politics, however, 
began much earlier--in 1960, where an 11 year-old Dan patrolled the 
streets of Flint, handing out campaign literature for presidential 
candidate John F. Kennedy.
  After stints as a teacher and a salesman, Dan became Assistant 
Finance Director of the Michigan Democratic Party. Later, in 1982, he 
joined the staff of newly elected State Senator Joe Conroy and remained 
for six years, until he left to become Board Coordinator. As 
Coordinator for the nine-person Board, Dan has served as a bridge and 
guiding force, assisting the Commission with fulfilling their task to 
improve the quality of life for all Genesee County residents. In 
addition, Dan serves as coordinator for the county's FOIA requests, and 
its Emergency Management department. Dan's peers have described his 
work and his ability to deal with people from all walks of life as 
``invaluable.''
  Dan's love of politics has extended outside of the office, where he 
has been a key part of many campaigns over the years, including one of 
his own: in 1989, he successfully ran for a seat on the Flint School 
Board, serving as Treasurer for three of the six years of his term. He 
has also been a member of the Whaley Children's Center Public Policy 
Board and the Urban League Board of Directors. And then there are his 
greatest accomplishments: his marriage to Evelyn, their two daughters, 
and three grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, once again I am honored to acknowledge the life and 
career of Dan Harrell. He has made Genesee County a better place to 
live, and I am proud to call him my colleague, my constituent, and my 
friend. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in 
congratulating him for his unwavering commitment to justice, and 
wishing him well in his retirement as well as all his future endeavors.




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