[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF DR. ELIZABETH K. BALRAJ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Cuyahoga 
County Coroner, Dr. Elizabeth K. Balraj, as she is recognized by the 
Cuyahoga County Democratic Party for her outstanding service to our 
community.
  In 1966, following her studies to become a physician and surgeon, Dr. 
Balraj left her homeland of India to immigrate to the United States. 
She practiced medicine at Akron General Hospital and St. Luke's 
Hospital in Cleveland. Dr. Balraj began her work in the Cuyahoga County 
Coroner's Office as Deputy Coroner and Pathologist. In 1987, following 
the retirement of Coroner Dr. Samuel R. Gerber, she was appointed 
Coroner of Cuyahoga County. Dr. Balraj was elected Coroner in November 
of 1988, and has been re-elected ever since.
  Dr. Balraj's unwavering focus and energy is reflected every day 
throughout this office. Beyond supervising a multi-million dollar 
budget and a workforce of 87, she often leads cross-agency teams in 
uncovering answers for law enforcement officials, and most 
significantly, for families who grieve the death of their loved one. 
Dr. Balraj's integrity, combined with her sense of calm and precision, 
has elevated the work and mission throughout the Coroner's Office. She 
broke the glass ceiling for women by successfully carving a path into 
an area of science and medicine where women were virtually non-existent 
before.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor and recognition of Dr. Elizabeth 
K. Balraj. Her intellect, wisdom, leadership, quiet determination, and 
above all, her compassion and heart, all serve to offer answers to 
members of law enforcement, and most importantly, closure, solace and 
peace within the minds and hearts of families and individuals within 
Cuyahoga County.

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