[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE NEWLY NAMED, WALTER F. EHRNFELT, JR. U.S. POST OFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in tribute and remembrance 
of Mayor Walter F. Ehrnfelt, Jr., as the U.S. Post Office in the City 
of Strongsville is renamed in honor of his outstanding legacy. Mayor 
Ehrnfelt was a devoted family man, accomplished community leader, and 
admired friend and mentor. His vision, integrity and love for his 
community led the City of Strongsville through an amazing journey that 
extended over a quarter of a century, leading this quiet, rural village 
through the evolution of inevitable progress, without compromising the 
City's historical significance or rustic charm.
  Members of the United States House of Representatives and the United 
States Senate came together to pay official tribute to the life and 
legacy of Mayor Ehrnfelt. The United States House of Representatives 
unanimously adopted House Resolution 3300, co-sponsored by Congressman 
Steven LaTourette, and myself, in November 2003. In June 2004, the 
United States Senate adopted the Resolution.
  Mayor Ehrnfelt did not seek a path of public leadership--it sought 
him. In 1973, Mayor Ehrnfelt's neighbors and friends urged him to run 
for a District School Board seat, against a divisive member who was 
leading an effort to ban books and fire teachers. He won that race, and 
again at the urging of those around him, reluctantly ran for a Council 
seat and won. Just five years later, Mayor Ehrnfelt was appointed 
Mayor. In 1979 he won his first mayoral race by a landslide, and served 
as Mayor for 25 years. He quickly became the most popular and beloved 
Mayor in the history of Strongsville.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and 
remembrance of Mayor Walter F. Ehrnfelt--an exceptional man and caring 
leader whose life profoundly impacted the lives of thousands. His 
passing marks a deep loss for countless people who called him friend 
including me. The power of his kindness, grace, tenacity and heart 
served to uplift every level of the Strongsville community, and his 
memory and legacy will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________