[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 130 (Friday, October 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF MAYOR LOUIS J. BACCI

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Mayor Louis J. Bacci--devoted family man, accomplished community 
leader, entrepreneur, United States veteran and admired friend and 
mentor. For 45 years, Mayor Bacci's vision, integrity and love for his 
constituents reflected throughout the Village of Cuyahoga Heights and 
miles beyond.
  Mayor Bacci was born and raised in Cuyahoga Heights and lived in the 
same house his entire life. His parents instilled in him a clear sense 
of service to others and an unwavering devotion to family, friends and 
community--qualities that defined his public service and framed his 
life. He consistently went above and beyond the `call of duty,' and was 
always willing to assist an individual or family in need.
  Mayor Bacci was first elected to represent the Village as a member of 
Council, a position he held for 16 years. He then went on to serve as 
mayor for 29 years. Titles, awards and accolades held no significance 
for Mayor Bacci--his family, friends and Village family always did. 
Mayor Bacci's easy-going nature, kindness, limitless generosity, sense 
of humor, vision and insight drew others to him and his advice was 
consistently sought after by everyone--from the neighbor down the 
street, to big city mayors.
  Unlike many candidates, Mayor Bacci never spent money on campaign 
literature. Rather, he discussed his intent along the sidewalks and on 
front porches throughout the Village, offering his homegrown tomatoes 
and lively conversation. Mayor Bacci was the heart and soul of Cuyahoga 
Heights, and he afforded every person the same respect and attention, 
regardless of their social or political status.
  Mayor Bacci's tireless efforts in all areas of local government 
served to elevate the well-being of every resident and business owner 
within Cuyahoga Heights. His dedication to the youth of the Village was 
reflected throughout his service as council member and mayor. Mayor 
Bacci's work and focus on education is reflected in the students and 
faculty of Cuyahoga Heights School District and is recognized 
throughout Ohio. His creation of college scholarship programs within 
the district has given numerous students an opportunity to achieve 
their academic goals. Cuyahoga Heights School District is ranked as one 
of the best in Ohio.
  Mayor Bacci's work on behalf of local and regional development, 
environmental preservation and job retention has positively affected 
the entire region. A founding member of the Northeast Ohio Regional 
Sewer District (NEORSD), Mayor Bacci was able to coalesce the 
commitment and support of suburban mayors and county leaders to unite 
our region for the common good.
  The long-term success of NEORSD underscores Mayor Bacci's strength in 
leadership. NEORSD provides efficient and low cost sanitary and water 
services to millions of residents throughout Cuyahoga County. Moreover, 
the focus of NEORSD has also extended to the restoration of our local 
environment by earmarking billions of dollars to fund successful 
cleanup projects that have succeeded in restoring and preserving our 
local river and wetland ecosystems.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and 
remembrance of Mayor Louis J. Bacci--an exceptional man and caring 
leader whose life profoundly affected the lives of millions. Mayor 
Bacci's passing marks a deep loss for countless individuals who called 
him friend--including me. His brilliant legacy of community progress 
tempered with preservation will be remembered always by the people of 
Cuyahoga Heights and by people in neighboring communities throughout 
Cuyahoga County and beyond. Moreover, it was the power of his kindness, 
grace, tenacity and heart that uplifted our entire community.
  I extend my deepest condolences to Mayor Bacci's beloved wife, 
Lillian; his beloved children, Charlotte, Laura, Juliann, John, Jack, 
and the loving memory of John Louis and Louis John; his 12 
grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and to his extended family 
and many friends.
  Mayor Bacci's life and good works will serve as an ageless example of 
leadership, service to others and heart--and his legacy will forever 
resound throughout the Village of Cuyahoga Heights, and throughout our 
entire community.

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