[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF MARTIN E. VITTARDI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Martin E. (Marty) Vittardi, devoted family man, public servant, 
community leader and dedicated volunteer. The leaders and members of 
the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce recently named him as the recipient 
of the 2005 Individual Pride Award for his committed and compassionate 
volunteerism in raising funds and raising community awareness on behalf 
of the American Cancer Society.
  Marty's journey of public service began nearly thirty years ago, 
while a student at John Carroll University, where he served as a 
Congressional Assistant to then United States Congressman Ronald Mottl. 
After graduating at the top of his class with a bachelor's degree in 
political science, he accepted the position of Deputy Clerk with the 
Cuyahoga County Court. He then served for eight years as a Legislative 
Representative for the Seafarers Union, where he garnered vital insight 
into the political processes that took him from our local community to 
Capitol Hill.
  Marty has been entrusted with the faith and confidence of Parma 
residents and with members of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party 
since the early eighties, as voters have consistently supported him in 
various City and County elected roles. In 1982, Marty was elected as 
the Cuyahoga County Democratic Executive Committeeman. That same year, 
he was elected to represent residents of Ward 3 in the City of Parma 
and was elected to the position of Ward 5 Democratic Leader.
  In 1991, Marty was elected for a six-year term as the Clerk of Court 
for the City of Parma Municipal Court. He was re-elected to a second 
term in 2003. In addition to his professional endeavors, Marty has been 
a tireless volunteer and champion of numerous volunteer causes, and has 
been an active volunteer in many roles, including chairing school levy 
campaigns; raising funds for the Byers Field Foundation and Veterans 
Memorial; co-chairing fundraising drives for the American Cancer 
Society; and active leadership roles in several civic organizations, 
including the Parma Elks and the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce. 
Additionally, Marty is the founder and current chairman of the 
Community Leadership Group, comprised of elected officials, business 
owners and community activists whose mission is to foster positive 
change within all levels of the Parma community through the power of a 
unified commitment, shared vision and collective focus.
  Marty's leadership, achievement, and most vital of all, his integrity 
and genuine concern for others, is a united legacy that co-exists with, 
and is strengthened by, the integrity, dedication, professional and 
personal excellence and shared vision of his partner in life--his wife, 
Lynn M. Vittardi.
  With family as the cornerstone of their lives, Marty and Lynn have 
instilled a deep sense of giving back to the community and service to 
others within the hearts of their own children, now grown. Marty and 
Lynn's united focus on their parents, siblings, and above all, their 
children, Allison, Jessica and Mark, has never wavered and continues to 
be the center of their lives. Their children have followed a path of 
professional excellence and service to others, from the examples set by 
Marty and Lynn. Allison, her husband Nick and Jessica and her husband, 
Dominick, are education professionals. Their son Mark is in college, 
majoring in political science.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Martin E. Vittardi, for his unwavering dedication, integrity and 
outstanding public service, especially his annual volunteer efforts 
with the American Cancer Society. Marty's energy, warmth and 
significant service continues to offer a light of hope and the promise 
for a better tomorrow within the City of Parma and throughout our 
entire community.

                          ____________________