[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF ED McNAMARA

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, last week, Michigan lost a 
distinguished public servant and a visionary leader, and I lost a good 
friend. Ed McNamara passed away at the age of 79 after a lifetime of 
service to our State, including 16 years as Wayne County executive and 
17 years as mayor of Livonia. He fought relentlessly to make Michigan a 
better place, and he succeeded in ways small and large. And as he made 
a difference in the lives of average people, he did so with a sparkle 
in his eye and humor on his lips.
  Ed was an old pol in the best sense of the word. He loved his 
constituents, he loved serving them, and he made a difference in their 
lives. Ed brought health care to the poor, saved a countywide bus 
system, and revitalized the county's parks. He paved the roads, helped 
save the Rouge River, and made big investments in the people and 
infrastructure of Southeastern Michigan.
  When Ed took office as county executive, Wayne County, which includes 
the city of Detroit, was facing a $135 million deficit. Ed quickly 
eliminated that red ink and revived the county's bond rating as a first 
step toward the greater revitalization he envisioned. Ed McNamara never 
stopped believing in Wayne County, and we will be reaping the rewards 
of that leadership for years to come. Just this month, Detroit hosted 
the Super Bowl at Ford Field, which Ed helped to build. Last year, 
Detroit hosted Major League Baseball's All-Star Game at Comerica Park, 
which Ed helped to build. And visitors to each of these events flew 
into the Detroit Metro Airport terminal named in his honor, which Ed 
helped to build.
  Ed's legacy will also live on in the many people he has inspired and 
mentored, including the Governor of Michigan. Like them, I have learned 
so much from him in the years that I have known him. It has been a joy 
to know a man of such energy, talent, kindness, and warmth.
  Ed's abundant good nature spread hope and opportunity for the 
multitude that he touched. His life demonstrated what a difference one 
person can make. He will be greatly missed by the people he loved and 
led. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Lucille and his 
children and grandchildren.

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