[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 83 (Friday, June 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1265-E1266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HILA ``DUTCH'' BUCHER NEWMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2006

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay 
tribute to my dear friend Hila ``Dutch'' Bucher Newman for being 
recognized and honored by the City of Kansas City, Missouri in naming a 
segment of Westport Road, the Honorary ``Dutch'' Newman Drive. A 
special on-site event will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, so that 
family and friends can participate in the official christening of 
``Dutch Newman Drive,'' a fitting tribute to a lovely lady that has 
contributed so much to our community.
  Dutch and her family have woven the fabric of the history of 
Westport, Missouri, now a vibrant neighborhood incorporated into the 
City of Kansas City, Missouri. Their family's connection to Westport 
dates back to the 1800's family patriarch, Sam Bucher, who helped 
settle the small frontier town. Her great-grandfather, Robert Bucher, 
served the city as Marshall. It could be said that Dutch learned a 
tradition of service most directly from her father, Harry Bucher, who 
protected the city as Chief of the Vice Squad for the Kansas City 
Police Department. He also helped stimulate the Westport economy by 
opening three businesses in the area, including ``The Wrestlers Inn'' 
which was located in the oldest building in Westport.
  Dutch continued the family legacy of making Westport home while 
immersing her energies into enhancing her beloved community by 
providing direction through her leadership skills. Dutch was born in 
Westport, educated in Westport, married in Westport, owned a business 
in Westport, and continues to live in Westport. During World War II she 
served on the Civil Defense Program, planning the Blackout Tests. She 
holds memberships in the Daughters of Westport, The Westport Historical 
Society, and the Westport Neighborhood Crime Watch.
  As U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth District, I am keenly 
aware and appreciative of Dutch's political contributions, knowledge, 
and experiences. As any elected official in our region can attest, if 
you need sound advice, political or otherwise, you count on Dutch. I 
proudly selected Dutch to represent the State of Missouri as a delegate 
to the White House Conference on Aging in 2005. She is a strong 
advocate for promoting dignity, health, independence and economic 
security for current and future generations of seniors. Dutch has a 
gift for examining you with her intense blue eyes and then providing 
you with the straight scoop.

[[Page E1266]]

  Currently, Dutch serves on the Missouri Democratic Party's State 
Executive Board; is a Missouri State Committee Member; Chairperson of 
the 10th Senatorial District Committee; and has been the 5th Ward 
Democratic Committeewoman for over 30 years. Dutch is the Founder and 
President of the Westport Landing Democratic Club, former founder and 
Past President of the 5th District Women's Democratic Club, former Vice 
Chair of the Fifth Congressional District Committee, former Vice Chair 
of the Jackson County Democratic Committee, Past President of the State 
of Missouri Women's Federation Democratic Club, and was the first woman 
appointed by the Governor of Missouri to serve on Senatorial 
Redistricting Committee. Dutch has represented the State of Missouri as 
a delegate to the Democratic National Convention eight times. She has 
received many honors, including the Harry S Truman Award, Women's Fifth 
District ``Woman of the Year Award'', the Rodger A. Gooden Award for 
her strong commitment to social justice and inclusiveness, and the 
Combat Community Mother's Award. As an institution in the local 
Democratic Party, Dutch has stood prominently beside U.S. Presidents 
and other officials during their visits to Kansas City.

  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the matriarch of 
Westport, Hila ``Dutch'' Bucher Newman, for her unyielding commitment 
to the Westport area and the Fifth District. With this honorary naming 
of Westport Road, we pay tribute to a lifetime of work and dedication 
to the betterment of her community. I urge my colleagues of the 109th 
Congress to join me in congratulating Dutch on her well-deserved honor.

                          ____________________