[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 108 (Wednesday, September 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1651]]
                        IN HONOR OF SUE BIERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, with great sorrow I rise to pay tribute to a 
beloved San Francisco political and civic leader, Sue Bierman, who died 
on August 7, 2006. I join my constituents in honoring five decades of 
tireless service to the people of San Francisco. Sue Bierman leaves a 
great legacy of compassion, courage and conviction. For those of us 
involved in San Francisco politics, her passing is a personal as well 
as a civic loss to our city.
  Sue Bierman was a leader who challenged the conscience of our 
community every day. As a relentless advocate for poor people, for 
social and economic justice, and for protecting our neighborhoods and 
our environment, the affectionate name `Susie' instilled fear and love 
at the same time. She brought wisdom and compassion to all the causes 
she undertook.
  As a private citizen in the 1950's and 1960's, she became a 
neighborhood leader who fought to stop the central freeway from 
destroying her neighborhood--Haight Ashbury, the Pan Handle and Golden 
Gate Park. For the next forty years she continued to defend the rights, 
the character and the beauty of San Francisco's neighborhoods.
  In 1980 Mayor George Moscone appointed her to the Planning 
Commission, where she was the sole voice opposing unrestricted downtown 
development and demanded that developers provide affordable housing, 
day care and parks.
  In 1992 she was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors 
where she served two terms. She earned the respect and affection of her 
colleagues. She became a leading advocate for San Francisco's tenants 
and continued to champion our neighborhoods. After being forced out of 
office by term limits, she became active in Senior Action Network and 
continued her participation in Democratic politics.
  She took great pride in her family and great interest in the well 
being of all San Francisco families. Everyone who cares about our 
children's future is deeply in her debt.
  I hope it is a comfort to her beautiful family, whom she loved so 
dearly, that so many people are mourning her passing and will hold her 
in their hearts forever.

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