[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO RICH BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rich Brown, a 
Representative in the Michigan House of Representatives from the 110th 
District. The 110th District includes the counties of Gogebic, 
Ontonagon, Houghton, Keewenaw, Baraga, Iron and part of Marquette 
County.
  Elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2000, Rich Brown 
has been term limited and his service in the Michigan House will 
therefore end this year. In this case, I believe the term limits law in 
my home state has deprived the people of Michigan continued service 
from an exemplary state Representative.
  Even prior to going to Lansing, Rich dedicated much of his life to 
public service and to serving the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) community. 
Beginning as a broadcaster at WUUN Radio in Marquette before becoming 
news director at WUPM Radio in Ironwood, Michigan, Rich covered the 
local issues that matter to the local communities of the U.P. Later, he 
worked as a reporter for the Ironwood Daily Globe, before beginning 
public service as Gogebic County Clerk. It was in 1984, that Rich was 
elected Gogebic County Clerk and Register of Deeds. During his tenure 
as a County Clerk he received wide acclaim for his public service 
efforts. He was named Michigan County Clerk of the year in 1992. Rich 
served as Gogebic County Clerk for 16 years until his election to the 
Michigan House of Representatives.
  In Lansing, Rich has been a tireless champion of ``Yoopers,'' 
residents of Michigan that live in the state's Upper Peninsula. Rich 
served on the powerful Appropriations Committee. From that powerful 
committee, he ensured that the unique transportation needs of northern 
Michigan were met by bringing state money above the bridge.
  Rich's district encompasses much of the ``Copper Country,'' an area 
rich in history and natural beauty. Rich has been a worthy emissary 
from this area, representing the area's unique culture and values in 
Lansing with distinguished pride. The Upper Peninsula faces different 
issues than issues faced by downstate residents. Rich has recognized 
those differences and exhibited hard work in our state capital to find 
creative solutions on both sides of the Mackinac Bridge.
  In the Michigan State House of Representatives, Rich has been a 
stalwart advocate for his constituents. I look forward to his continued 
involvement in the communities in the Upper Peninsula western end of 
the Copper Country. I applaud him for his years of service to Michigan, 
to the Upper Peninsula and to the people of Michigan's 110th 
legislative district.
  While known for his political prowess, Rich was well known throughout 
the Upper Peninsula as the energetic, entertaining and talented 
director of Marty's Goldenaires Senior Drum and Bugle Corps from 
Bessemer. Rich's band has delighted crowds in Michigan and Wisconsin 
and always draws the loudest, most sincere appreciation of all the drum 
and bugle corps that are participating in a parade, concert or 
festival. Under Rich's direction, Marty's Goldenaires are simply ``The 
Best!''
  Finally, let me offer my best wishes to Rich's wife, Ann Marie, his 
two children, Ryan and Emily. All of them have a great deal to be proud 
of in Rich's life and career. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the U.S. House of 
Representatives join me in saluting Rich Brown for his dedicated 
service to the state of Michigan, the people of the Copper Country and 
Michigan's 110th House District.

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