[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF JIM ROKAKIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the efforts of 
Mr. Jim Rokakis, who has dedicated his life to public service in Ohio. 
Mr. Rokakis has improved life for all residents of Cuyahoga County as 
he initiates sweeping reform from the treasurer's office. He has been 
dedicated to both economic development and job creation and retention. 
.
  Mr. Rokakis has served diligently both Cuyahoga County and Ohio. Mr. 
Rokakis represented Cleveland's Ward 15 as councilman for 19 years, the 
final seven of which he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee. As 
councilman, Mr. Rokakis aided in upgrading Cleveland's bond rating, 
improving the city's investment returns, was a leader in developing the 
Gateway Sports Complex, responsible for Cleveland's gun buy-back 
program, the Indoor Clean Air Act, the creation of Cleveland's Housing 
Court, and a law aimed at fighting car thefts. Since 1997, Mr. Rokakis 
has excelled as Cuyahoga County Treasurer where his innovative ideas 
have revolutionized the county's investment and collection procedures.
  Mr. Rokakis has significantly improved Cuyahoga County's investment 
function, increasing the county's return and the diversification of the 
portfolio, while significantly reducing the fees spent on advisory 
services. He worked successfully to pass several Ohio House bills to 
better serve the state. In addition, Mr. Rokakis' work has earned him 
the recognition of The Cleveland Plain Dealer who in 1999-2001 awarded 
the county's portfolio as having the best performance among those 
evaluated for the period; as well as being honored by the State of 
Israel Bonds for his values and ideals rooted in democracy and the 
inalienable rights of working men and women. Specifically, Mr. Rokakis 
developed the Home Enhancement Loan Program, the first of its kind in 
the country, which has received the Community Impact Award from 
Dominion East Ohio/Inside Business Magazine, an award from the National 
Association of the Remodeling Industry, and won the 2003 EPA Smart 
Growth Award. As treasurer, Mr. Rokakis has aided in developing 
numerous programs to better all residents from students to seniors.
  Mr. Rokakis is a proud graduate of Oberlin College and Cleveland-
Marshall School of Law. He serves the important role of husband and 
father to his wife Laurie and their three children.
  Mr. Speaker and my fellow colleagues, I ask you to rise with me in 
recognition of Mr. Jim Rokakis' contributions within Ohio. I anticipate 
seeing what great accomplishments Mr. Rokakis holds in his future.




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