[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 33 (Tuesday, February 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN REMEMBRANCE OF TOM MOONEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2007

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Tom 
Mooney and his accomplishments as a champion of public education, the 
labor movement and social justice. A sudden and tragic loss for 
education advocates, Tom's December 9, 2006 passing also marks a sad 
day for the State of Ohio.
  Tom began his career as a teacher in 1972 in Cincinnati. Quickly, 
though, his natural leadership brought him to represent his fellow 
educators as the president of the Local 1520 of the American Federation 
of Teachers between 1979 and 2000. During that time, he forged a 
reputation as a tireless and outspoken proponent of ensuring funding 
for public schools. Through his work with the Federation, he eventually 
rose to become the vice president of the national organization and 
served on its executive board.
  A man of candor and American moxie, Tom's aggressive and enthusiastic 
public defense of teachers was an ongoing testament to his dedication 
to the idea that education is a fundamental and essential human right. 
Tom firmly believed that the success of the public education system 
rests on the will of the people to uphold its standards. Often, this 
meant challenging the status quo. Tom was not afraid to push forward 
and vehemently fight for higher standards and a higher quality of 
education. His strength, conviction, and outright courage to stand up 
steadfastly for the rights of educators have led to vast improvements 
in the field of education for the State of Ohio and the country.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the life 
of Tom Mooney for his exemplary dedication to public education and the 
labor movement. Tom will be missed.

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