[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 40 (Thursday, March 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF DALLAS SAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEITH ELLISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2007

  Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory 
of Dallas Sams of Staples, Minnesota, former state senator, father and 
dedicated advocate for Minnesota's environment. He passed away last 
Monday after a hard fight against cancer.
  During his sixteen years in the Minnesota State Senate, Dallas never 
forgot who he was or where he came from. A tireless advocate for rural 
Minnesota, he never passed up an opportunity to talk about the beauty 
of the lakes and fields that surrounded his home. In the last few years 
it was hard to have a discussion with him without discussing his most 
recent addition or renovation to his beloved cabin, his love for which 
was second only to his love for his children Seth, Stacia, Jordan, 
Mitchell and Michael, as well as his wife Mary Beth.
  Dallas nurtured his passion for the land and the environment 
throughout his life. As a dairy farmer and agriculture management 
teacher he developed a hands-on knowledge and appreciation of our 
state's natural environment. His understanding of the vital importance 
of a clean and healthy ecosystem was clear in his work at the state 
legislature. One of his greatest accomplishments as the foremost 
advocate for ethanol in the state was the passage of his legislation 
mandating the Nation's highest ethanol and gasoline blend standard in 
2005. He supported efforts to involve more young people in family farms 
in order to guarantee the success of the next generation in farming as 
well as made sure that summer youth employment programs in Minneapolis 
got adequately funded. His most sought after goal and one which was 
sadly never accomplished during his lifetime was the successful passage 
of legislation dedicating a portion of Minnesota's sales tax toward 
maintaining and protecting the environment that he loved so much. 
Perhaps this year will be the year his dream will finally be 
accomplished.
  While history will record his accomplishments in terms of legislation 
passed and projects funded, those who knew him, whether for a lifetime 
or just for a few moments, will remember the passing of a man 
universally known for his humor, humility and honor. The true measure 
of our love and admiration for Dallas will not be found in the laws he 
passed but in the lives he touched through his good-humored nature, 
ready laugh and mischievous smile.

                          ____________________