[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E931-E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SALUTING BETTY LOU REED

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 2, 2007

  Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I would like to salute Betty Lou Reed from 
Deerfield, Illinois. Betty has been a part of the community for nearly 
fifty years, and has served at nearly every level of government. Later 
this month, she will move to Denver so she can be near her daughter and 
grandchildren.

[[Page E932]]

  Betty Lou started in politics in the 1960's as a volunteer and 
staffer. She retold stories of serving bourbon and branchwater to 
Senator Everett Dirksen during the good old days. From 1968 to 1972 
Betty Lou was an elected Supervisor serving on the Lake County Board. 
During that time, she also served as a Field Representative for the 
Illinois Department of Local Government Affairs. In 1971, Betty Lou was 
appointed by President Nixon to the Small Business Administration's 
Midwest Regional Advisory Council.
  She was elected by the citizens of her community to the Illinois 
General Assembly from 1975 to 1982, becoming the Chairman of the 
Illinois Water Resources Commission in 1980.
  After her retirement from the legislature, she became the District 
Director for our former colleague and my predecessor, John Edward 
Porter, from 1982 to 1989. After leaving Congressman Porter's 
Congressional office, she continued serving as his General Chairman 
from 1988 to 1994.
  Recognizing her talent and dedication, Betty Lou received the 
prestigious Hope B. McCormick Illinois Lincoln Series Excellence in 
Public Service Award in 1996 for her exceptional work in mentoring 
women in politics.
  Along with John Porter, Betty is a mentor and, as she would say, ``a 
pro.'' I hope you will join me in wishing Betty Lou many years of 
happiness as she leaves our community.

                          ____________________