[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 73 (Friday, May 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS J. PAPAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2007

  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise with sadness today to share with my 
colleagues in the House news of the death of a California public 
servant from my home district. Lou Papan, known as the ``Dean'' of the 
California State Assembly, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 28, 
2007. He was 78 years old.
  Lou Papan was practically a force of nature in state and local 
politics. His distinguished life's work included service to his country 
as a member of the Armed Forces, his professional career with the FBI, 
a successful banking and business experience and ultimately, serving 
two decades as a State Assemblyman from California's 19th District.
  Madam Speaker, this big, burly bear of a man was also known for his 
enormous heart and his devotion to his family. The father of a 
seriously disabled son, Lou Papan was well known along Highway 80 as he 
commuted between Sacramento and Millbrae, making a point of being home 
every night to help his wife Irene with the added complexities of life 
parents of seriously ill children often face. John died in 1981 at the 
age of 21 and it is doubtful that Lou Papan ever regretted a single 
highly publicized speeding ticket he received. Those tickets earned him 
the nickname ``Leadfoot Lou.''
  This personal dedication translated into public and private 
activities geared to helping other families facing similar challenges. 
The creation of ``John's Closet,'' a unique organization that collected 
clothing for disabled and poor children, was but one example of how Lou 
Papan shouldered his community's concerns in order to help make 
everyone's life just a little better.
  Madam Speaker, Lou Papan was born in Springfield, Massachussetts, as 
Elias Papandricoupolos. His parents were Greek immigrants and his own 
name was accidentally changed to ``Louis'' by a doctor who did not 
recognize the original name on a form. Lou Papan spoke only Greek when 
he began elementary school.
  As a young man, Lou Papan served in the U.S. Army. Family lore has it 
that fellow soldiers kidded the young man about the length of his last 
name, saying that the 16 letters nearly wrapped all the way around his 
helmet. He later earned a degree in economics from Syracuse University 
and during the Korean War, was an officer in the Air Force. He then 
went to Georgetown Law School. His government service continued with 
the FBI, which sent him to San Francisco where he met his wife and 
where he settled.
  Madam Speaker, Lou Papan left the FBI to embark on a business career 
that was highly successful in banking, insurance and real estate. He 
was a co-founder of the Peninsula Bank of Commerce. His first elected 
office was as a member of the Daly City Council. In 1972, he took the 
leap to the California State Assembly.
  Lou Papan's political career is full of dynamic successes as well as 
controversial emotions. His legacy is one of ``hardball politics'' in 
which legislators were strongly encouraged to support the political 
policies of their party. Known as ``The Enforcer'' for his ability to 
shepherd votes, Lou Papan's shadow was cast large in Sacramento, over 
both opponents and supporters.
  His political goal to become a State Senator was never realized, 
although he tried on two occasions. Madam Speaker, this gregarious, 
sometimes garrulous politician left the State Assembly in 1986 to run 
for State Senate. He failed in that effort, but in 1996, he easily 
recaptured his former Assembly seat. As a footnote to his legislative 
legacy, Lou Papan became one of the longest-serving politicians in 
recent California history, having served time both before and after 
voters approved term limits. As the Chairman of the powerful Assembly 
Rules Committee, Lou Papan wielded considerable power over the day-to-
day activities of the California Legislature. His position and 
political style often resulted in decidedly mixed reviews, but almost 
everyone agreed that he was an effective leader.
  It was during his Assembly tenure that the California Capitol 
Building was renovated and upgraded through a six-year, $67 million 
effort. A plaque bearing his name testifies to his successful oversight 
of that project.
  Madam Speaker, it is difficult to capture a life of public service in 
these few short words, but let me say that during his 20-year career in 
the California Assembly, Lou Papan championed the causes of children, 
including legislation to improve public instruction for disabled 
students, require reporting of child and elder abuse and establishment 
of childcare centers for families with business before the courts. He 
also authored legislation to help firefighters suffering from life-
threatening illnesses as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals on the 
job. Lou Papan played a key role in establishing and expanding 
California's public transportation agencies, carried legislation to 
ensure reliability of regional water delivery systems, and submitted 
bills aimed at encouraging conservation and recycling, among many other 
contributions. Lou Papan also served as the Chairman of the Banking and 
Finance Committee, where he spearheaded efforts to support independent 
banking institutions.
  In 1996 he was granted the Ellis Island Medal of Honor given by the 
National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations to ethnic Americans who have 
made significant contributions to this country.
  In another effort to recognize his public service, the California 
Legislature renamed a section of Highway 1, from the Daly City border 
south through the City of Pacifica along the scenic coast, as the 
``Louis J. Papan Highway.'' He is given credit for successfully 
securing funding to purchase beachfront property in Pacifica for the 
State Parks system.
  Madam Speaker, Lou Papan lived a big, at times boisterous life. His 
dedication to public service speaks for itself and his impact on the 
people and politics of California are now part of history. He is 
survived by his daughters Virgina ``Gina'' Papan and Diane Papan, son-
in-law Dan Latini and granddaughter Alexa Papan Latini.
  His daughter Gina says her dad ``was the real deal.'' Madam Speaker, 
I agree wholeheartedly with that assessment. Lou Papan was a unique and 
dynamic personality who made his mark on his home, his county, his 
state and his country. I urge my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing the contributions of this 
fellow politician and servant of the public.

                          ____________________