[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 97 (Friday, June 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MARY McALENEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2007

  Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a woman from my 
home State of Maine who truly embodies the spirit of public service. 
Mary McAleney is a friend, a trusted advisor, an accomplished 
professional, and a wonderful person who has devoted her career to 
serving the people of Maine. Today, I congratulate her on a 
distinguished career and her upcoming retirement.
  A native of Maine, Mary grew up in Vanceboro and attended St. 
Joseph's Academy in Portland. She is a graduate of Merrimack College in 
North Andover, Massachusetts. After teaching at Catherine McAuley High 
School in Portland, she worked in the Maine legislature and as a field 
organizer for the Maine State Employees Association.
  Mary went on to serve for many years as Chief of Staff to Senator 
George Mitchell. While I was in the Maine Legislature, we had many 
opportunities to work together, and it was clear to me that she always 
had the best interests of Maine in mind. She was constantly looking for 
ways for the Federal Government to help Maine's people and businesses. 
But the way she went about it was important too--she always worked 
across the aisle to get things done for Maine. She set high standards 
for all who worked around her and served as a mentor to staffers, many 
of whom went on to serve Congressman John Baldacci or who now work on 
my staff. In this way, her legacy of professionalism, boundless energy, 
and commitment to public service continues to be felt in Congress.
  Most recently, Mary served as Maine's Small Business Administration 
District Director. In that capacity, she strongly advocated for our 
State's entrepreneurs and always went the extra mile to support 
innovative small business development. Whether it was taking the lead 
on helping businesses affected by mill closures or simply providing 
first-rate customer service, Mary's devotion to serving our State's 
small business community was second to none. She cares about people and 
I could see that she enjoyed helping them realize their dreams.
  Mary's commitment to making Maine a better place is an inspiration to 
all of us who continue to serve in public office. Her warmth and 
generous spirit are a joy to all who know her. I wish Mary the very 
best in her retirement: she represents the best of Maine.

                          ____________________