[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 160 (Monday, October 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2198-E2199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 22, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration and respect 
that I take this time to recognize a dear friend and one of Indiana's 
most distinguished citizens, State Representative Charlie Brown of 
Gary, IN. Since 1982, Charlie has served as a member of the Indiana 
General Assembly. For his dedication and countless efforts toward 
improving the lives of Indiana residents, Charlie will be honored at a 
reception hosted by the Lake County Medical Society on Wednesday, 
October 24, 2007, at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, IN.

[[Page E2199]]

  Charlie Brown grew up in Philadelphia, PA. Following the completion 
of his undergraduate studies at Cheyney State Teachers' College in 
Cheyney, PA, Charlie relocated to Gary, IN, where he began his lifelong 
career in public service. After serving as an educator in the Gary 
Community School Corporation from 1961 to 1968, Charlie took on several 
new roles within his community. From 1968 to 1988, Charlie served in 
many capacities in the City of Gary, including: Youth Coordinator, 
Mayor's Assistant on Youth Activities, Director of the Youth Services 
Bureau, Affirmative Action Officer and Risk Manager.
  In 1988, following many years of service as a public official, 
Charlie went on to utilize his vast experience and knowledge of health 
care-related issues by accepting the position of Chief Executive 
Officer of the Gary Community Mental Health Center. Charlie served in 
this capacity until 1993. Currently, Charlie serves as a consultant, 
where he provides guidance to organizations seeking to foster positive 
interaction between the government and the community.
  Though Charlie has always put people first in every position he has 
held, it is through his efforts as an elected official that he has made 
an indelible mark on the progress and future in Indiana. First elected 
to the Indiana General Assembly as a member of the Indiana House of 
Representatives in 1982, Charlie has always been a true champion of 
improving health care in Indiana for all residents. As a member of the 
Indiana State House, Charlie has served on several committees, most 
notably, the Standing Committee on Public Health. As both a member and 
Chairman of this crucial committee, Charlie has fought tirelessly to 
improve health care in Indiana. When it comes to health care, Charlie 
has always had one goal in mind: To provide affordable, accessible, and 
high-quality health care for all Indiana citizens.
  Throughout his illustrious career, Charlie has been recognized with 
many distinguished awards by numerous organizations. To name a few, 
Charlie has received accolades from: the National Association for Equal 
Opportunity in Higher Education, Indiana University Northwest, the 
Alzheimer's Association of Indiana, the Indiana Council of Community 
Mental Heath Centers, the Mental Health Association of Indiana, the 
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations 
(AFL-CIO), the Indiana Optometric Association, the Indiana Black Expo, 
the Calumet Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
  Though Charlie has received many esteemed honors for his commitment 
to the residents of Indiana, Charlie's greatest source of pride is his 
family. Charlie and his wife, Angela Baker Brown, are the proud parents 
of one daughter, Charlisa L. Scott, and two adoring grandsons, Landon 
Charles Douglas Scott and Cole Nathaniel Scott.
  Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring State Representative Charlie Brown for 
his outstanding devotion to his community and to the people of Indiana. 
His unselfish and lifelong dedication to improving health care for 
Indiana residents is worthy of the highest commendation. Charlie's 
selflessness and his commitment to improving lives throughout Indiana 
serves as an inspiration to us all, and I am proud to call him my 
friend.

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