[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 163 (Thursday, October 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL FITZGERALD, BUSINESS MANAGER AND FINANCIAL SECRETARY 
 OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL UNION 134

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 25, 2007

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a good husband, a good father, a good friend, a good son, and a good 
man; who devoted his life to his family, to his union and to his work 
on behalf of the working people throughout the world. Madam Speaker, 
Michael Fitzgerald was a third-generation electrician who joined Local 
134 in December of 1974. He was appointed special assistant to the 
business manager in 1991 prior to being elected as business manager in 
1995, where he served until 2006. He served on the executive board of 
the Chicago Federation of Labor, and as its second vice-president. He 
also served as vice president of the Chicago Cook County Building 
Trades Council, and served as chairman and as president of the Illinois 
State Conference of the International Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers.
  Under Michael's leadership, Local 134 continued the tradition of 
strong and aggressive growth and has become one of the largest and most 
influential Electricians locals in North America, with over 17,000 
members.
  At the 36th Convention of the International Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers, Michael Fitzgerald served as Secretary to the Law Committee at 
the 37th Convention. In addition, Michael Fitzgerald was active in many 
other civic and community endeavors. He served on the Mayor's Zoning 
Reform Commission from 2000 to 2004, and on the Illinois Medical Center 
Commission from 1998 until his death. He was president of the Chicago 
Children's Advocacy Center for abused children from 1999 to 2005, and 
on the executive committee of the board of directors of the 
Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which governs the 
activities at Navy Pier and the McCormick Place complex from 2001 
through 2005. Michael was also an attorney and member of the American 
Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

  Michael Fitzgerald gained recognition for his outstanding work and 
commitment to humankind. He was named Man of the Year by several 
organizations including, The Coalition for United Community Action, 
1996; Irish American Alliance, 1997; Maritime Trades and The Greater 
Chicago and Vicinity Port Council, 1998; Hispanic Electricians 
Alliance, 1999; Italian American Labor Council, 2001; and The Anti-
Defamation League, 2001. He also received the Rerun Novarum Award for 
Labor from the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1999. He served as a member of 
the board of directors of Amalgamated Bank of Chicago and was appointed 
to the Catholic Charities Advisory Board. He has been recognized for 
his commitment to St. Xavier University in 2007; Mayor Richard M. Daley 
presented Mr. Fitzgerald with the John E. Rooney Corporate Hero Award 
for his tireless efforts on behalf of the city of Chicago Children's 
Advocacy Center.
  We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife and their two 
children, Marty and Sarah.
  Madam Speaker, the steps of a good man are ordered and directed by 
the Lord.
  Michael Fitzgerald was a good man; may his soul rest in peace.

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