[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 177 (Thursday, November 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2441-E2442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING MRS. LINDA BUZINEC

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with immense gratitude and 
admiration that I stand before you today to recognize the many 
accomplishments of Mrs. Linda Buzinec, the longtime Mayor of Hobart, 
IN. A close personal friend of mine, I can truly say that Linda is one 
of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished and honorable citizens, as 
well as one of its greatest leaders. She is one of the most involved 
citizens that I have ever known, especially when it comes to her 
service to the people of Hobart, IN. First elected to public office in 
1988, Linda has been a constant fixture in Hobart, where she has always 
been fully committed to the people she was elected to serve. Most 
recently, Linda has served as Mayor of the City of Hobart for the past 
12 years. Her efforts throughout her career in public service and the 
impact she has had on

[[Page E2442]]

the city and the people of Hobart will forever be remembered. To honor 
Linda, a reception will be held at the Avalon Manor in Hobart, IN, on 
Tuesday, November 27, 2007.
   Linda Schmelter was born in Gary, Indiana, to Leonard and Ann 
Schmelter. A lifelong resident of Hobart, Linda attended Saint Bridget 
Elementary School and Hobart High School. Upon her graduation, prior to 
beginning her career as a public servant, Linda was employed by Hobart 
Federal Savings. Undoubtedly, this position helped Linda develop the 
communication and organizational skills that would be critical in her 
future roles as an elected official. Early on, Linda began her career 
in the public sector in Hobart as an employee of the Hobart Clerk-
Treasurer's Office. Throughout the years, she also held positions with 
the Northern Indiana Public Service Company, NIPSCO, where she was 
stationed in both the Hobart and Gary locations.
   In 1988, Linda was elected First District Councilperson, a position 
she held through 1995, when she was elected mayor. This began Linda's 
12-year mayoral career. During that time, Linda's commitment and proven 
leadership skills led to many impressive advancements, many of which 
will have an immeasurable impact on the City and the people of Hobart 
for years to come. For all of Linda's leadership, hard work, and 
dedication to the people of Hobart, Linda was awarded the prestigious 
Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 2005 from former Governor Joseph E. 
Kernan.
   Although Linda's responsibilities in her capacity as mayor have 
occupied a large amount of her time, Linda has always been active in 
various organizations throughout the years, including: the Kiwanis, the 
Hobart Industrial Economic Development Corporation, HIEDC, the Hobart 
Chamber of Commerce, the Hobart YMCA, and the School City Educational 
Foundation. She has served on several boards, including: the Workforce 
Development Board, the Crisis Center Board, and the Saint Mary Medical 
Board. A dedicated and lifelong Democrat, Linda has also served as 
Vice-Chair of the Hobart and Lake County Democratic Precinct 
Organizations and as Treasurer of the Indiana State Democratic 
Organization.
   While Linda has passionately served the people of Hobart with 
unwavering dedication for many years, her commitment to her community 
is surpassed only by her love for her family. A loving wife, mother, 
and grandmother, Linda and her husband, George, have been married for 
over 26 years. They have one son, Michael, and two teenage 
grandchildren, whom they cherish and adore.
   Madam Speaker, Linda Buzinec has selflessly given her time and 
efforts to the people of Hobart, Indiana, throughout her years of 
service. At this time, I ask that you and all of my distinguished 
colleagues join me in commending her for her years of service and 
dedication, and I ask that you join me in wishing her the best of 
health and happiness in the years to come.

                          ____________________