[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 113 (Thursday, July 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF THE SERVICE OF JOHN LANCASTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 2008

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of 
a historic figure in my community, Mr. John Lancaster, who passed away 
on July 1st at the age of 90.
  John Lancaster was a man of principle and deep devotion to his 
community. As the first elected African-American county commissioner in 
the history of St. Mary's County, Maryland, Mr. Lancaster was certainly 
a political trailblazer. Breaking that barrier was indeed astonishing. 
John believed that he was accountable to all in the community as he 
simply but eloquently once said ``I was a commissioner serving all 
people.''
  Perhaps the most important issue to John was education. A local 
official in my community recently dubbed him as the ``education 
commissioner'' and many regarded him as a mentor in education policy. 
As commissioner, John could not sit idly as public schools were 
decaying in front of him. Today, because of his efforts and foresight, 
education is a very important issue in St. Mary's County, and students 
are learning in first class facilities.
  John Lancaster was the personification of hard work and optimism. In 
face of discrimination he pressed forward. Mr. Lancaster will certainly 
be remembered as an example for those who dare to dream the impossible. 
I would like to offer my condolences to his loving family, as we mourn 
the loss of an extraordinary person.

                          ____________________