[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING RICHARD GRIFFIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life 
of longtime Richmond City Councilmember Richard Griffin. A tireless 
public servant and proud resident of the East Bay, Mr. Griffin passed 
away Wednesday, August 13, 2008. He was 74 years old.
  Richard Griffin was born in 1934. He lived in the city of Richmond 
for 37 years, and served in the United States Armed Forces. Mr. Griffin 
served as a public school teacher and principal in Oakland before 
embarking on a formal political career. As an educator, he was an 
active union member in the United Administrators of Oakland Schools, 
Local 83.
  Richard was a strong believer in the importance of good mentors for 
our young people, and an unwavering advocate for the right to a quality 
education for all. Richard was an excellent role model for our youth, 
especially African-Americans. He never tired of working to level the 
playing field so that the bright, young, talented students whom he 
taught would have the best opportunities to pursue fulfilling and 
successful lives.
  Mr. Griffin held degrees in both chemistry and biology biology from 
San Francisco State University. He later earned a master's degree in 
Education. In addition to teaching, his career included diverse 
experiences, such as working as a microbiologist for Schlitz Brewery 
and as chief chemist for General Dynamics Corporation. An expert in his 
field, Richard was awarded three National Science Foundation 
Scholarships.
  He later went on to spend more than two decades tirelessly serving 
the residents of Richmond as an esteemed member of their city council. 
He was appointed to his position on the city council in 1981 to fill a 
vacancy. His last term ended in 2006, when he decided not to seek re-
election. During his tenure on the city council, he also served as 
vice-mayor.
  His colleagues on the Richmond City Council remember him as extremely 
affable, charismatic, and passionate about the needs of the 
constituency he represented. Residents and city employees have 
described him as one of the most accessible elected officials, always 
available to listen and reach out to residents and city agencies and 
interested in addressing complex issues in a hands-on and collaborative 
fashion.
  Mr. Griffin was widely known as a champion for the rights of senior 
citizens and was a strong advocate of redevelopment projects which 
would improve access for those with special mobility needs. He was also 
keenly involved in the development of Richmond's crime-prevention 
programs. Richard understood, however, that being ``tough on crime'' 
was not enough. He aimed, instead, to protect the populace and 
encourage the healthy development of city neighborhoods. During the 
early 1980s, his support helped firmly establish the police commission, 
which investigates allegations of police brutality and works to ensure 
that every person, even those who have been accused of committing a 
crime, are treated humanly and with dignity.
  A man of faith, Richard was a dedicated member of St. John's 
Missionary Baptist Church. He always made time for community service 
and, in addition to contributing to the good work of his church, also 
served as the director of both the Richmond Girls Club and the Greater 
Richmond Social Service Corporation, respectively.
  Richard was a man of great wisdom. He provided tremendous support to 
me when I ran for the State Senate in 1996. I am deeply grateful for 
his counsel, his assistance, and his friendship.
  Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors Mr. 
Richard Griffin. Our deepest condolences go out to his loving wife, two 
sons, three grandchildren, and many friends and colleagues. We thank 
his family for sharing this exuberant and compassionate spirit with us. 
May his soul rest in peace.

                          ____________________