[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E117-E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      JACK HAMILTON AND THE COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY OF SOMERVILLE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2009

  Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my friend and 
constituent, Jack Hamilton, who is retiring after almost three decades 
as Executive Director of CAAS, the Community Action Agency of 
Somerville. Jack is the man who made both ``community'' and ``action'' 
a reality in the day to day work of the agency. He fought poverty and 
discrimination every day of his adult life. He communicated a sense of 
urgency to his staff and inspired both colleagues and clients with his 
deep commitment to the dignity and well-being of every person.
  Under his leadership an anti-poverty agency grew to offer services 
ranging from early childhood education and parenting support, to help 
for tenants, access to health care, and advocacy for the disabled. He 
was an active citizen, far beyond what would have been expected of him 
as CAAS Executive Director, and he encouraged others to become 
involved. He never shied away from personal involvement in electoral 
politics, for and against those candidates whom he saw as worthy, or 
unworthy, of support, but he never let petty political differences 
limit his effectiveness.
  Jack worked with elected officials and with me when I served as 
Mayor, collegially and constructively, but he never withheld his 
criticism when he felt a rebuke was necessary. Above all, he was 
determined to work with anyone and everyone engaged in an important 
issue, to cooperate and to understand such honest differences as might 
arise. He is a man of compassion and integrity, capable of righteous 
indignation and generous anger. I am proud to be his friend and I am 
grateful for his service to the city we both love.

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