[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF MARLENE ELLIOTT BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2009

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to pay tribute to Marlene Elliott Brown. In a state with many 
``firsts'' in its history, we are proud of the fact that Marlene was 
the first female State Director for USDA Rural Development, and after 
eight years she has left big shoes to fill for those that will follow 
her. This amazing woman's nearly twenty-six years of tireless federal 
service have been nothing but extraordinary.
  A native of Laurel, Delaware, Marlene's career in public service 
began in 1982, when she joined the staff of the late U.S. Senator 
William V. Roth. She became the Senator's State Director and served him 
faithfully for eighteen years. On March 14, 2001, she was appointed by 
President George W. Bush to serve as the Delaware/Maryland Director for 
USDA Rural Development. Marlene's eight years in this position are 
marked with many noteworthy accomplishments including: 1065 Delaware 
families or individuals becoming new homeowners; 2855 jobs created or 
saved; 44,188 homes and businesses that benefited from improved central 
water and wastewater systems; and 235 homes of individuals with 
disabilities that were repaired to remove health and safety hazards.
  But Marlene's impact on those around her is certainly not limited to 
her professional career. She is a role model for others and is involved 
in many community organizations, having served as President for the 
Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Club, Vice Chairman of the Republican State 
Committee, Honorary Commander at the Dover Air Force Base, Board Member 
of the Delmarva Christian High School, member of the Delaware Tech 
Educational Foundation Council, and through her faith as a member of 
Trinity UMC and the Delmar Christian Center.
  Marlene once described the late Senator William Roth in the following 
words, ``all were better for the time spent with him. He gave everyone 
opportunity, he led by example, and he showed the path for public 
service.'' I find Marlene Elliott Brown to be all of those things and 
more. She is a thoughtful leader, an insightful and honest woman, a 
tireless volunteer in her community and church, a dedicated public 
servant, and above all, a loyal and generous friend.
  I congratulate Marlene for her years of extraordinary service to the 
state of Delaware and the countless citizens who have been touched in 
some way by her dedication. On behalf of all Delawareans, I would like 
to thank her parents--Marshall and Blanche Elliott; her husband--Jim; 
and her friends for sharing her with us over these many years. Marlene 
is an exemplary citizen and like other outstanding individuals before 
her, ``we are better for the time spent with her.''

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