[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 92 (Thursday, June 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REMEMBERING SANDRA OTAKA, THE FIRST ASIAN-AMERICAN ELECTED COOK COUNTY 
                                 JUDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2009

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I rise 
today to recognize the extraordinary life and contributions of Judge 
Sandra Otaka, a constituent of mine and a dear friend, who died on June 
6. Judge Otaka is remembered not just for her brilliant legal career 
but for a life committed to fighting for equality and justice for all. 
She died too soon and she will be greatly missed.
  Judge Otaka was appointed to the bench of the Illinois Supreme Court 
in 2000. In 2002, she was elected as the first Asian-American to be 
Cook County Judge, serving in the children protection court. While that 
accomplishment was extraordinary, it was just one of many exemplary 
moments in her career.
  Born the daughter and granddaughter of Japanese Americans who were 
imprisoned in U.S. internment camps during World War II, Sandra Otaka 
dedicated her life to fighting for justice. As a child, she campaigned 
against the Vietnam War. During college, she worked at a law firm that 
successfully overturned the conviction of Fred Korematsu, a Japanese-
American imprisoned in 1944 for failing to report to an internment 
camp. Throughout her adult life, she worked tirelessly to represent 
those who too often had no voice.
  Judge Otaka was an inspiration not only to Asian-Americans in 
Chicago, but to legions of others, including me. I loved and respected 
her deeply not only for her brilliant mind, but for her tremendous 
heart. The outpouring of sorrow and the sense of loss are a testament 
to Sandra's gift for befriending people and touching their lives in 
ways big and small. While all of us who were Sandra's friends will miss 
her terribly, we can find some comfort in our memories of that 
beautiful, vibrant and vital woman whom we were so fortunate to have in 
our lives, albeit for too brief a time.
  My heart goes out today to her beloved son Jeffrey. Jeffrey was the 
center of Sandra's life and she was absolutely devoted to him. She 
talked about him and his accomplishments often, and Sandra always had a 
photo ready to share. I also extend my condolences to her sister Susan, 
and all of Sandra's family and friends whom she loved dearly and who 
loved her in return. Judge Otaka made our community and our nation a 
better place. I and so many people in Chicago are indeed fortunate to 
have had her in our lives.

                          ____________________