[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E283-E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING EDWARD F. GORHAM

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 2010

  Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of Edward F. Gorham of Randolph, Maine on the occasion 
of his recent retirement as president of the Maine AFL-CIO.
  For over forty years, Eddie Gorham has been a voice for working men 
and women in Maine. He has been tireless in fighting to ensure that 
ordinary Mainers have a chance to join the middle class, and he 
embodies the Maine values of fairness and equality. Born March 8, 1944 
to Joe and Betty Gorham, strong union members with roots in Connemara, 
Ireland, Eddie grew up in the Munjoy Hill neighborhood of Portland. 
After graduating from the University of Maine with a degree in history 
and government in 1966, Eddie heeded President John F. Kennedy's call 
to service and went to India as a volunteer with the Peace Corps. Back 
in Maine, Eddie joined Local 29 of the International Brotherhood of 
Boilermakers, Iron Shipbuilders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers and 
became a journeyman boilermaker.
  In 1976, Eddie began his nearly thirty-five years of dedicated 
service to Maine workers at the Maine AFL-CIO. During his tenure there, 
he never stopped advocating for the Maine men and women who build our 
ships, make our paper and keep our state running. Eddie started out as 
a legislative liaison. He quickly and deftly learned the political and 
legislative process in Augusta, participating in labor committee 
sessions, researching and revising labor bills and lobbying for their 
passage. In 1977, he was elected Secretary-Treasurer, a position he 
held for twenty-two years until becoming president in 1999. During 
these years,

[[Page E284]]

Eddie's prowess in the halls of the State House in Augusta became 
legendary. He has forged coalitions, organized participation in 
hearings and provided key facts to legislators on labor issues. There 
is no doubt that Eddie's legislative skills have been a driving force 
behind the passage of major legislation benefiting Maine's working 
families, including the first in the country Chemical ID Law, Community 
Right To Know, minimum wage, severance pay, sexual harassment, toxic 
use reduction, VDT standards, workers' compensation and unemployment 
and training benefits.
  In addition to his professional contributions, Eddie is a leader in 
his community. He currently serves as selectman in his hometown of 
Randolph, where he lives with his wife Diana and his three children, 
Matthew, Delia and James.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Edward F. Gorham for his 
life-long dedication and service to the working people of Maine.

                          ____________________