[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E611-E612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PAYING TRIBUTE TO VIVIAN JONES ON HER 40TH ANNIVERSARY IN PUBLIC 
             SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF MY CONGRESSIONAL STAFF

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that 
I rise today to commend my dear friend and colleague, Vivian Jones, on 
an illustrious public service career spanning 40 years in the United 
States House of Representatives.
  But, my dear Vivian is more than just a co-worker to me. We have 
maintained a personal and working relationship for the larger part of 
my political life that has proved abundantly edifying and rewarding. I 
consider her a true friend with not only great skills--one of the last 
people on earth who can take shorthand--but a great understanding of 
the nuances of dealing with politicians and the riggers of constituent 
casework. I am pleased to say that there are people that call up and 
want to speak to Vivian instead of me.
  The many who have met and been touched by Vivian and her life's work 
can attest that she is equal parts strong mind and ample heart, a 
humble soul who cares deeply about the issues of the day and their 
impact on everyday people. And yet, she has been able to influence 
public decision making, develop activities of enormous impact and 
provide motivation, inspiration, and consolation to the younger members 
of my staff.
  Vivian Jones goes back to my days at Weaver, Evans, Wingate & Wright. 
She was my Administrative Assistant when I first practiced law. She 
became a part of my campaign staff in March of 1970, when I, then a 
young New York State Assemblyman, challenged the legendary Adam Clayton 
Powell, Jr. for the Congressional Seat.

[[Page E612]]

  Upon election to the Congress, she joined the Congressional Staff as 
my Executive Secretary. As a freshman Congressman, I was the 
beneficiary of Vivian's previous experience with secretarial and 
paralegal work. She immediately became responsible for my schedule and 
constituent services in the district office, which was all done without 
computers in those early days of our careers in the House.
  In 1975, Vivian succeeded Virginia Bell as my District Administrator. 
As my District Administrator, her responsibilities expanded to the role 
of a Chief of Staff in the District. Viv managed the district offices, 
directed work activities, supervised staff, and oversaw and coordinated 
activities in the different communities of my Congressional District. 
As a woman in this role in the 1970s and proceeding decades, she was 
quite an effective leader and powerful force in pushing my agenda 
forward in the district. She continued this role until January 1999, 
when Vivian reduced her work load and went part-time.
  Although at part-time, my loyal colleague, Vivian Jones, still 
coordinates my schedule in conjunction with the scheduler in 
Washington, handles all personnel matters pertaining to the district 
staff, and prepares correspondences of varying complexity for my 
signature. Vivian continues to arrive at the office in the wee hours of 
the morning on her assigned days. As always, she remains committed to 
offering a sympathetic ear or to jump start a slow or reluctant 
bureaucracy for a constituent.
  Vivian's dynamic spirit and sense of purpose serves me and her fellow 
colleagues as the motivation and driving force of the office. I thank 
her for her incredible service over the years, her devoted friendship, 
and wish her many blessings.

                          ____________________