[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF JEFFREY POTTER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary 
life of Jeffrey Potter and to mourn him upon his passing at the age of 
58.
  Born on June 15, 1952, Jeff Potter dedicated his life to serving his 
community and his country. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, 
Jeff retired from Ford Motor Company after 30 years of employment. Jeff 
loved his community and his community loved him.
  Jeff was elected to the South Lyon City Council in November 1987 
serving until November 1989 when he was elected mayor of South Lyon, 
serving 13 years until being elected to serve on the Oakland County 
Board of Commissioners. During his tenure on the Oakland County 
Commission, Mr. Potter chaired the public services committee and served 
on the general government and finance committees. He hoped to continue 
to represent the constituents of Oakland County's 8th district by 
retaining his seat this fall. Jeff also served as a Member/Delegate to 
SEMCOG and was a member of the Oakland County Library Board.
  Jeffrey Potter was an active proponent of community partnerships, 
hoping to reduce the cost of government while adding to Oakland 
County's quality of life. He was an organizer and founding community 
sponsor of the Huron Valley Trail System, which connects many Oakland 
communities and area parks. Jeff Potter authored a Strategic Land 
Acquisition project in an effort to preserve land for ``green space'' 
and future parks. As then-Mayor Potter, Jeff was honored with the 
Distinguished Leadership in Joint Public Services Award, 1998, and 
Outstanding Project Award, 1998, for southeastern Michigan.
  Regrettably, on June 21, 2010, Jeffrey Potter passed from this 
earthly world to his eternal reward. He is survived by his beloved 
wife, Andra, his sons, Michael and Daniel and his daughter, Jessica. A 
courageous and honorable man, Jeff will be sorely missed.
  Madam Speaker, Jeff will be long remembered as a compassionate 
father, a dedicated husband, a leader, and a friend. Jeff was a man who 
deeply treasured his family, friends, community and his country. Today, 
as we bid Jeff farewell, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning his 
passing and honoring his unwavering patriotism and legendary service to 
our country and our community.

                          ____________________