[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 106 (Monday, July 19, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO VIOLA AND SYLVAN MEILING

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2010

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
Viola and Sylvan Meiling of Forest City who will be receiving the USDA 
Rural Development's Housing Manager of the Year Award. The couple was 
recently chosen by the USDA to receive this award for their five 
outstanding years of performance as managers of Forest City's Community 
Plaza Apartments.
  Community Plaza was built in 1986 as a 24 unit family property. The 
building was financed through the USDA's Rural Rental Housing Section 
515 Direct Loan Program, which provides affordable housing to moderate, 
low and very low income households. Shortly after its construction, the 
complex was experiencing high vacancy rates and was in generally poor, 
rapidly deteriorating physical condition. Viola and Sylvan Meiling were 
hired under the current owner in 2003. The semi-retired couple, with no 
previous property management experience, immediately went to work to 
improve the lives of the property's occupants. The Meilings have earned 
the respect of residents through their commitment to provide the 
community with a clean, safe and well maintained environment for 
families in need of affordable housing.
  Madam Speaker, individuals such as Viola and Sylvan Meiling must be 
recognized and applauded for their sincere dedication to improving and 
maintaining a healthy community and for their positive impact on the 
lives of others. I am proud to represent them in the United States 
Congress.

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