[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1807-E1808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A TRIBUTE TO MRS. JUDY TUCKER, DIRECTOR OF CONSTITUENT SERVICES FOR U. 
S. REP. BOBBY L. RUSH, ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER 24 YEARS 
                               OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, we live in an age where the average length 
of time that a typical American worker spends on a job is from three to 
five years. That's why, as this month comes to a close, it is all the 
more remarkable that one of my most respected employees, Mrs. Judy 
Tucker, has served me with distinction, honor and humility for 24 
years--only one year shy of a quarter century. Her commitment to 
service and to the people of the 1st Congressional District of Illinois 
is truly remarkable in this day and age. And for that, I thank her for 
her service.
   But there's so much more to Judy Tucker's story.
   When the history of Chicago's African American political community 
is written, Judy Tucker's name will be an important part of that vast 
network of tireless, determined men and women who served with 
distinction in those all important ``trenches''--you know, the nose-to-
the grind, inner workings of government that mean the world to the 
typical voter, constituent and his or her family. Judy Tucker is the 
only employee to have served me, consistently, since I was first 
elected to the U. S. House of Representatives in 1992. That was 20 
years ago. This tribute recognizes her for 24 years of service because, 
prior to my election to Congress, Judy served me capably and 
effectively, for four years, as my personal secretary in my Second Ward 
Aldermanic Office.
   Judy's background in public service also includes playing key 
administrative leadership roles for my friend, Cook County Commissioner 
Jerry Butler, and, prior to that, working for several years for the 
iconic African American Member of Congress, Ralph Metcalfe, who also 
represented the people of the 1st Congressional District. It is my 
pleasure to note that through all of Judy's professional life she has 
prided herself on her service to the men and women of the City of 
Chicago, the State of Illinois and, for the past 20 years, the people 
of the 1st Congressional District that I'm so proud to serve.
   As Director of Constituent Services, Judy managed those all 
important details of what it means to provide assistance to those 
constituents who need help. No matter the request, if it was within our 
power to assist a constituent, Judy Tucker made sure that their 
resource or information needs were addressed quickly, accurately and in 
a professional manner. There was never a request too large or too small 
for Judy to handle. In many ways, Judy's job is one of, if not the most 
important job that I have on staff. That's because her work hits home 
where it matters most--in the daily lives of the constituents that my 
staff and I are here to serve. Judy never forgot about the needs of my 
constituents and she worked tirelessly to

[[Page E1808]]

provide them with the information, services or access to resources and 
services that they needed for all the years I've been a member of 
Congress. Madame Speaker, I can't tell you how grateful I am for her 
capable service and how proud I am of the honor and distinction she has 
brought to my office.
   In addition to being an effective Constituent Services Director, 
Judy is also a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Married to her 
husband, Elisheous Tucker for 38 years, she and her husband are 
faithful members of the Miracle House of Prayer Church. As she settles 
into her well deserved retirement, while my staff and I will miss her, 
I suspect she'll be able to spend more time with her church community, 
her family and friends. In addition to traveling, I can imagine her 
spending much more time tending to her garden, a hobby that I know she 
truly enjoys.
   What more can I say other than every Member of Congress should be 
blessed to have someone of the caliber, grace and professionalism of 
Mrs. Judy Tucker. While my staff and I will miss her presence in our 
office, she will always be a valued member of the permanent ``Rush 
Team'' for years to come.
   On behalf of my staff, my wife, Carolyn, and the people of the 1st 
Congressional District of Illinois, I wish Mrs. Judy Tucker all the joy 
and gifts that God can bestow upon her, and her family, for years and 
years to come.
   Thank you so much, Judy, for a job well done. I value our friendship 
and you and your family are forever in my thoughts and prayers. My God 
richly bless you now and always.

                          ____________________