[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 162 (Thursday, December 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF PARK COMMISSIONER FRED RZEPKA

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the contributions of Park Commissioner Fred Rzepka, a twenty-two-year 
servant to Cleveland Metroparks, on the occasion of his retirement. A 
local developer, Mr. Rzepka is credited with ferreting out the 
corruption and nepotism that plagued the park system in the years 
before his appointment.
  When he joined the all volunteer board over two decades ago, Mr. 
Rzepka had his work cut out for him. Overspending, questionable hiring 
practices, and dubious budgeting had taken their toll on both the 
reputation and the quality of the parks. But Mr. Rzepka was no stranger 
to adversity. According to the Plain Dealer, the Commissioner was just 
a young child when his parents moved him and his three brothers from 
their comfortable home in Rozan, Poland to northern Russia to escape 
Nazi death camps. For over six years, the family moved from shelter to 
shelter, at one point taking refuge in a stable in Siberia. After 
successfully evading both the Nazi and Soviet regimes, Fred and his 
family finally escaped war-torn Europe and made their way to the United 
States. All four brothers have enjoyed successful careers and 
contributed to the prosperity and character of the Cleveland community.
  Since Mr. Rzepka took office, the American Academy for Park and 
Recreation Administration has three times named Cleveland Metroparks 
the best-run park system in the country. Over 21,000 acres in size, the 
park features children's activities, hiking trails, environmental 
science classes, and multiple conservation programs. The staff is 
dedicated to preserving biodiversity by protecting the park's natural 
ecosystems and educating visitors about the importance of a healthy 
environment.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in applauding Fred 
Rzepka for his outstanding service to the Cleveland community. The 
talents and the dedication of citizens like him are essential to 
preserving the character of our government, from the local level, up. 
Native violets, yellow iris, and white trilliums will bloom each year 
as a testimony to his integrity and good work.

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