[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING DEPUTY MAYOR GERALDINE TOUSANT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you and my 
colleagues today to recognize Deputy Mayor Geraldine Tousant. Geraldine 
has served the city of Gary for many years and for her efforts, she was 
honored at an event celebrating her 50 years of service to the city on 
Saturday, August 14, 2010, at the Gary City Hall. Her complete 
dedication and endless enthusiasm put forth toward her community have 
allowed her the opportunity to enrich the lives of countless people.
  Geraldine was born in Ensley, Alabama, and moved to the city of Gary 
when she was three years old. She graduated from Gary Roosevelt High 
School in 1957, and soon after married the late Marshall Tousant. The 
couple was happily married for nearly 51 years. Geraldine has three 
children and is the proud grandmother of five. Amidst her time in 
office, Geraldine courageously battled breast cancer, and I am happy to 
report that she is a twenty-year cancer survivor.
  Geraldine began her service to the city of Gary in 1960 at the age of 
twenty-one. She started out as a clerk-typist in the city's Department 
of Redevelopment. Working her way through the Department's ranks, 
Geraldine eventually became Director of the Department of 
Redevelopment. On February 14, 2003, Geraldine was recognized by former 
Mayor Scott King for her commitment to the people of Gary as he 
appointed her Deputy Mayor of the city of Gary.
  Impressively, Geraldine has worked for seven mayors during her 50 
years of service to the city: George Chacharis, my father John 
Visclosky, A. Martin Katz, Richard G. Hatcher, Thomas Barnes, Scott 
King, and current Mayor Rudy Clay. Throughout her many years of 
service, Geraldine has accomplished many impressive tasks, including 
handling the management and demolition of structures attained in other 
city agencies and computerizing the city's utility billings and 
payments.
  Today, Geraldine is 71 years young and has no plans to retire anytime 
soon. Geraldine has said, ``I hope my 50 years with the city of Gary 
have been a role model for other employees.'' Without a doubt, she has 
been just that.
  Mr. Speaker, Deputy Mayor Geraldine Tousant has always given her time 
and efforts selflessly and has truly been an inspiration to so many 
people throughout the years. We have all been enriched because of her 
lifetime commitment serving others, particularly those most in need. I 
respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me 
in commending Geraldine on her 50 years of service to the city of Gary.

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