[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E23]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GARY, KAREN FREEMAN-WILSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 17, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and the deepest 
respect that I rise today to honor one of Northwest Indiana's most 
distinguished citizens, the Mayor of the City of Gary, Indiana, Karen 
Freeman-Wilson. Born and raised in Gary, Karen is truly one of the most 
passionate and involved individuals that I have ever known, especially 
when it comes to serving the people of Gary. Mayor Freeman-Wilson's 
first term began this year, and in doing so, she took her place in 
history as the first female mayor of the City.
  Karen Freeman was born in Gary, Indiana; her father, a steelworker, 
and her mother, the coordinator of a local community center. Both took 
great pride in their city and were heavily involved in their community, 
and it was through their example that Karen learned the importance of 
hard work and public service from a young age. Karen credits her 
parents with teaching her that ``to whom much is given, much shall be 
required,'' and it is with this ideal in mind that she has accomplished 
so much throughout her distinguished career.
  Following her graduation from Harvard Law School, Karen quickly 
realized that working in a law firm was not what she was meant to do. 
Rather, her calling was public service. Throughout her esteemed career, 
Mayor Freeman-Wilson has held many posts. From 1995 to 2000, she served 
as a presiding judge for the Gary City Court, during which time she 
established the first drug treatment court in the State of Indiana. In 
2000, Governor Frank O'Bannon appointed Karen to serve as Attorney 
General for the State of Indiana. After leaving office, Karen continued 
to work for the public in various capacities. She has served as the 
Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Drug Court 
Professionals, the Executive Director of the National Drug Court 
Institute, the Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, and as 
a member of the board of directors for Hythiam, Inc. Mayor Freeman-
Wilson has also been involved with numerous other organizations and 
charitable groups, including: the American Bar Association, the Indiana 
State Bar Association, Legal Services of Northwest Indiana, the Gary 
Chamber of Commerce, and the Second Chance Foundation, an organization 
aimed and combating substance abuse, for which she is a founding 
member. She is also very active in her church, Israel C.M.E. Church.
  For her many contributions to her community, the State of Indiana, 
and beyond, the Mayor has received countless accolades. To name a few, 
she was recognized by Ebony magazine as a Leader of the Future, by the 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with the National Award for Achievement in 
Civil Rights, and is an inductee into the Stanley Goldstein Drug Court 
Hall of Fame. In addition, she is a recipient of the prestigious 
Sagamore of the Wabash, awarded by former Indiana Governors Evan Bayh 
and Frank O'Bannon.
  A devoted wife and mother, Karen's passion for serving the people of 
Gary is matched only by her love for her family. Karen and her husband, 
Carmen, are the proud parents of a daughter, Jordan. Karen and Carmen 
have reinforced the same sense of responsibility and civic pride in 
their daughter that Karen learned from her parents.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of my distinguished colleagues 
join me in congratulating Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson as she begins her 
first term as the Mayor of Gary. She is to be commended for her 
leadership, dedication, and her love for the people of Gary. Karen 
serves as a true inspiration to those she serves, and I look forward 
working with her in the years to come.

                          ____________________