[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 45 (Monday, March 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E375-E376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES MADE BY NANCY 
                               DEMBOWSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2012

  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life 
of a distinguished State Representative, former Mayor and outstanding 
citizen, Nancy Dembowski of Knox, Indiana. Ms. Dembowski used her 
background in radio broadcasting to launch a career in public service 
that has been notable for her ability to communicate with her 
constituents and understand their concerns. State Representative 
Dembowski's dedication to community service and her life as the spouse 
of a steelworker have made her an effective spokesperson for the 
interests of average working Hoosiers.
  Ms. Dembowski began her public life in 1984 as a member of the Starke 
County Council where her tireless efforts earned her the Starke County 
Citizen of the Year Award in 1990. After two terms on the Council, she 
served three terms as mayor of Knox during which her plans for economic 
development brought 1100 jobs to the area. Also during her service as 
Mayor, the City of Knox received two Achievement Awards from the 
Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, a tribute to her efforts to 
build the Knox Community Center and renovate the historic Gateway 
Depot.
  Ms. Dembowski served as a Senator in the Indiana State Senate from 
2002 to 2004 and then moved to the State House in 2006 where she served 
as the Majority Caucus Chair. While serving in state government, she 
has championed local education, economic development, pro-life issues 
and the fight against domestic and child abuses.
  As if holding public office was not contribution enough, Ms. 
Dembowski is also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis 
Club, and Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. She has been the 
President of the Starke County Junior Achievement Board, Secretary of 
the Starke County Youth Club, Chair of Starke United and a member of 
the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees. She is a former 
member of the Starke County Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, where she 
helped inaugurate a plan to build the Phoenix House, a safe haven for 
families escaping abuse.
  Despite her many professional successes, Ms. Dembowski values most 
her 43 years of

[[Page E376]]

marriage to the late Ed Dembowski, her three children, Michael, Rebecca 
and Patrick and her eight grandchildren.
  It is with great pride and honor that I rise on behalf of the 
citizens of Indiana to salute not only State Representative Nancy 
Dembowski's personal achievements and her contributions to our 
community, but also the generosity, courage and spirit that made her a 
remarkable public servant and a dear friend.

                          ____________________