[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MARYK ELLIOTT-PARHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize MaryK Elliott-
Parham, who is retiring after more than two decades of service to 
Oregon's First Congressional District. For the past 27 years, MaryK has 
dedicated herself to the people of Northwest Oregon, ensuring that 
constituents always had a direct and meaningful connection to their 
government. Her tireless work and positive demeanor were a consistent 
inspiration to staff and citizens alike.
  MaryK is a lifelong Oregonian, and graduated from Portland State 
University in 1978. She began her Congressional career as a caseworker 
for Representative Les AuCoin. Her efforts on behalf of constituents 
soon led to her promotion to lead caseworker. She built a staff that 
was renowned for its commitment to service.
  During the 104th Congress, MaryK became district director for 
Representative Elizabeth Furse, a position she held up to the 112th 
Congress. She led the office, working day and night through the 
devastating storms and floods of 1996 and 2007, providing a critical 
access point to government assistance for constituents who had lost 
their homes and livelihoods. She was also known for her outstanding 
organizational efforts, helping members of Congress reach out to their 
constituents, developing detailed schedules and tracking every town 
hall and every visit to schools, businesses and community gatherings to 
be sure every community had access to its representative.
  The loyalty and hard work of the staff and alumni of the First 
District are a testament to MaryK's management and leadership skills. 
Her first priority was always getting the job done for constituents, 
but her kindness and care for staff, especially in difficult times, 
created a network of people across the state, country, and globe who 
consider her part of their family.
  On behalf of the constituents and staff of Oregon's First 
Congressional District, I want to congratulate MaryK on her retirement 
and wish her and her family all the best.

                          ____________________