[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 53 (Thursday, April 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E496-E497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF RICHARD WEINER'S FOUR DECADES OF SERVICE TO THE 
                         RESIDENTS OF MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2013

  Mr. PETERS of MIchigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my 
friend, Richard Weiner, as he is honored by the Women's Caucus of the 
Michigan Democratic Party for his decades of outstanding work on behalf 
of the State's residents.
  Rick has built a long and distinguished career, which spans nearly 
forty years, as a civil servant to the people of Michigan. Rick began 
his work in the public arena with former U.S. Congressman William 
Brodhead, where he served as a district representative, working with 
residents and local groups to find solutions that strengthened 
communities across the Greater Detroit region. Rick's career also 
includes service to one of Michigan's great statesmen, Senator Carl 
Levin, for whom he served as Director of Michigan Operations, where he 
assisted Michigan residents across the entire State. After serving as a 
key advisor to former Governor Jim Blanchard during his transition into 
office, Rick went on to serve as Chairman of the Michigan Democratic 
Party (MDP) for six years. During his most recently stint in the public 
sector, Rick served as Chief of Staff to Governor Jennifer Granholm 
from 2002 to 2005.
  Every day he worked in public service, Rick brought with him the 
passion to craft policy that supported a fair and just Michigan, where 
all residents would have the ability to reach their full potential. 
Outside of his work in government, Rick continued to fight for his 
ideals by founding and building Wiener Associates, a firm specializing 
in public policy advocacy. In addition to this work, Rick also teaches 
Election Law and Legislation as an Adjunct Professor at Michigan State 
University's College of Law.
  Throughout his career, Rick has been particularly focused on 
supporting the rights of women across Michigan. While serving as Chair 
of the MDP, he championed the Jefferson Jackson Day Women's Caucus 
Luncheon, an event that supports women's involvement in politics. In 
his daily work for so many elected officials, Rick fought to protect 
the rights of women to make vital decisions about their own lives. 
During his tenure in the MDP, Rick also took steps to increase support 
for electing more women to office across the State of Michigan.
  Mr. Speaker, involvement of bright and dedicated Americans in the 
political process, like Rick Weiner, is one of the great strengths of 
our Nation. For nearly four decades, Rick has taken a leading role to 
create a better future for residents in the State of Michigan and for 
his work, our future is brighter. I congratulate Rick on his 
recognition from the Women's Caucus of the MDP and look forward to our 
continued work in the ongoing task of securing

[[Page E497]]

a more prosperous future for our State of Michigan and our Nation.

                          ____________________