[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1451-E1452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO HENRY ``HANK'' HAROLD ADAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TODD ROKITA

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute a 
remarkable Hoosier,

[[Page E1452]]

Henry ``Hank'' Harold Adams, who passed away on October 6, 2013. I wish 
to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for his leadership 
and service to our community, state, and country.
  Mr. Adams was a Tennessee native, who moved to my home county, Lake 
County, to run appliance stores in Gary and Hammond. Although not born 
one, Hank was someone we were proud to claim as a Hoosier. His first 
foray into politics started because of a strip mall that was approved 
in his town in 1991.
  Mr. Adams served as the St. John Township Assessor for 16 years where 
he fought for fairness in the property tax assessments across Lake 
County. In 2010, he did what many thought was impossible--he became the 
first Republican in several decades to be elected to a countywide 
position. As Lake County Assessor, Hank worked tirelessly to ensure 
property tax assessments were fair, accurate, and completed on time. 
Hank served in this capacity until last week, when he resigned while 
battling cancer.
  As an elected official, Mr. Adams was well known for being a tough 
but fair man. For nearly two decades it was through this tough demeanor 
that he delivered essential leadership for Lake County. But, those of 
us who had the privilege of knowing him as a man, not merely as a 
politician, saw much more.
  Hank was a kind and caring man who gave his best effort every day to 
his family, friends and to Lake County. He was someone who would do 
whatever he could to help a friend, or stranger, in need. Hank was a 
mentor of mine, a coach of sorts when I ran for Indiana Secretary of 
State in 2001. His advice was invaluable in my early years, and 
something I still do my best to adhere to even today. He was 
instrumental in my efforts to improve election security with Indiana's 
photo ID law.
  Mr. Adams left his loving wife, Jean, and his extended Lake County 
Republican family. His legacy is one that will be remembered and 
honored by those who knew and loved him. His electoral victories prove 
that most in Lake County, Republican and Democrat, shared my belief in 
Hank Adams, the man and leader. Rest in peace my friend, and thank you 
for your leadership.

                          ____________________