[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MRS. RUBY HUNT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the public service of Ruby 
Hunt. Mrs. Hunt has dedicated her life to working for the public good. 
Her efforts were instrumental in leading good governance efforts in 
both the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County, Minnesota.
  Ruby was introduced to the world of public service as a long time and 
highly active member of the League of Women Voters. Her work with the 
League led to a leadership position on the Charter Commission where she 
was instrumental in crafting and passing the Saint Paul City Charter. 
The new Charter created a strong mayoral form of government, increased 
accountability for the city budget, and professionalized the operation 
of city departments. Mrs. Hunt was only the third woman elected to the 
Saint Paul City Council, serving from 1972 to 1982. During that time, 
she continued to improve the functions of city government including 
moving the Housing and Redevelopment Authority under the control of the 
City Council. In 1983, Mrs. Hunt was elected to the Ramsey County Board 
of Commissioners and served until 1995. As a Commissioner, she played a 
vital role in the establishment of the Ramsey County manager position 
and the privatization of Regions Hospital through Health Partners. She 
also had an early role in the development of the Central Corridor/Green 
Line Light Rail Transit corridor.
  Ruby is a quiet leader with a passion for building alliances across 
lines and working toward social justice. She has dedicated her lifework 
to the common good and even in retirement continues to make the world a 
better place. She is committed to mentoring women as public servants 
and encouraging them to become government leaders.
  In recognition of her lifelong commitment to public service and 
achievements as an elected official for over 20 years, Ruby Hunt was 
selected by Hamline University as the first recipient of the Women in 
Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. As a former Saint 
Paul City Council Member and Ramsey County Commissioner with a passion 
for good governance and social justice, Mrs. Hunt truly exemplifies the 
spirit of the award. On November 14, 2014, Hamline University is 
celebrating the establishment of the Ruby Hunt Endowed Scholarship in 
Public Administration. Establishing a scholarship devoted to women in 
Mrs. Hunt's honor is a fitting recognition of her contributions.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Ruby Hunt's many substantive 
and impressive contributions to Minnesota's Capitol City and Ramsey 
County. Our nation is grateful for the selfless commitment she has made 
throughout her life supporting and encouraging others.

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