[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 35 (Monday, March 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE PASSING OF J. MICHAEL LENIHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 2, 2015

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember a Rhode 
Island leader whose example can remind us all of why we pursued public 
office in the first place. Former State Senator J. Michael Lenihan was 
the very definition of a public servant. He was an honest man and a 
charismatic leader, and he always put the needs of his constituents 
first.
  Mike was a fierce advocate for transparency and open government, and 
his strong moral compass defined his distinguished career in 
government. A three-time recipient of Common Cause's Public Service 
Achievement Award, Mike was first elected to the East Greenwich Town 
Council and then went on to serve for 20 years in the Rhode Island 
State Senate. He fought for what he thought was right, no matter how 
difficult or unpopular it was. Mike wasn't afraid of making enemies, 
although he seldom did thanks to his kindness and genuine personality. 
You could always trust Mike to be honest and fair, and he was a valued 
advisor to so many Rhode Island leaders over the years.
  A teacher by profession, Mike taught us all a lesson in how to be the 
best possible elected official.
  I am so grateful that the Lenihan family was willing to share Mike 
with us, and I know how proud they are of his lifetime of service to 
Rhode Island. My deepest condolences go out to Mike's wife Patricia, 
his daughter Meghan and his grandchildren, Victoria and Bryanna, and I 
know my colleagues will join me in extending our sympathy to the entire 
Lenihan family.

                          ____________________