[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 76 (Monday, May 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF GLADYS AGATHA MORTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2015

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize Gladys 
Agatha Morton and the many contributions she has made as she prepares 
to celebrate her 90th birthday. Gladys is a consummate community 
leader, a kind and generous person who has been dedicated to her family 
and the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota throughout her life. She has made 
a lasting and positive impact on Saint Paul families and neighborhoods.
  Born in Ramsey County, Minnesota on May 31, 1925 to Eli and Christine 
Preble, Gladys has always considered the East Side of Saint Paul home. 
In 1953 she married Russell Morton and raised a son named Philip. Like 
many East Siders, Gladys became a valued employee at 3M, serving as a 
Payroll Manager.
  Soon Gladys found herself very busy outside of work and family too--
volunteering and serving on behalf of her community. Her work ethic, 
knowledge and commitment to the city earned her appointment to numerous 
leadership positions. She served on the Board of Zoning Appeals for 40 
years, the Saint Paul Planning Commission for 23 years, the Saint Paul 
Charter Commission and even as an interim Ward 7 Saint Paul City 
Councilmember in 1997. In 2000, Gladys earned a place in U.S. history 
serving as a Minnesota Elector for the 2000 Presidential Election.
  Gladys had a hand in shaping every neighborhood in Saint Paul, but 
her passion has always been rooted in the East Side. She chaired 
numerous local task forces and the North East Neighborhoods Development 
Corporation. Her guidance helped develop Saint Paul into the beautiful 
and economically vibrant community that we enjoy today. Few can match 
her expertise and knowledge on municipal zoning, planning regulations 
and economic development.
  Now Gladys spends much of her time with the people who give her the 
greatest joy in life: her granddaughter Lisette, and her husband Hugh, 
and great-granddaughter Elissa. It is no surprise that Gladys' 
enthusiasm for public service has been passed on to Lisette. I know 
that she is very proud of her granddaughter's own public service 
career, which began with my friend and predecessor, the late 
Congressman Bruce Vento, and continues today serving as Legislative 
Director for Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor Gladys Agatha Morton 
on her 90th birthday. As many family and admirers prepare to gather and 
wish her well, we can all recognize the great inspiration her service 
is to all of us who strive to make our country better.

                          ____________________