[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN MEMORIAM--WILLIAM STRAUS, 1949-FEBRUARY 10, 2018

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KYRSTEN SINEMA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2018

  Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Mr. William (Bill) 
Straus who passed away at the age of 69 on February 10, 2018 in 
Phoenix, AZ. Bill was a beloved community leader in the Phoenix area. 
He dedicated his life to the preservation of civil rights and spoke his 
mind--even when the truth was hard to hear.
  Bill worked for many years on local radio station KTAR where he 
headlined his own show Straus' Place. On his show, he discussed hot-
button issues that faced our state and often invited lawmakers to join 
him. Bill was a solution-focused man. He wanted to get things done and 
he wanted people to be honest about their prejudices. He was a no-
nonsense individual and was quick to tell callers that called into his 
radio show where he stood on issues. He did not waver.
  Bill's enthusiasm was contagious. In 2001, he was selected to lead 
the Arizona Anti-Defamation League. During his 13 years as director of 
the ADL, Bill dedicated himself to protecting at-risk groups. He stood 
up against immigration raids and helped lead the fight against the 
controversial Senate Bill 1070, commonly referred to as the ``Show me 
your papers bill,'' which targeted minority communities. Community 
groups and leaders loved Bill. He did not balk at the opportunity to 
fight alongside them as they sought inclusion within our state. Many of 
us--including myself--drew from Bill's strength and leadership. He was 
a fine man and will be missed dearly.
  Bill and I worked together at the Arizona State Capitol during my 
tenure as a state legislator. We collaborated on numerous pieces of 
legislation aimed at creating fair solutions for people often excluded 
by many of the laws designed to protect them.
  Bill is survived by his son Charlie, daughter Jenni and his three 
grandchildren Max, Matty and Maci.

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