[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF COUNCILWOMAN ELSIE FRANKLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2019

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness and great 
respect that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's 
most passionate and dedicated citizens, Lake County Councilwoman Elsie 
Franklin. Councilwoman Franklin passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019, at 
the age of 81. Her unwavering commitment to her constituents and her 
community is worthy of the highest praise, and she will be greatly 
missed by her family, friends, co-workers, and the many grateful 
residents whose lives she touched.
   Elsie was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and moved to Gary, Indiana, 
at a young age. She attended Gary Roosevelt High School and built her 
life in the city of Gary. Ms. Franklin was a member of Clark Road 
Missionary Baptist Church and was very active in her faith throughout 
her lifetime. For Elsie, being able to improve her community and assist 
those in need was her life's purpose. She is remembered by family and 
friends as a role model who stood up for those who did not have a 
voice.
   Throughout her lifetime of public service, Elsie Franklin served the 
people of Gary and Lake County in numerous capacities. She was the 
director of Gary's General Services under Mayor Thomas Barnes while 
also holding positions on various boards, charities, and organizations 
throughout the years. In 2002, she was elected to serve on the Lake 
County Council, representing the 2nd district. This victory marked the 
first time an African-American woman would serve on the Lake County 
Council. She was passionate about the people of her district and the 
issues they faced. Many remember her actively working to secure funding 
for services within the Lake County Juvenile Court system. The 
challenges facing the youth in the city of Gary and throughout 
Northwest Indiana were a priority for her, and Councilwoman Franklin 
was a true hero for her hard work and dedication to the children of our 
communities. Elsie served on the Lake County Council for the past 
seventeen years, and she was an outstanding activist for the people of 
her district and the city of Gary.
   Councilwoman Franklin was also a strong leader for the Democratic 
Party in Northwest Indiana for many years. Throughout her remarkable 
career, spanning over 50 years, she served her party in numerous 
capacities. Elsie served as vice chairwoman of the Lake County 
Democratic Central Committee, and she was the first African-American 
woman to chair the Gary Democratic Precinct Organization.
   Elsie Franklin is survived by her beloved children: Cherylynn, 
Michael, Kimberly, Kenya, Keesha, Theodore, and Dara. She also leaves 
to cherish her memory many dear friends and family members, as well as 
a saddened but grateful community.
   Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join me in paying tribute to a true public 
servant, Ms. Elsie Franklin. For her outstanding contributions to the 
city of Gary and to the community of Northwest Indiana, she is to be 
commended. Elsie Franklin's legacy will be forever remembered and will 
continue to inspire generations to come.

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