[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING THELDA WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 29, 2023

  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of my 
deeply respected former colleague, Thelda Williams. A long-time Phoenix 
city councilwoman and three-time interim mayor, Thelda's service to her 
northwest community spanned more than thirty years. At the City, Thelda 
was a stalwart champion of neighborhoods, police and firefighters, and 
public transit. And she never failed to make time to offer guidance and 
support to her colleagues, myself included.
  As Councilwoman, she chaired the City Council's Transportation 
Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee and was the chair of the 
Valley Metro Rail board. Under Thelda's guidance, the City invested in 
Sky Harbor International Airport and water infrastructure, and she 
played a crucial role in strengthening and expanding the City's transit 
system. Her vision for the City's infrastructure and planning was truly 
ahead of its time, and the newly-dedicated ``Thelda Williams Transit 
Center'' in North Phoenix is a testament to her advocacy.
  Thelda was also deeply committed to improving the lives of 
incarcerated people by helping them see a positive future for 
themselves. During her tenure at the Maricopa County Sheriff's office, 
Thelda took charge of developing a drug rehabilitation program for 
inmates, establishing a juvenile high school, as well as initiating 
several other adult programs.
  Thelda was also a passionate voice for animal welfare, leading 
several city policy changes to protect pets. At MCSO, she spearheaded a 
program to allow inmates to care for and rehabilitate abused animals 
and get them ready for adoption. Phoenicians and their four-legged 
friends still enjoy the ``Thelda Williams Paw-Pup Park,'' the first dog 
park in downtown Phoenix.
  We lost Thelda at the age of 82 on November 14, 2023, but her legacy 
is reflected in the countless lives she touched with her compassionate 
leadership. Godspeed.

                          ____________________