[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22500]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO FLORENCE CHANDLER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 1999

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pleasure 
to pay tribute to a remarkable woman who has dedicated the better part 
of her life to an admirable career in public service. For over a half 
century, Florence Chandler has worked tirelessly for the Commonwealth 
of Massachusetts. During that time she continuously reinforced the 
notion that government and politics can be a noble endeavor. On the 
occasion of her retirement, I want to express my own personal 
congratulations and thanks on a job well done.
  Like many patriotic American women during World War II, best 
characterized by the defiant Rosie the Riveter, Florence Chandler's 
slogan has always been ``We Can Do It!'' From the Town Hall to the 
White House, Florence brought her trademark energy and enthusiasm to 
every challenge. She was a strong, resilient, and sometimes singular 
voice for the people of Southbridge. For nearly a decade, I watched her 
place the town's best interests before her own. She would lobby local, 
state and national officials for what she believed in. And she always 
earned respect and admiration along the way.
  A new police station, daycare center and water treatment facility are 
part of the legacy she will leave behind. A stabilized tax rate and 
major school renovations have also been achieved during her tenure. But 
her finest hour was bringing the Department of Defense training 
facility to Southbridge. It is her signature accomplishment. Quite 
simply, without the charismatic leadership of Florence Chandler that 
exciting project and those new jobs would not be in this community.
  A town manager, an attorney, a friend, a sibling and a grandmother, 
Florence has been a success in life on many different levels. She is 
the rare individual who succeeded at bringing the town of Southbridge 
to the attention of the President of the United States. For those who 
say it can't be done, I would recommend spending a day with Saugus 
native Florence Chandler. Like Rosie the Riveter, she has shown that 
anything is possible.

                          ____________________