[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 24075]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TRIBUTE TO CORNELIUS HOGAN

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to 
stand before my esteemed colleagues and speak of my good friend, 
Cornelius Hogan, who is retiring as Secretary of the Vermont Agency of 
Human Services. His work in leading state government to improve the 
well-being of Vermonters stands as a example for us all.
  The Vermont Agency of Human Services includes the departments of 
Social Welfare, Corrections, Social and Rehabilitation Services, Mental 
Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Aging and Disabilities. Secretary Hogan 
has not only administered these vital services through extraordinary 
changes, but has provided outstanding leadership, recognized throughout 
the Nation. This agency, with the State's largest budget, must have a 
human face in its efforts to improve the lives of Vermonters. Con Hogan 
is that face.
  Secretary Hogan has served as Vermont's Secretary of Human Services 
since 1991 when then-Governor Richard Snelling enticed him back into 
public service from his successes in the private sector. Previously, 
Hogan served as Commissioner of Corrections.
  Throughout his eight year tenure, Con has been remarkably effective 
and always gracious in his approach to each challenge. When Vermonters 
in need have a problem, Con has been the person that folks turned to 
when all else had failed. As Chris Graff, a Vermont journalist, noted:

       Hogan is a legend. And for the past eight years, when 
     people knew that Con Hogan was coming, they had hope. And 
     confidence. Confidence that whatever the trouble, whatever 
     the problem, whatever the need, someone who cared deeply 
     would do what ever it took to help.

  As a result of Con's work, Vermont families and communities have 
improved educational opportunities, a better health care system, 
increased employment for the disabled and an expanded network of family 
support services. By demanding that government define, seek, and 
evaluate its efforts, Con has set a new example for public service in 
Vermont and the country.
  More Vermont children have health care coverage, and have had it for 
longer, than almost any state in the country. The state is offering 
more home and community based care options for the elderly and 
disabled. Disabled Vermonters are working and, thereby, supporting 
themselves and their families. Con Hogan's ultimate legacy will be the 
thousands of lives that have been directly touched by the work of the 
Agency of Humans Services under his stewardship.
  He, of course, will describe his work as collaborative and the 
consequence of others' good will and efforts. He is right, as he has 
led efforts to open government to the ideas, hopes, and information 
from citizens, industry and business. He has fostered a real public 
debate about the well-being of Vermonters and the responsibilities of 
government and its citizens to participate, evaluate, and dream for 
better things.
  Secretary Hogan's vision is alive and full of vibrant change. Con has 
changed our ways of thinking. He is the mastermind of dozens of 
partnerships in which human services providers now collaborate with 
others in state and local governments, and communities to deliver 
locally-based services. Con recognizes and encourages citizen 
participation as essential to this process. He has convinced service 
providers that they should listen to real people - that the child, the 
elder or the youth needs to be the center of their concerns.
  Over the last several weeks, many Vermonters have written to their 
local papers, touting Con Hogan's work as Secretary. Con has 
significantly changed thousands of Vermonters lives, both through 
policy and through his own untiring advocacy. The results have 
impressed his colleagues and friends alike.
  I was moved when I read a commentary in the Burlington Free Press by 
my good friend, David S. Wolk, Superintendent of Schools in Rutland 
City. David pointed out that it was Con Hogan's success in the private 
and public sectors, as well as his impeccable reputation as both a 
manager and a leader, that led then-Governor Snelling to appoint him as 
the state's premier advocate for Vermonters in need.
  David aptly notes that Con's relentless advocacy has been coupled 
with his unique capacity to reach out to the wider community. His 
strong and effective leadership has presented important dualities:

       Con Hogan could have remained in the private sector to seek 
     his fortune and fame. Instead, he offered a selfless 
     contribution to public service, an emphasis on accountability 
     with measurable outcomes and an impressive brand of 
     leadership, combining pressure and support, characterized by 
     candor and courage. . .. If the ultimate goal of the 
     consummate public citizen is to improve our collective lot, 
     and to enjoy the privilege of making one's personal mark on 
     Vermont's well-being, then no other public citizen called to 
     service in our wonderful state has achieved that pinnacle 
     more than Cornelius D. Hogan of Plainfield.

  On a personal note, I have enjoyed witnessing Con's talents, not only 
in public service but on the stage, as an accomplished bluegrass 
musician. Con's passion and zeal for life is evident in all that he 
does.
  Mr. President, I'm sure I could stand here all day, and regale my 
colleagues with stories and tributes to this remarkable man and still, 
Con's contribution would not be described adequately. For us to 
thoroughly understand the impacts of his sage and exemplary leadership, 
the outcomes of Con Hogan's service to Vermonters will need to be 
measured far into the new millennium.
  I join my fellow Vermonters in offering my most heartfelt 
congratulations and gratitude to Con Hogan for his years of public 
service, and I wish him all the best in his new endeavors.

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