[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 16889] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING WALTER BROOKS FOR A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT ______ HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO of connecticut in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 26, 2000 Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the New Haven community, and my dear friend, Walter Brooks, whose passing has ended a career spanning over four decades--truly an era in New Haven politics. Today, members of the New Haven community will gather to honor the memory of Walter and the lifetime of contributions he has made. Throughout his life, Walter demonstrated a unique commitment to the families and neighborhoods of New Haven. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Walter on a variety of projects during my career. His charisma and energy never ceased to amaze me. I have often spoke of our nation's need to make communities our first priority by bringing life to projects that create better neighborhoods in which working families can earn a living and raise their children. Using his myriad of talents, Walter worked hard to achieve these goals. As a state legislator, Walter served as the chairman of the Black and Hispanic Caucus and was appointed to the Select Housing Committee where he worked with State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal to draft the affordable housing statute--helping to ensure that all families would have safe, affordable housing in which to raise their families. With the Hill Development Corporation, Project MORE, and most recently, the Beulah Land Development Corporation, Walter focused his energy on providing some of our communities most vulnerable families with the chance for an irreplaceable opportunity--the chance to own their own home. Serving as the Chairman of the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Walter has been an integral partner in the recent re- organization of the agency. Tirelessly working to revitalize New Haven neighborhoods, Walter exemplified the activism essential to building strong and vital communities. Walter was a driving force behind Connecticut politics--locally and statewide. His encouragement and guidance led many minorities to seek and win elected office. A skilled political organizer, Walter committed himself to local and state issues. Serving two terms as an Alderman in the City of New Haven and five terms as a State Representative in the General Assembly, Walter was never afraid to fight for what he believed was right--regardless of where his party may have stood. He has often been characterized as a legislator willing to roll up his sleeves and knock on doors to get people involved. He understood the importance of community participation and made every effort to involve community members in the issues that affected their neighborhoods and families. Walter served on the Board of Alderman for the City of New Haven, along with my mother, Luisa DeLauro. There he was her colleague and her friend. He accompanied her on a trip to Taiwan, and of course I felt better knowing that he was there looking out for her. Walter exemplified what an elected official should be, a role model for many who continue to serve in public office today, and his example will continue to inspire people to ensure their neighborhoods have a strong voice advocating on their behalf. As a civil rights activist, housing advocate, or political advisor, his efforts have made a real difference in the lives of thousands of Connecticut residents. Walter has left an indelible mark on the City of New Haven and the State of Connecticut. It is with my sincerest condolences and greatest sympathies that I join his wife, Andrea Jackson-Brooks, his children, family, friends, and community members in bidding a sad farewell to Walter Brooks. His memory will long serve as an example to us all--his legacy never forgotten. ____________________