[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22817]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TRIBUTE TO MARGARET TOWSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2000

  Mrs. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
exceptional individual and friend to the State of Missouri. This year, 
after 56 years of service to the citizens of Missouri, Margaret Towson 
will celebrate her retirement from her historic post at the Missouri 
State Senate in Jefferson City, Missouri.
  Margaret Towson started in the Secretary of the Senate Office in 
1949. During her tenure she witnessed twenty-six General Assemblies for 
the equivalent of almost fifty-two years. She then served as the 
distinguished Assistant Secretary of the Senate, whose duties, in 
addition to functioning as secretary and receptionist, included 
tallying and filing roll calls, maintaining good public relations with 
legislators and lobbyists, remaining in the office each day until 
adjournment, and addressing any challenge or task which required her 
assistance.
  As a lifelong member of the Cole County Democrats and the Cole County 
Democratic Women's Club, Margaret Towson is widely recognized as an 
outstanding civic minded individual who has consistently committed her 
time and energy to promote civic involvement. One of Margaret's 
greatest moments came when her efforts were recognized by President 
Harry S Truman, a man she greatly admired and affectionately referred 
to as ``Cousin Harry.''
  Margaret Towson's kind, dedicated spirit is celebrated, admired, and 
respected in Jefferson City and throughout the State of Missouri. She 
will be missed not only for her professional excellence, but also for 
her personally endearing qualities and delectable apple pies that were 
savored by the many people she met and worked with. Margaret's 
retirement marks the end of a historic era in the Missouri State 
Senate. She is looking forward to spending more quality time with her 
children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. Margaret Towson has left a 
lasting impression upon her peers and friends that will not be 
forgotten.
  It is with deep gratitude and honor that I recognize Margaret Towson 
for over a half a century of friendship and service to the State of 
Missouri. Her devotion is an example to us all.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me and the Missouri Ninetieth General 
Assembly in congratulating Margaret Towson on her outstanding service 
to the people of Missouri.

                          ____________________