[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6287]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF MAYOR ``W'' PETE WISNIESKI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Mayor ``W'' Pete Wisnieski--Dedicated family man, accomplished 
community leader, and admired friend and mentor to countless. Mayor 
Wisnieski's foresight, integrity and leadership led the City of 
Independence through an amazing evolution--from a sleepy rural village 
to a thriving, viable and family-friendly City--all without 
compromising the city's small-town charm.
  Mayor Wisnieski was born and raised in Independence, and continues 
his life-long commitment to the City. Soon after graduating with honors 
from Independence High School, Mayor Wisnieski became operator of the 
Independence Ford Garage, and began raising his family. Together, Mayor 
Wisnieski and his wife of 64 years, Marge, raised five children, and 
are blessed with many grandchildren.
  Mayor Wisnieski has demonstrated a life-long commitment to serving 
the residents of his hometown, following the path of his father, Frank 
Wisnieski. Frank was elected to serve as the first Mayor of the 
Township of Independence, and served in that capacity for sixteen 
years. Instilled with the ideals of public service from his parents, 
Mayor Wisnieski began his journey of public service in 1956, when he 
won his first bid as Mayor of the Village of Independence.
  Mayor Wisnieski served Independence as mayor for twenty-two years, 
bringing a sense of fairness, integrity and kindness to the office. 
During his leadership, the City flourished. He led the effort in 
commercial growth along Rockside and Pleasant Valley Roads. This vital 
development provided a sound tax base, which translated into superior 
city services and low property taxes for all residents.
  And years before public officials became environmentally enlightened, 
Mayor Wisnieski understood the significant and delicate balance between 
progress and preservation. It was Mayor Wisnieski who led the effort to 
preserve nearly fifteen acres of green space in the heart of 
Independence, known for decades as Elmwood Park. Because of his 
leadership and vision, this beautiful tree-lined park continues to 
provide recreational enjoyment to thousands of residents, young and 
old, every year, in the form of swimming, baseball, soccer, fishing, 
and tennis, strolling, and biking.
  Additionally, Mayor Wisnieski's concern for the safety of all 
residents led to the construction of new fire and police complexes with 
additional staff to accommodate any medical or safety emergency--
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
  Mayor Wisnieski has always been a champion of community volunteerism 
and helping others. He is a founding charter member of the Kiwanis Club 
of Independence, and founding member of the Independence Historical 
Society.
  Remarkably, throughout all of his exceptional accomplishments, Mayor 
Wisnieski remains today as he always has been--humble, gentle, and 
kind--always willing to offer a smile, friendly word, or helping hand. 
Mayor Wisnieski continues to exude a genuine love and concern for all 
people, and he extends to everyone the same warmth and respect, 
regardless of their title or social status.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and 
recognition of ``W'' Pete Wisnieski, former Mayor of Independence. 
Mayor Wisnieski's hard work, insight, and dedication to his community 
have served to uplift and improve every facet of the City of 
Independence, and set a strong foundation for future ideas, projects 
and growth. Mayor Wisnieski combined heart with grit while in office, 
and continues to be the finest example of a citizen, leader, husband, 
father, grandfather, neighbor and friend. Mayor Wisnieski has earned 
the admiration and respect of the entire Independence community, as 
well as the entire Greater Cleveland community and beyond. ``Where 
after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to 
home.''--Eleanor Roosevelt.

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