[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22977]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MR. LEON WEST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and gratitude 
that I stand before you today to recognize the many accomplishments of 
Mr. Leon West. I can truly say that Leon is one of northwest Indiana's 
most dedicated, distinguished, and honorable citizens. I have known 
Leon for many years, and he is one of the most passionate and involved 
citizens that I have ever known, especially when it comes to his 
service to the Democratic Party and the people of the First 
Congressional District. For the past 14 years, Leon has been a constant 
fixture in Porter County, serving as chairman for the Porter County 
Democratic Party, and more recently, as First District chairman. At the 
age of 72, Leon has decided to retire from these posts to spend more 
time with his family, but his efforts over the course of his tenure and 
the impact he has had on transforming the government in Porter County 
will forever be remembered. To honor Leon, a farewell reception will be 
held at the Woodland Park Community Center in Portage, Indiana, on 
Monday, August 6, 2007.
  Leon West was born in Osceola, Arkansas, on September 17, 1934. He 
was one of six children. Known for his passion and unwavering devotion 
to the betterment of his community, it is no surprise to learn that 
Leon, as a young man, served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959 and 
again from 1961 to 1962. While serving his community in various 
capacities throughout his lifetime, Leon came to be known for his 
strong work ethic, a trait he undoubtedly developed during his 42 year 
career at United States Steel.
  Early on, Leon knew that the best way to improve his community and to 
help the people of Porter County was to get involved in public service. 
In each of his roles, Leon focused on the same goal, to make a 
difference in society, starting with his own community. Some highlights 
of Leon's career include his service on the Portage Board of Zoning 
Appeals, his 18 years on the Portage City Council, and his service on 
the Porter County Council. In addition, Leon further demonstrated his 
commitment to the people of northwest Indiana through his membership 
with the Portage Jaycees, the Exchange Club, Dunes Lodge #741, and the 
Shriners, to name a few. It was through his work with the Jaycees that 
Portage, Indiana, received its status as a city in 1968. He has also 
served on various councils and boards. From issues ranging from taxes 
and transportation to caring for the elderly, Leon West has always been 
an active participant in seeking to improve his community in every way 
possible. For his efforts, he was awarded the prestigious Sagamore of 
the Wabash in 1997 by the late Governor Frank O'Bannon.
  While his everyday presence will be missed in northwest Indiana, Leon 
will now have a chance to fully commit his time to those closest to 
him, his family. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Leon's 
commitment to his community is surpassed only by his love for his 
family. Leon and his loving wife, Beverly, will soon be moving to 
Texas, and they plan to spend as much time as possible with their three 
children: Kathy, Kerri, and Ken, and their adoring grandchildren: 
Blake, Paige, Andrew, Claire, Duncan, and Lou.
  Madam Speaker, Leon West has selflessly given his time and efforts to 
the people of the First Congressional District and to the Democratic 
Party in northwest Indiana throughout his years of service. At this 
time, I ask that you and all of my distinguished colleagues join me in 
commending him for his lifetime of service and dedication, and I ask 
that you join me in wishing him the best of health and happiness in the 
years to come.

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