[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28461]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MRS. PATRICIA SHIMMENS

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                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 25, 2007

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
constituent of mine who has spent her entire career serving her fellow 
citizens. Mrs. Patricia Shimmens, the Executive Director of the Sault 
Ste. Marie Housing Commission, is retiring after three decades of 
public service.
  Patricia, or Pat, as her friends call her, has been a stalwart 
advocate for those in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac Counties who most 
need help. As the Executive Director to the Housing Commission, she 
oversees the administration of 250 units of public housing and 50 
housing choice vouchers. She also administers several other programs 
that assist the homeless in Luce, Chippewa, and Mackinac Counties.
  Throughout her long and illustrious career, Pat has enjoyed many 
achievements and accomplishments. Under her watch, in 1996 and 1998, 
the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission built two new developments 
equaling 50 single family units. In 2001, Pat spearheaded the drive to 
find housing for the homeless in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac Counties. 
In that capacity she coordinates services to the homeless, including 
shelter and opportunities for self-sufficiency to and through the Tri-
County Safe Haven Emergency Shelter.
  Pat has been a leader in the housing field, participating in 
organizations that advocate for affordable housing both nationally and 
in Michigan. For 23 years, she has been a member of the National 
Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), the 
nation's leading housing and community development advocacy group. She 
has been a member of the Michigan Housing Director's Association for 15 
years and Past President for 4 years.
  Pat has been involved in numerous other organizations as well. She is 
a former President of her local Business and Professional Women's 
Organization. She recently sat on the Commission for Labor and Economic 
Growth in conjunction with the Local Work Force Development Board for 
the Tri-County area. She currently serves as the President of the 
Northern Transitions Inc. which provides services to the 
developmentally disabled.
  Over the years, Pat has been recognized in many ways for her 
commitment to community. In 2005, she received the ATHENA award, which 
recognizes excellence and leadership in women who contribute time and 
energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
  Pat first brought her talents and tireless energy to the Sault Ste. 
Marie Housing Commission on November 1, 1982. But, even before joining 
the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission, Pat was dedicated to 
strengthening the eastern U.P. Prior to her time with the Housing 
Commission, she was employed for 8 years with the Eastern Upper 
Peninsula Employment and Training Consortium. Throughout the years Pat 
has developed a reputation as a passionate advocate for housing and 
homelessness issues. When a new rule, regulation or law affecting 
public housing authorities would come down, Pat was known for being 
quite vocal at public housing authority conferences. Those who know her 
say that when she was arguing forcefully for or against something, it 
was best to stay out of her way and let her say her piece. In one 
instance, she gave a lengthy, impassioned and forceful argument 
regarding rules affecting the ownership of pets in public housing 
authorities.
  After she completed her argument, the conference leaders asked, ``Do 
you feel better now?''
  In a manner typical of Pat's straightforward demeanor, she replied, 
``Yes, thank you, damn it!''
  While her tenure at the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission has been 
marked by many financial and administrative successes, what Pat says 
she will miss most are the people with whom she has developed 
relationships.
  As Pat recently put it in her own words, ``Many children have passed 
through our doors and I would like to think their life was just a 
little bit better having a nice home to live in that was also 
affordable.''
  Madam Speaker, over the last 30 years, countless families in Luce, 
Chippewa, and Mackinac Counties have relied upon the Sault Ste. Marie 
Housing Commission. All of them can thank Mrs. Patricia Shimmens for 
her hard work, passionate advocacy and tireless dedication to helping 
make life just a little better. As Mrs. Shimmens celebrates retirement, 
I wish her the best of luck as she has more time to spend with her 
husband, Bob and more time to garden, and enjoy the outdoors. Given her 
tireless spirit, I also expect that she will continue her volunteer 
work throughout the eastern U.P. community.
  Today, I would ask, Madam Speaker, that you and the entire U.S. House 
of Representatives join me in thanking Patricia Shimmens for 30 years 
of public service and congratulating her on a well deserved retirement.

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