[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 25]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 33768]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE SHIRLEY WADDING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure 
that I stand before you today to recognize the many accomplishments of 
the Honorable Shirley Wadding, Mayor of Lake Station, Indiana. I have 
known Shirley for many years, and she is one of the most involved 
citizens that I have ever known, especially when it comes to her 
service to the residents of Lake Station. Shirley has been a public 
official in Lake Station for the past twenty years, the last twelve of 
which she served as the city's mayor. Though Shirley has been the 
cornerstone of her community, she decided not to run for reelection and 
will be retiring from her elected office at year's end. For her efforts 
and many contributions to the City of Lake Station, Shirley was honored 
at a retirement celebration on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at the Lake 
Station Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9323.
  Originally from Indiana, Pennsylvania, Shirley came to Northwest 
Indiana in 1960. A resident of Lake Station since that time, Shirley's 
familiarity with the people of Lake Station and her fondness for the 
city emerged from her everyday interactions with them as the owner of a 
local sandwich shop. Undoubtedly, it was her connection to the people 
that steered her in the direction of public service and led to her 
election to the city council in 1987. Following eight years on the 
council, Shirley's leadership skills and dedication led to her election 
as mayor, serving from 1996 to 2007. During this time, Shirley received 
numerous accolades from the community, including: the Liberty Bell 
Award from the Indiana State Bar Association in 2002, the Department of 
the Army's Certificate of Appreciation in 2005, and the Marine Corps 
League Distinguished Service Award in 2007.
  As the mayor of Lake Station, Shirley was instrumental in many 
improvements and upgrades within the city. Throughout her tenure, Lake 
Station has welcomed several new subdivisions and businesses, as well 
as many new public facilities, including a community center, a senior 
and nutrition center, a food pantry, a public library, and a compost 
facility. Thanks to Shirley's leadership and perseverance, the city was 
also able to acquire and restore what would become her most rewarding 
contribution, the Lake Station Boys and Girls Club. Throughout the 
years, Shirley's commitment to public safety and the well-being of the 
community was constant. During this time, the city saw improvements and 
additions made to the ambulance service, the police department, and the 
fire department. These included additional vehicles, equipment, 
officers, computer upgrades, and a new 911 emergency system. Public 
health services were also improved through the addition of a mosquito 
sprayer, new storm sewers, a renovated water tower, and new sidewalks 
and walking trails. Beautification of the city has also been one of 
Shirley's primary objectives, as is evidenced by Lake Station's 
Veterans' Community Park, a covered walking bridge, and numerous 
landscaping projects throughout the city.
  Having decided to retire from public service, Shirley will now be 
able to spend much of her time with those closest to her, her family. A 
loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Shirley's commitment to the 
people of Lake Station is surpassed only by her dedication to her 
family. Shirley and her husband, Harry, have shared many wonderful 
years together. They have been blessed with three children: Jody, Toni, 
and James. Harry and Shirley are also the proud grandparents of 6 
adoring grandchildren: Larissa, Kristin, Jordan, Jenna, Jake, and 
Jonas.
  Madam Speaker, Shirley Wadding has given her time and efforts 
selflessly to the people of Lake Station for the past twenty years and 
beyond. At this time, I ask that you and all of my distinguished 
colleagues join me in commending her for her service and dedication. I 
also ask you to join me in wishing her the best of health and happiness 
in the years to come.

                          ____________________