[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3631]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS TO CHIEF JUDGE STEPHEN C. COOPER ON THIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 8, 2007

  Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer my congratulations to Chief 
Judge Stephen C. Cooper, who is retiring from the bench of the 46th 
District Court. Judge Cooper brings closure to a distinguished 33-year 
career in public service. In addition to his service to the 46th 
District Court, Judge Cooper also served as City Council President Pro-
Tem for the Southfield City Council.
  Chief Judge Cooper was elected to the 46th District Court in 1986 and 
re-elected in 1992, 1998 and 2004. His re-election was unanimously 
endorsed by both the Democratic and Republican Parties, both defense 
and plaintiffs lawyers, business and labor and every prominent elected 
official and community leader in his District. The Bar Association 
rated his performance ``outstanding.''
  Judge Cooper was elected and served as president of the Michigan 
District Judges Association and currently in his second term as 
Michigan Governor of the American Judges Association (AJA). Judge 
Cooper was recognized by Optimist International as ``triple 
distinguished president'' of the Southfield-Lathrup Optimist Club.
  Judge Cooper has received numerous awards including the Martin Luther 
King, Jr. Award which is given to a local citizen whose life 
exemplifies the ideals espoused by Dr. King. He was selected as the 
Honoree-of-the-year of the Women's Bar Association, the Governor's 
Award for Volunteer Service, and the Southfield Schools' Alumnus of the 
Year Award.
  Judge Stephen Cooper was elected President of the Michigan District 
Judges Association, the Southfield Bar Association and the B'Nai Brith 
Association and was Vice President of the Southfield Chamber of 
Commerce. He also served on numerous boards including the Salvation 
Army, League of Women Voters, Anti-Defamation League, Southfield-
Lathrup PTA Council, MLK Taskforce and the Easter Seals Society.
  Upon retirement, Judge Cooper will direct his professional talents to 
the field of mediation and teaching. He will also have more time for 
his hobbies, including kayaking, ceramics, welding, roller-blading and, 
above all, enjoying life with Caroline, his wife of more than 36 years 
and being a grandparent.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this 
fine individual and thanking him for his dedication to our community. I 
extend my heartiest congratulations and warmest wishes as he starts 
this new chapter in his life.

                          ____________________