[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24431]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. GARY L. CRAMER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Gary L. 
Cramer of Kalamazoo, Michigan for his years of outstanding service to 
Kalamazoo Charter Township and the State of Michigan.
  Gary began his work as a public official in 1980, when he was elected 
to serve as Kalamazoo Township trustee. Over the next 16 years, Gary 
distinguished himself as a clear-thinking and approachable leader, 
earning him the trust and respect of government, business, and 
community leaders alike. In his capacity as trustee, Gary also assumed 
an active role as a township fire commissioner and as a member of the 
city planning commission.
  From the role of trustee, Gary was elected to the position of 
township supervisor, where he admirably served the residents of 
Kalamazoo Township from 1996 to 2008. For those 12 years, Gary also 
worked as a member of the Kalamazoo Township Policy and Administration 
Committee, the Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study, the Coalition for 
Urban Redevelopment, the Kalamazoo Regional Water & Wastewater 
Commission, and the Community Action Board. In 1999, he was elected to 
the Michigan Township Association Board, where he retired as president 
in 2008.
  Gary has always risen above the fray of partisan politics to ensure 
that the interests of those he represents are met. As both an 
administrator and representative, he truly exemplifies the best of the 
public servant.
  Once again, I would like to congratulate and express my gratitude to 
Gary Cramer for his many years of distinguished service to the 
residents of Kalamazoo Township. Southwest Michigan is truly stronger 
because of his contributions.

                          ____________________