[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11443]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING KAREN FITZSIMMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 2008

  Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and 
celebrate the life of Karen Fitzsimmons. Karen passed away on April 2, 
2008, after serving as the Scott County, Iowa, auditor for over 32 
years.
  Karen was elected auditor in 1976 and held that position until her 
untimely death this spring. From her first day in office to her last 
she brought integrity and professionalism to government. Under Karen's 
leadership Scott County elections were fair, transparent, and 
inclusive. Citizens trusted Karen because they were confident she would 
count and report every vote in every election. She set a standard for 
ethics and integrity in elections to which other counties in Iowa 
aspire.
  Karen was a trailblazer for women in Iowa public life. She is one of 
the longest serving female elected officials in Iowa history. She was a 
27-year-old professional and single-mother when she won her first 
election. She thrived as a public official and was never afraid to 
challenge ``old boys club'' attitudes at any level of government.
  Madam Speaker, Karen was an admired leader who defended the principle 
at the heart of our democracy: the right to vote. Her memory will be 
cherished.

                          ____________________