[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19647]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN T. FINLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
distinguished life of John T. Finley, retired Ramsey County District 
Judge and lifelong public servant. Judge Finley passed away 
unexpectedly in June at the age of 69, while visiting his daughter and 
grandchildren. While our community has lost a beloved civic leader, we 
celebrate John's legacy of compassion, fairness, and service to others.
  On the judicial bench, John's steadfast impartiality and willingness 
to take on tough cases earned him the respect and admiration of his 
colleagues. No matter how politically charged or publicly scrutinized 
the case, John approached each one with a fair and impartial mind. He 
was, in this regard, an exemplary judge.
  John's public service began when he was elected as a Ramsey County 
commissioner in 1970, only one year after graduating from William 
Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul. He would become the longest-
serving member of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners before being 
elected as a judge in 1996. His vision and leadership helped to craft a 
comprehensive transportation plan for the region that includes light 
rail transit. His advocacy for investments in parks and recreation 
helped to put Ramsey County on the map as one of the most livable 
communities in America.
  Whether serving on the board or the bench, John's love for the 
community was remarkable. He was a proud native and lifelong resident 
of St. Paul, and he lived to serve its people. His sense of duty and 
honor are irreplaceable, and his leadership will be sorely missed.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in this tribute to former Ramsey County 
Judge John T. Finley.

                          ____________________