[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8270-8271]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MS. BESSIE SWINDLE AND THE 
  DEDICATION OF THE BESSIE SWINDLE COMMUNITY CENTER IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 23, 2009

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am honored to recognize 
the life and contributions of a distinguished member of my Houston 
staff, a constituent and more importantly a friend who was honored on 
Saturday, March 21, 2009 with the naming of the Bessie Swindle 
Community Center in Houston, Texas.
  A respected leader and activist, Ms. Swindle has committed her life 
to serving her community. Over the course of more than thirty years, 
she has endeavored to serve as the voice for those who have, over the 
years, found themselves in unfortunate and difficult circumstances. I 
believe her record of unselfish dedication to her city and community 
will serve as a bright light for those who dare to follow in her 
footsteps.
  Ms. Bessie Swindle was born in Loreauville, Louisiana and 
transplanted to Houston. Currently, she is the Outreach Coordinator for 
Congressman Al Green of the 9th Congressional District of Texas. Ms. 
Swindle was appointed by Mayor Bill White to his Phone Tower Commission 
and is a former member of the Police Officers Civil Service Commission-
City of Houston, which is responsible for reviewing HPD criminal 
activities.
  During her distinguished lifetime of service, Ms. Swindle has earned 
numerous awards and honors. In 2004, she was a recipient of an Honorary 
Associate in Arts Degree from Houston Community College System.
  Finally, Madam Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not thank Mayor 
Bill White, City Controller Annise Parker, and the distinguished

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members of the Houston City Council, including the Honorable Wanda 
Adams who sponsored this special tribute, for their foresight in 
honoring my friend, Ms. Bessie Swindle.

                          ____________________