[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8361]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING ALDERMAN PATRICK J. LEVAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2011

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Alderman Patrick J. 
Levar on his recent retirement from his position as Alderman of the 
45th Ward of the City of Chicago.
  For the last 24 years, Alderman Levar represented the residents of 
the 45th Ward and worked to bring many improvements to the schools, 
businesses, and safety of his constituency. One of his many 
accomplishments as Alderman was the building of a new police station 
for the 16th District--Chicago Police Department to ensure that the 
45th Ward was one of the safest in Chicago. He brought over $7 million 
in improvements to local neighborhood schools and built the first new 
library on Chicago's northwest side. He returned over $1 million to the 
45th Ward by improving parks, playgrounds, and local streets.
  He also wanted to make sure his ward thrived economically and worked 
tirelessly to rejuvenate businesses and create jobs by helping build 
shopping complexes and business structures. His dedication to his job 
and the city he loves is an example of why Chicago is known as ``The 
City That Works.''
  Alderman Levar is very proud of the northwest side of Chicago, the 
area he has called home for his entire life, and of the Jefferson Park 
neighborhood, the area where he and his wife have raised their family.
  Pat would be the first to tell you that his family is his first 
priority, and they have provided support for his entire career. He has 
been happily married for 37 years to his wonderful wife, Mary Ann. His 
family also includes his son, Patrick, Jr., and his wife, Jeanene, his 
daughters, Michelle and Julie, his son, Ryan, and his grandchildren, 
Patrick, Clare, and Maeve.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Alderman 
Levar's years of service to the City of Chicago. I hope that his 
dedication and hard work inspire us all to see the difference we can 
make by serving our local communities. I wish him a happy and 
successful retirement and all the best in the future.

                          ____________________