[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17213-17214]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMEMORATING THE CITY OF OAK PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 17, 2012

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the City of Oak Park, 
and thank the residents of Oak Park who have provided me with the honor 
of representing them in Congress for 30 years. My beloved late wife, 
Vicki and I, enjoyed lasting friendships with so many in the community 
for many years. I have been proud to see the fabric of this community 
diversify racially and to watch it develop economically.
  Historically, the area that was to become Oak Park existed within 
Royal Oak Township, and was first settled in 1840. The first major 
housing development came in 1914 when the township sold land to the 
majestic Land Company to be developed as the Oak Park subdivision. The 
subdivision was incorporated as a village on May 3, 1927. The village 
incorporated as city on October 29, 1945. Planned developments in the 
late 1950s resulted in Oak Park being named ``America's Fastest Growing 
City'' at one point.
  I have enjoyed participating in so many activities and events in Oak 
Park like the annual 4th of July parade, Dr. Martin Luther King Day 
program and activities sponsored by your schools and your strong and 
vibrant religious institutions.
  I was proud to host several events in the city including our 
Community Resource Fairs where we brought together Oak Park residents 
with county, state and federal agencies to that offered critical 
services within the community.
  Mayor McClellen, who was preceded by long-time mayor Jerry Naftely, 
along with all of the dedicated City Council members and other local 
elected officials continue to move the City of Oak Park forward, and I 
look forward to following their success in the years to come.
  As I close, I can say with confidence that the City of Oak Park and 
its residents are in good hands with Congressman Gary Peters. My office 
will, of course, stay in close touch on issues that impact Oakland 
County and southeast Michigan as we all work together to re-vitalize 
our Michigan economy.

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