[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6681]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO RETIRING ST. JOSEPH COUNTY CLERK PATTIE BENDER

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2015

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to retiring St. Joseph County Clerk Pattie Bender. 
Pattie is a staple of our Southwest Michigan community and my dear 
friend. I rise to thank her for 45 years of distinguished public 
service.
  A life-long resident of Southwest Michigan, Pattie currently serves 
in a dual capacity as county clerk and register of deeds. She began her 
career with St. Joseph County in 1970 and has served as county clerk 
since 1991.
  The office of town or county clerk is one of the oldest known offices 
in local government, essential to the functioning of our democracy. It 
is an office of trust that demands the utmost integrity and diligence. 
As clerk, Pattie is entrusted with the supervision of all national, 
state, and local elections; administers the Michigan Campaign Finance 
Reporting Act; and maintains all government records for the county.
  Having known Pattie for many years, I can attest to the fact that no 
one is better suited for such a position. Throughout the years, she has 
faithfully served the people of St. Joseph County, fairly and 
competently executing her duties. Personally, I have come to rely on 
her extensive institutional knowledge and good judgment. There is no 
doubt that the citizens of St. Joseph County, having reelected her to 
the office of county clerk six times, share my good opinion.
  In January, Pattie announced that she will retire in June of this 
year, planning to travel and spend time with her family. As she embarks 
on the next chapter of her life, I would like to congratulate her on a 
well-deserved retirement and thank her for her many years of public 
service to the citizens of St. Joseph County.
  It has been an honor to work with Pattie and to count her as a true 
friend. She will be greatly missed in her capacity as county clerk, but 
I am confident she will continue to serve as a source of wisdom in 
Southwest Michigan for years to come.

                          ____________________