    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 24, 1997]
    [Pages 194-195]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Martin Slate
    February 24, 1997

        Hillary and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Marty
    Slate. Marty has been a dear friend since our years at Yale Law School
    and was the quintessential public servant.
        From his days as a Freedom Rider in Mississippi to his years as a
    senior civil servant at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and
    the Internal Revenue Service, Marty spent his entire life working to
    make sure our laws were fair and applied justly.
        Four years ago, I was delighted when Marty answered my call to
    return to public service. As Executive Director of the Pension Benefit
    Guaranty Corporation, he brought a new standard of excellence to that
    agency. He improved the PBGC's level of customer service and its
    financial management, winning an Innovation in American Government Award
    from the John F. Kennedy School and several Vice Presidential Hammer
    Awards for Excellence in Government.

    [[Page 195]]

    Marty fought successfully for important new legislation that brought
    renewed financial stability to the Corporation, expanded pension
    coverage, and ensured that millions of Americans' pensions were more
    secure.
        Hillary and I will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are
    with Cookie and his family on this sad day.