Zack Space

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Coach David Schlabach showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, David Schlabach was a leader and mentor for the Hiland High School Girls' Basketball Team; and Whereas, Coach Schlabach has been a role model for sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Coach David Schlabach for leading the Hiland High School Girls' Basketball Team to winning the Girls' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and leadership he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 Basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Mykeila Mast showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Mykeila Mast was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Mykeila Mast always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Mykeila Mast on winning the Girls' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Gabrielle Fowler showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Gabrielle Fowler was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Gabrielle Fowler always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Gabrielle Fowler on winning the Girls' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Ashley Weaver showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Ashley Weaver was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Ashley Weaver always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Ashley Weaver on winning the Girls' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Jessica Stutzman showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Jessica Stutzman was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Jessica Stutzman always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Jessica Stutzman on winning the Girls' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Arrianna Schrock showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Arrianna Schrock was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Arrianna Schrock always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Arrianna Schrock on winning the Girls' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Katelyn Stuckey showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Katelyn Stuckey was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Katelyn Stuckey always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Katelyn Stuckey on winning the Girls' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Rebekah Thomas showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Rebekah Thomas was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Rebekah Thomas always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Rebekah Thomas on winning the Girls' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Hilary Weaver showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Hilary Weaver was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Hilary Weaver always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Hilary Weaver on winning the Girls' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Jena Stutzman showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Jena Stutzman was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Jena Stutzman always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Jena Stutzman on winning the Girls' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, Howard M. Metzenbaum leaves behind a legacy of commitment. His 19 years of service in the United States Senate demonstrates his commitment to the people of Ohio and to the legacy of democracy. He was not simply a legislator, but a statesman. From a simple beginning to a self-made millionaire, Howard Metzenbaum knew the value of hard work and applied that knowledge to his political career. His character and determination drove him to succeed first in business and then in politics. He championed the working man and ensured government truly represented the people. His diligence ensured that the government was managed fairly and frugally. His determination saw through countless bills that have improved the lives of the public. It is through these traits that Howard Metzenbaum represented the best of a statesman and the best of Ohio. Through his 90 years, Howard Metzenbaum lived a full life. His wife and four daughters remember a wonderful man and a loving father. I, along with the people of the 18th District of Ohio, also remember a true legislator and an effective statesman. It is in this spirit, that along with his friends, family and residents of the 18th Congressional District of Ohio, that we recognize in memorial, the wonderful contributions that Howard M. Metzenbaum has given to his State and his country.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, I wish to acknowledge Tuesday's consideration and passage of H. Res. 1024, a bill recognizing the 187th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy. I am honored to support a bill whose significance is so extensive and which has such enormous personal meaning to me. I am immensely proud of my Greek heritage, and the profound influence this legacy has had not only on American democracy but on governments around the world. Early on, America's Founding Fathers looked to the ancient Greeks and their enlightened society for inspiration in forming a new government. As we know, American representative democracy is rooted in the philosophy and ethos of Greek government. It is this example of freedom and representation that so many governments strive to emulate today. And now, more than ever, it is imperative for that message to he heard. The Greek American community continues to work admirably to connect Greek culture and heritage with the global society of today. They have grown that symbiotic relationship into an extensive Greek-American legacy. This legacy is made of the contributions of millions of Greek- Americans, such as my paternal grandfather who emigrated from Greece in the early 20th century and earned his citizenship in his new country by fighting in World War I. My father, Socrates, continued the Space family's patriotic tradition by serving in the Marines during the Korean War. After the war, my father attended Ohio State's law school, thanks to the GI Bill, thereby paving the way for his future family-- for me. The opportunities afforded to my father and my grandfather in America were--in my opinion--a result of the democratic by-products of freedom and liberty that Americans enjoy, thanks to the Greeks. Today. as we celebrate the anniversary of this wonderful nation's independence, it's important that we continue to recognize the significance of Greek contributions to the global society. Needless to say, as a Greek-American, I very much support H. Res. 1024.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Chairman, I was unavoidably detained during rollcall vote 137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute No. 2 Offered by Ms. Lee

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, the dedicated people of Barnesville, Ohio celebrate the 200th anniversary of the found of Barnesville, Ohio with great joy; and Whereas, this occasion is a time to look back at the origins of the town and appreciate how much it has grown from its first days as a hunting and trapping community in an infant country; and Whereas, occasions such as these illustrate to us that love mixed with hard work and perseverance will stand the test of time; and Whereas, it is the fond wish of this body that you will continue to present this town as a beacon of light in the representation of America and maintain your stand as a symbol to this generation that our strength lies in your gracious commitment in unity to stand as a model community; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend Barnesville for your hard work and perseverance, recognizing that all great communities come from great people. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the tremendous impact this town has had in Ohio and in the lives of those people you have touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, March 11, 2008, marks the day Ernest and Lena Todd have been lovingly married for 75 years; and Whereas, their marriage represents the true spirit of love, compromise and support; and Whereas, their life together from humble beginnings as a coal mining family in Tennessee have prospered into a loving extended family in Ohio consisting of 260 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and Whereas, Ernest and Lena Todd represent the belief that love is eternal and will overcome all obstacles, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse--forever; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I wish Ernest and Lena Todd a happy and healthy 75th wedding anniversary. We recognize the amazing commitment of love, friendship, and support these two people have made to each other and their family and the brightness and hope they have brought to those they have touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Gene MacDonald is the founding president of the Appalachia Development District and served admirably with that association, the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association for 30 years; and Whereas, he is a 30-year board member of the Muskingum Area Technical College/Zane State College; and Whereas, Gene MacDonald worked as the Zanesville Industrial Program Executive for 14 years; and Whereas, he served as the director of planning and physician recruitment at Bethesda Hospital/Genesis Health Care System for 21 years; therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank Gene MacDonald for his contributions to his community and country.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Zane State College in Zanesville, Ohio, has achieved the distinction of being ranked the 9th Best 2-Year College in the Nation, as reported by Washington Monthly magazine. Whereas, this ranking is based on Zane State College's graduation rates that are approaching three times the national average and on student feedback as collected in the Community College Survey of Student Engagement, which measures how well the Nation's 2-year colleges use teaching techniques that lead to better learning; and Whereas, 43 percent of all college freshmen begin their education at 2-year institutions, which is an important reason for comparing effectiveness and student experiences at 2-year colleges; and Whereas, Zane State College's academic challenge, high student- faculty interaction, support for learners, and above-average graduation rates are testaments to Zane State College's impressive ability to meet the needs of its students, many of whom are the first in their families to ever attend college; and Whereas, collaborative support from the community surrounding Zane State College has played an important role in the success of these students as well; and Whereas, Zane State College's well-deserved ranking is also due to the highly effective leadership demonstrated by its president and its supportive boards. Thanks to this leadership, and to a philosophy of ``personal touch'' demonstrated by faculty and staff, Zane State College has rightfully earned its rank as one of the best 2-year colleges in America; and be it Resolved, that along with its friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank Zane State College for its outstanding service to students, families, and the Zanesville community. Congratulations to Zane State College on its ranking as number 9 among 2-year colleges in the U.S.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Hocking College celebrates its receipt of the 2008 Council for Higher Education Accreditation Award with great joy; and Whereas, this recognition is the result of what a hard-working people began in 1969; and Whereas, Hocking College has unwaveringly served Ohio, its citizens, and the higher education community by providing higher education within the State of Ohio; and Whereas, Hocking College has availed itself to prepare students in a more comprehensive manner to adapt to the needs of an increasingly technical and communicably diverse working society by voluntarily incorporating communications requirements into its curriculum; and Whereas, Hocking College looks forward to continuing service to the citizens of Ohio and providing outstanding examples of higher education; be it Resolved, that along with its friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Hocking College for its service, dedication and award.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, the dedicated people of the John McIntire Library Carnegie Building celebrate the 100th anniversary with great joy; and Whereas, occasions such as these illustrate to us the dedication and the support of the many in preserving history and information for the public; and Whereas, it is the fond wish of this body that you will continue to preserve this history in its State memorial to demonstrate the importance of knowledge, freedom of information, and education. It is also the wish of this body that you maintain your stand as a symbol to this generation that our strength lies in our knowledge and history and the entwinement therefore, so that we may never forget the past; be it Resolved, That along with the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the Friends of the Library for your unwavering commitment, recognizing that all great achievements come from great dedication. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the tremendous impact this library has had in the community and in the lives of those people you have touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. I thank my colleague from Ohio for yielding time. I would like to thank my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano) for his diligent work under very difficult circumstances for months on end. It was difficult for Mr. Capuano because many Members of this House did not believe that this resolution is necessary, despite what Mr. Capuano has referred to tonight as a problem with public perception and a lack of transparency. The Members of this House, many of them, still do not get it. Our current ethics process is filled with flaws: the conflicts of interest exist; only Members can file complaints; the public is left in the dark regarding investigations. We haven't been very good at policing ourselves. This resolution is necessary because, as Mr. Capuano mentions, the American public has lost faith in the institution of Congress, and we ignore that loss of faith at our own peril. I come from one of those districts that has been referenced as one that sent a freshman here on the backs of public discontent. The people that I represent back in Ohio's 18th understand all too well the perils of public betrayal. We have an obligation to restore the public trust. We started that last January with ethics legislation that helped sever the link between lobbyists and legislators. We need to continue with that movement today by looking at ourselves, by looking inward and creating a system that is nonpartisan, but is independent, and that will vet, initiate, and conduct investigations. This resolution does that. It represents a good start. I am proud to have worked on it with my fellow freshman colleagues, Mr. Hodes as well as Mr. Murphy, who will be offering support today, as well as many others. Quite simply, Mr. Speaker, the public is fed up with the status quo. They want Members who break the rules to be investigated and brought to justice. My esteemed colleague from California today referenced that none of what we do matters if we do not have the trust of the public. This resolution helps restore that trust. I urge its support.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, the Ohio College Association celebrates its 140th anniversary with great joy; and Whereas, this milestone is the result of what a hardworking people began in 1867; and Whereas, the Ohio College Association has unwaveringly served Ohio, its citizens, and the higher education community by promoting higher education within the State of Ohio; and Whereas, past accomplishments have included defining and accrediting baccalaureate curricula, middle school student recruitment, joint/group purchasing, and property and casualty insurance programs; and Whereas, the Ohio College Association looks forward to continuing service to the citizens of Ohio and its outstanding institutions of higher education: Therefore be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate the Ohio College Association for its service and dedication.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Alexis Roll is an eighth-grader at East Muskingum Middle School; and Whereas, she undertakes at least two community service projects each month to assist the homeless and hungry, senior citizens, orphaned pets, and others in need of assistance; and Whereas, Ms. Roll is constantly looking for needs in her community and actively filling them; and Whereas, as a State Honoree, Alexis will receive a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion, and a trip to Washington, DC, for the program's national recognition events in May; and Whereas, she has selflessly served the needs of her community and encourages those around her to do the same: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank Alexis Roll for her service to Zanesville and the State of Ohio. Congratulations to Alexis Roll on her selection as one of the top two youth volunteers in Ohio for 2008.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Mr. Gary has demonstrated values of hard work and service throughout his life, always maintaining a positive outlook; and Whereas, Mr. Gary is recognized for 30 years of dedication to the Hocking County community; and Whereas, Mr. Gary has impacted the lives of many while teaching residents skills that have helped them obtain employment; Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I thank Norm Gary for his 30 years of service. We recognize the tremendous impact he has had in his community and in the lives of all those people he has touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Harold and Diane Keesee are recognized for receiving the Angels in Adoption Award, and Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Keesee are an asset to our community and have been fostering children for seventeen years, and Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Keesee have made a difference in those lives that enter their home, and Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Keesee exemplify the spirit of selflessness and giving through their extraordinary work in child welfare: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with their friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend Harold and Diane Keesee on their contributions and service to children in Tuscarawas and Guernsey Counties. Congratulations to Harold and Diane Keesee on receiving the Angels in Adoption Award.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Lady Baesman is appreciated for her dedication and contributions to the American Cancer Society; and Whereas, she has been a volunteer for the American Cancer Society since 1956; and Whereas, she has fought for numerous improvements and has been successful in many of her campaigns; and Whereas, her efforts have been recognized through the Capitol Dome Award, which is the highest nationwide advocacy award given at the state level each year; and Whereas, she has served the organization and her community selflessly and tirelessly: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend Lady Baesman on her contributions to the American Cancer Society. Congratulations to Lady Baesman on her receipt of the Outstanding Advocacy Volunteer Award.