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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF COUNCILWOMAN ELSIE FRANKLIN
______
HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness and great
respect that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's
most passionate and dedicated citizens, Lake County Councilwoman Elsie
Franklin. Councilwoman Franklin passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019, at
the age of 81. Her unwavering commitment to her constituents and her
community is worthy of the highest praise, and she will be greatly
missed by her family, friends, co-workers, and the many grateful
residents whose lives she touched.
Elsie was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and moved to Gary, Indiana,
at a young age. She attended Gary Roosevelt High School and built her
life in the city of Gary. Ms. Franklin was a member of Clark Road
Missionary Baptist Church and was very active in her faith throughout
her lifetime. For Elsie, being able to improve her community and assist
those in need was her life's purpose. She is remembered by family and
friends as a role model who stood up for those who did not have a
voice.
Throughout her lifetime of public service, Elsie Franklin served the
people of Gary and Lake County in numerous capacities. She was the
director of Gary's General Services under Mayor Thomas Barnes while
also holding positions on various boards, charities, and organizations
throughout the years. In 2002, she was elected to serve on the Lake
County Council, representing the 2nd district. This victory marked the
first time an African-American woman would serve on the Lake County
Council. She was passionate about the people of her district and the
issues they faced. Many remember her actively working to secure funding
for services within the Lake County Juvenile Court system. The
challenges facing the youth in the city of Gary and throughout
Northwest Indiana were a priority for her, and Councilwoman Franklin
was a true hero for her hard work and dedication to the children of our
communities. Elsie served on the Lake County Council for the past
seventeen years, and she was an outstanding activist for the people of
her district and the city of Gary.
Councilwoman Franklin was also a strong leader for the Democratic
Party in Northwest Indiana for many years. Throughout her remarkable
career, spanning over 50 years, she served her party in numerous
capacities. Elsie served as vice chairwoman of the Lake County
Democratic Central Committee, and she was the first African-American
woman to chair the Gary Democratic Precinct Organization.
Elsie Franklin is survived by her beloved children: Cherylynn,
Michael, Kimberly, Kenya, Keesha, Theodore, and Dara. She also leaves
to cherish her memory many dear friends and family members, as well as
a saddened but grateful community.
Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other
distinguished colleagues join me in paying tribute to a true public
servant, Ms. Elsie Franklin. For her outstanding contributions to the
city of Gary and to the community of Northwest Indiana, she is to be
commended. Elsie Franklin's legacy will be forever remembered and will
continue to inspire generations to come.
____________________