Stephanie Tubbs Jones

[geiger]

Hi, everyone,

We have lost in Stephanie Tubbs Jones, I believe, an historic, and uniquely qualified and suited representative for the 11th District of The Great State of Ohio.

I wish I had more discipline, because if I did, I would love to thoroughly research and write a book about the history, especially the political history, of that that is Cleveland. I caught the "Cleveland bug" during my last master's course in history at Kent back in 1985, Immigration History, the bulk emphasis of which revolved around not only the European ethnic settlers, but the Great Migration of blacks from the South of this country, to the Cleveland area. My former father-in-law taught me the poetry of Hart Crane, also hving lived his adult life in Cleveland (witness Crane Business Review today), and so I have that melancholy attachment to Cleveland as well.


As a footnote, I offer, that to understand the dynamics and complexity of Cleveland politics specifically, that you read Abe Zaidin's collection of essays from his days as a journalist (Portraits of Power: Ohio and National Politics, 1964-2004 (Law, Politics, and Society) (Paperback)by Abe Zaidan (Author), John C. Green (Author)) .

I didn't know Stephanie personally, but I do know scores of people who worked with her, and I still revere her message of service, at the last national Democratic convention, at which time I felt she was driven to deliver a message, but to also honor her parents, from humble roots and accomplishments.

When Stephanie ran for office and when she won, she said repeatedly, about her predecessor Louis Stokes, she was not there to fill his shoes, she was there to do the job. And from the beginning, in my estimation, she was amazingly successful at putting her own imprint on the job, while all the while keeping true to her values, loyalties and ideals, and bringing home the bacon for her District (this is NOT a bad thing). Frankly, I am still in awe of her landing a coveted position on the Ways and Means Committee of Congres (I had been pissed when I heard they had put her on the ethics committee after the last Presidential election. What a thankless job, and what a waste of time). But she did her duty, and look how far she went after that. I can't count the number of times I have heard the word "exploded" to describe her rise and influence in politics over the past couple of days to describe her ascendance the past several years. All the while, I can't help but recall the personal losses she suffered while her professional star peaked, repeatedly.

I have no idea what a suitable DU tribute to her would be, but she was an organ donor, and that fact made me check my driver's license, to make sure I was, too. I just would like to see the Ohio Forum on DU do something to honor her.

Respectfully submitted.