Feb

17

Strauss issues statement on passing of former US Representative Ray Browne

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February 17, 2010

“Senator Strauss statement on passing of former US Representative Ray Browne”

WASHINGTON, DC- Senator Paul Strauss issued the following statement on the occasion of former US Representative Ray Browne’s passing.

“I was very saddened to hear about former United States Representative Ray Browne’s death.  DC has lost a powerful and sincere voice in it’s struggle for equality.  I had the privilege of working very closely with Ray during his tenure in office and knew him to be a tireless activist for all things DC; especially when it concerned the issue of D.C. Voting Rights in the U.S. House of Representatives.    I first got to know Ray when we both worked together for DC’s youth during his services as a member of the District’s Neighborhood Planning Councils (NPC #6).  We each went on to serve our community as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner’s before joining the DC shadow Congressional Delegation.

“Ray’s continued activism and commitment to our cause is one in which all DC residents can look to with great admiration.  Although he passed before his dream of DC’s House Voting Rights could be realized, his legacy will continue serve as a catalyst for the movement.

“Ray Browne was first elected in 2000 and continued to serve two more consecutive terms.  He has the historic distinction of being the longest serving shadow United States Representative in the District of Columbia history.  He was preceded by the Honorable Thomas E. Bryant, Jr. and was succeeded by incumbent Representative Mike Panetta.  Ray Browne’s passing marks the first death of a member of the Shadow Delegation.”