Political Quotes

“With great sadness, the people of west Michigan learned of the recent passing of former Congressman Vern Ehlers. Vern was a humble man who served our community with honor. Early in his life, Vern moved to Grand Rapids to attend Calvin College. After earning his Ph.D. at Berkeley, he returned to help launch, and later chair, Calvin's Physics Department. His passion for science, technology, and the environment came to define his time at Calvin and tenure in Congress. In 1993, Vern was elected to Congress and served until his retirement in 2010. Vern was the first research physicist in Congress, and his impressive background contributed to his many achievements. Vern was a member of the Committees on Education and the Workforce; Science, Space, and Technology; and Transportation and Infrastructure. He served as chairman of the Committee on House Administration, and his portrait now hangs in the committee's main hearing room. I have staff who worked for Vern, and they all admired his compassion, independent thinking, and nonpartisan record. Colleagues often referred to him as ``the smartest man in Congress.'' Vern lived as commanded in Micah 6:8: ``To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with Your God.'' He placed his hands on this verse each time he was sworn in. Our community will endeavor always to honor his legacy. My deepest condolences go out to Vern's wife, Johanna, his children and grandchildren, and to everyone whose lives he touched.…”