US House Passes Bill Honoring Late Strongsville Mayor

Bill Sponsored By Kucinich Will Name Post Office In Strongsville After Frm. Mayor Ehrnfelt

Washington, Nov 17 -

The US House of Representatives today passed a resolution to honor the late mayor of Strongsville, Ohio, Mr. Walter F. Ehrnfelt, Jr. The resolution, HR 3300, sponsored by Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) and Congressman Steven LaTourette, will name the post office located in Strongsville, Ohio, after the late mayor.

Kucinich presented the following statement today in the House:

“I feel honored today to support HR 3300, a bill to rename the United States Post Office in Strongsville, Ohio in tribute to the city’s distinguished and dedicated former Mayor and my friend, the late Walter F. Ehrnfelt. I would also like to extend special thanks to my colleague, Congressman LaTourette, for helping to bring this legislation to the floor, along with all of the Ohio delegation for co-sponsoring this bill.

“Mayor Ehrnfelt’s impact on the city of Strongsville will never be forgotten. After graduating from Strongsville High School, he began what would become a lifetime commitment to civic involvement. In 1973, while running Ehrnfelt Meats, a family business that operates still today, his neighbors convinced him to run for the Strongsville School Board, leading the fight against a campaign to dismiss teachers and ban books in the school district. He won that race, and in 1978 he was appointed Mayor of Strongsville, later winning his first Mayoral race in November 1979 by more than a 2 to 1 margin. Voters rewarded his effective leadership by re-electing him to six consecutive four-year terms, the last beginning in 2000.

“As Mayor, Walter Ehrnfelt guided Strongsville through an unprecedented period of growth, evolving from a community of 22,000 to a thriving suburb of 45,000 residents. He served on Governor Taft’s State and Local Government Commission and was President of the Ohio Municipal League. But most importantly, Mayor Ehrnfelt lived each day with the people of Strongsville close to his heart, truly living his life for the betterment of others.

“I’m pleased we have the opportunity to honor Mayor Ehrnfelt for his service and spirit today. The people of Strongsville, the state of Ohio, and everyone who knew him will miss him greatly.”