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Rep. Timothy V. Johnson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of Mr. Hiram Paley, former Mayor of Urbana, IL, and Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois in Mathematics. Mr. Paley passed away on Monday, January 9, at the age of 78 at the Carle Foundation hospital in Urbana, IL, after his long fight with cancer.

Hiram Paley was an excellent representation of what living the American dream is all about. He was born the son of Russian immigrants and rose above humble beginnings to obtain his doctorate in mathematics with a specialization in algebra. Mr. Paley became a professor at the University of Illinois in 1959 where he would meet his wife of over 50 years, Jean Paley. Together they had three children. He soon became active in the local community, eventually rising to the Office of Mayor for the town of Urbana, IL. He served a single term as Mayor. Afterward, he remained active in community events throughout the rest of his life. He remained always perceptive to the concerns of everyday citizens with whom he interacted.

It is paramount to emphasize that although Hiram Paley was not of the same political affiliation as I, he was always civil and respectful toward individuals who did not share similar political philosophies. This is an underlying theme that we as leaders should glean most from this man's life. This ideal ought to be at the forefront of our debates today. Civility and discourse in politics may seem like a large river, seemingly impossible to cross, but in actuality, our political reality today is but a modest stream that is only in need of leadership to step across and achieve consensus. And that model is what government is truly about. Thank you, Mr. Paley, for your excellent example and extraordinary life, as well as your service to our Nation; you shall be missed tremendously.