Downtown Petaluma post office renamed for former Rep. Lynn Woolsey
Dozens gathered outside the downtown Petaluma post office building Friday to pay homage to former U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, a pioneering lawmaker after whom the historic building has been officially renamed.
“As you can see from this crowd here, Lynn Woolsey has many admirers from across the city and across the state,” said U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, in kicking off the event. He was joined by fellow U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, who also spoke glowingly of the woman whose 20-year career in Congress was described as highly effective and a hard act to follow.
As a member of Congress, the Petaluma Democrat “was a fierce, fierce promoter, she was a fierce adversary, she was a fierce advocate,” Thompson said, but she always fought “on the side of the angels.” Woolsey was credited throughout the late-morning ceremony for her work promoting childcare, conservation, healthy meals in schools, safety net programs and other progressive causes.
“When she left, it took two guys to fill her shoes,” Thompson joked, referring to himself and Huffman.
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Huffman, Woolsey’s successor, said she was the “first former welfare mom” ever to serve in Congress. Her humble background made her a champion of progressive ideals, he said.
“Speaker Pelosi often called Lynn the conscience of the Congress,” Huffman said. She remained true to her ideals, he said, because “She never forgot the hardships that she faced.”
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By: DON FRANCES
Source: Petaluma Argus Courier
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