[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 72 (Friday, June 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN P. LaRUE

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 10, 1994

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to the attention of the 
House an outstanding public servant who has ably led the Philadelphia 
Regional Port Authority since its establishment in 1989. His name is 
John P. LaRue and he has recently been named executive director of the 
Port of Corpus Christi, TX. Mr. Speaker, Texas' gain is truly 
Philadelphia's loss.
  Over the many years I have known John, he has provided focused 
leadership that has inspired those associated with him to give their 
very best. He has brought the Philadelphia Regional Port System into a 
new era by presiding over an extensive capital program and bringing to 
Philadelphia skilled professionals who have advanced Philadelphia's 
competitive position in international maritime commerce.
  John is a builder. As I have indicated, he has built one of the best 
professional staffs of any port agency in the country. He has built 
strong relationships with steamship lines around the world. He has 
built extraordinary contacts with international shipping interests. He 
has built and maintained for the Port of Philadelphia remarkably close 
ties with government officials around the world, but most especially in 
South America, never forgetting that Philadelphia is a gateway port for 
that continent.
  One story will illustrate that last point. When the then-President of 
Chile, Patricio Aylwin, visited the United States on a state visit, 
President Bush honored him with a state dinner at the White House. 
Customarily, for these important events, the visiting head-of-state is 
given the privilege of inviting his own guests. In this case, President 
Aylwin was allowed 10 couples. One of those couples was John and Diane 
LaRue.
  I witnessed John's remarkable stature in the Republic of Chile when 
he accompanied me on a recent visit to that dynamic and important 
country. His insights and advice enabled me to come to a deeper 
understanding about Chile, its role in South America and its 
relationship with the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, John P. LaRue is my close friend. I join with hundreds 
of Philadelphians in wishing him great luck in his new home and express 
my personal wish that he will never lose entirely his connection to 
Philadelphia and to the many people there who value his friendship and 
revere his service to the community.

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