[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 1, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        HONORING JOHN M. STUMBO

                                 ______


                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 1995
  Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a special friend to 
Prestonsburg, Floyd County, and all of eastern Kentucky, John M. 
Stumbo. John, who served as judge-executive of Floyd County since 1983, 
passed away recently at the age of 67.
  A World War II veteran in the Army, Judge Stumbo was a leader who was 
concerned with our young people and worked to achieve a better way of 
life in eastern Kentucky.
  Nicknamed ``Lightning,'' an obvious contrast to his slow-talking, 
deliberate manner, Judge Stumbo entered Floyd County's political scene 
in the early 1950's as a member of the county board of education. He 
held that post for 31 years, serving the last three decades as the 
board chairman.
  After his service as board chairman, he was appointed judge-executive 
by then-Governor, John Y. Brown in 1983, following the death of Judge 
Larry Lafferty, Jr. He was reelected in 1985, 1989, and again in 1993.
  Weathering many storms during his 44 years in the public eye, Judge 
Stumbo was a recognized force in eastern Kentucky politics.
  As Floyd County's leader, he led the effort to develop a countywide 
network of fire hydrants, which served as a model for other counties. 
Also under his leadership, Floyd County became one of the first 
counties in the State to enact mandatory participation in a solid waste 
disposal system. And, at the time of his death, a new county jail is 
under construction and a new courthouse in the planning stages.
  He promoted our region's strength, twice heading the Kentucky Coal 
Council, pushing the natural resources that bless eastern Kentucky.
  And, as chairman for the Big Sandy Area Development District for 4 
years, he showed his devotion to economic development by playing an 
instrumental role in building the Big Sandy Regional Airport. Finally, 
his appointment of a county-financed economic development authority in 
the late 1980's was unique to eastern Kentucky.
  We will miss Judge John M. Stumbo. He committed five decades of his 
life to public service in Floyd County and eastern Kentucky. His legacy 
will long be remembered.


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