[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 43 (Monday, April 14, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        COMMENDING GENE ROBERTS

 Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a man 
of character, his tradition of accomplishment, his outstanding record 
of public service, and his contribution to his community and the State 
of Tennessee. Today, April 14, Gene Roberts steps down as the mayor of 
Chattanooga. He will be missed, but I know that wherever he chooses to 
put his skills to use in the future, he will be a great asset.
  Gene Roberts is a low-key kind of man, the kind who leads with 
confidence. When Gene gets behind some cause or effort, people just 
fundamentally know that he's in it for the right reasons and that they 
ought to seriously consider following his lead. The people of 
Chattanooga have had the benefit of Gene's talents in his capacity as 
mayor since 1983. They know firsthand what I'm talking about.
  Gene's history of public service goes back over 25 years, back to 
1971, when he was the commissioner of fire and police for Chattanooga. 
For a brief time, he served in the cabinet of my friend, Gov. Lamar 
Alexander. And his long tenure as mayor has been marked by 
unprecedented growth, progress, and a rise in the fortunes and profile 
of the city of Chattanooga.
  He has presided over real progress. During his years in office, 
Chattanooga has seen a revival of its downtown, revitalized 
neighborhoods, a cleanup of pollution to preserve the beautiful land in 
the area, and a marked increase in the quality of life for the folks 
who call Chattanooga home.
  Thanks to Gene's efforts, and his coordination of efforts with other 
civic-minded groups and individuals, Chattanooga has become a model for 
other cities striving to improve. Today, leaders from around the world 
and across the country visit Chattanooga to see what's been done, and 
to find out how they can duplicate the success of this model city.
  It's this kind of effort that creates a vigorous economy for the 
area, and that's good for everyone. In no small measure, we have Gene 
Roberts to thank for that.
  These kinds of positive changes only happen when an individual steps 
forward to take the initiative. You've got to care enough to invest 
time and skill and experience to make a good city into a great city. 
Things like this don't just happen by themselves.
  Congratulations and all the best to Gene Roberts as he retires from 
the office of mayor of Chattanooga, TN.

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