[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   TRIBUTE TO MAYOR THOMAS W. GREENE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDSEY O. GRAHAM

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Thomas W. Greene, an exemplary 
public servant, selflessly served the city of North Augusta for 26 
years. Better known as Tom to the citizens of North Augusta, SC, 
thanked the people for their support at his last city council meeting 
where he presided as mayor. The tearful event on Monday night, May 6, 
1997, highlighted the resignation of a city icon.
  Born in Atlanta, GA, Tom received his bachelor of science degree in 
industrial engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. After 
graduating from Georgia Tech, Tom served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 
years as a pilot. Tom returned to North Augusta and within a year 
President Kennedy recalled him for another year. Upon completion of his 
military career, Tom began his 36-year career at the U.S. Department of 
Energy's Savannah River site in Aiken, SC.
  Tom began his political career in May, 1971, as a city councilman 
before being elected mayor of North Augusta in May, 1985. Tom's 
foresight and vision facilitated growth throughout the city of North 
Augusta--most of all done without a tax increase.
  During his tenure, Tom's tireless efforts established a public safety 
department--merging the police and fire departments--along with the 
creation of a new municipal building and community center. His vision 
also encompassed the successful launching of the riverfront 
redevelopment on the banks of the picturesque Savannah River.
  As an active member of the community, Tom recognized the need for a 
recreation facility in the city. His intuition led to the creation of 
Riverview Park which houses numerous baseball fields, a state-of-the-
art facility with several gymnasiums and numerous meeting rooms, and a 
walking path, the ``Greeneway,'' named after the beloved mayor. Once 
again, Tom's creativity coupled with his vision enabled the city to 
capitalize on one of their biggest assets--the scenic Savannah River.
  In addition to his support of community and economic development, 
Tom's desire to spiritually guide his city led him to organize the 
Mayor's Prayer Breakfast which is held annually on the National Day of 
Prayer. As an active member and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist 
Church of North Augusta, Tom relies on the Lord for guidance in all 
areas of his life--including his years in public office.
  Tom also generously served his community in other areas outside his 
official position. Due to his experience at the Savannah River site, 
Tom served on the site's citizen advisory board and continues to serve 
on the board of directors for Citizens for Nuclear Technology 
Awareness. His community activity includes extensive involvement in the 
North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, past member of the board of 
directors for the United Way of Augusta, and member of the North 
Augusta American Legion Post. He currently serves as chairman of the 
North Augusta Crime Free Task Force.
  While juggling the demands of a public official and community leader, 
Tom and his wife Barbara raised three children: Lynne, Susan, and 
Thomas, Jr. Tom is also a devoted grandfather of five beautiful 
grandchildren. Tom has always showered his family and city with love, 
concern, and patience.
  The retirement of Tom as mayor of North Augusta closes a successful 
and eventful chapter in the history of North Augusta. Tom nurtured the 
city of North Augusta into a prosperous and growing city with a very 
bright future.

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