[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 18, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               BISMARCK RECEIVES ALL-AMERICAN CITY AWARD

 Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
city of Bismarck, ND, for recently being named an ``All-America City.''
  This honor comes as no surprise to those of us who have been proud to 
call Bismarck home. But for many years, weather reports of blowing snow 
and subzero temperatures enabled us to keep what we call the good life 
in Bismarck a well-guarded secret. With this award and new national 
prominence, residents of Bismarck, ND, can no longer be modest.
  Bismarck is a place where the quality of life is good, the economy is 
growing, and the threat of crime is practically nonexistent. Our kids 
can go to good schools without worrying about carrying knives or guns 
and they can play outside on their streets after dark. It is a place 
where people still get to know their neighbors and where hard-working 
people can make a decent wage. Unemployment for the city is a mere 2.7 
percent, well below the national average of 4.8 percent.
  But now our secret's out--and I'm pleased it has been done with such 
honor. Only 10 cities receive the All America City designation each 
year from the National Civic League. This year, 120 cities applied and 
only 30 were chosen as finalists. By surpassing the 20 other cities 
nationwide to win the award, Bismarck gained a title and prominence 
that will surely attract new businesses, increase population, and 
provide new opportunities for growth in our State.
  Bismarck currently has a population of close to 50,000 residents--
most of whom are very hard-working, civic minded people who get 
involved in the decisions that affect their community--which is one of 
the main reasons the city was chosen for this award. While Bismarck 
received recognition from the judges for three of its projects, the 
city was singled out for its unique city sales tax allocation. In 
Bismarck, citizens have a share in the decision of where their city 
sales tax is spent. The judges applauded this unique approach to local 
government that gives taxpayers input for city projects. What a 
remarkable idea.
  Bismarck was also recognized for its Suicide Prevention Task Force 
and some local programs produced at the Anne Frank exhibit, including a 
10-minute script that pokes fun of images that some people have of 
Bismarck and North Dakota.
  Again, I want to congratulate the city of Bismarck for receiving this 
prestigious All-America City Award. It is exemplary of the good people 
and good quality of life that we've always enjoyed in our 
State.

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