[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MAYOR JACK EVANS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 1997

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor and remember a friend and one of the great mayors of Dallas, Mr. 
Jack Evans. His vision and drive have made Dallas a great place to 
live, and it is illustrated by his civic achievements over his lifetime 
for our city.
  Jack Evans served as mayor of Dallas for one term from 1981 to 1983. 
He is cited by many as a mayor who accomplished a great deal during his 
short term. He believed in building alliances, creating opportunities 
and solving problems, and he accomplished this by working with people. 
Jack Evans truly was a mayor for all of Dallas. He rode with paramedics 
in ambulances, he helped patrol the streets with police and he picked 
up trash with sanitation workers. He did this because he wanted a sense 
of what really made the city work on a day-to-day basis, and it served 
him well in public service and as a businessman.
  Without Jack Evans, there would be no Downtown Dallas Art's District. 
He saw an area of land next to downtown Dallas and has the forethought 
to create a thriving area which would allow everyone from the Metroplex 
to experience the best of arts and entertainment through museums, 
galleries and city living. Another major accomplishment, while Jack 
Evans was mayor in the 80's, was his strong push to make sure that 
businesses invested in southern Dallas. He knew the value of 
contributing to our community, and how the benefits would be received 
for many years after the initial investment.
  Jack Evans' work ethic and commitment to public service was learned 
at an early age. As a young man working in his family's east Dallas 
grocery store, he learned the value of business and used his knowledge 
to work his way through the grocery business to eventually hold the 
position of president of the Tom Thumb grocery store chain.
  During his years as the chairman of the Dallas Citizens Council, Mr. 
Evans carried the message of equal opportunity to the corporate world. 
Also, he was awarded the Henry Cohn Humanitarian Award from the Anti-
Defamation League for his unwavering commitment to stamping out bigotry 
and preserving human rights.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to rise with me in this 
tribute and take a moment to remember a great man and a good friend, 
Mr. Jack Evans, a man who truly exemplifies the best of Dallas.

                          ____________________