[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 3, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING CHARLES F. KNAPPER, MAYOR OF NOLENSVILLE, TN, FOR BEING 
  CHOSEN AS AN OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADER IN THE AMERICAN HOMETOWN 
                         LEADERS AWARD PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 3, 1997

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Charles F. Knapper, 
mayor of Nolensville, TN, for being chosen as an outstanding community 
leader in the American Hometown Leaders Award Program.
  This program is sponsored by the National Center for Small 
Communities [NCSC] and the Wal-Mart Foundation. The American Hometown 
Leaders Award Program recognizes elected officials who have provided 
exemplary leadership in their community. Mayor Knapper was nominated by 
fellow community residents who believe he has made a difference in his 
community, both as a leader and as a citizen.
  Mayor Knapper has held many titles in the Nolensville community since 
moving there in 1988. He is a husband, father, church elder, and 
volunteer. He revitalized the Homeowners' Association of his 
neighborhood and as chairman of the Community Affairs Committee of the 
Association, he started an investigation on the feasibility of 
incorporating the town of Nolensville. Mayor Knapper worked with the 
Tennessee State Legislature and the Governor's Office in his efforts to 
attain incorporation. He devoted much of his time and efforts to 
raising the necessary funds to publicize the incorporation effort, 
holding community meetings and conducting petition drives. Nolensville 
was incorporated in 1996.
  Mr. Knapper was elected as mayor on October 1, 1996, with 75 percent 
of the electorate's support. In one of his first acts, Mayor Knapper 
appointed seven committees of citizen volunteers. These committees have 
been extremely active and have worked to achieve Mayor Knapper's goal 
to make Nolensville ``a great place to live.''
  Mayor Knapper has the respect and love of the community he serves. 
This is the true test of a public servant. I commend him on his efforts 
and on his American Hometown Leaders Award, and I wish him the best of 
luck.

                          ____________________