[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 152 (Tuesday, November 4, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S11700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DELEGATE LACEY PUTNEY

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, across our great Nation in the 50 
State legislatures, we find true public servants who receive very 
little remuneration, but dedicate themselves to the challenge--the pain 
and the joy--of representing at the grassroots of American citizens. 
They are the first line of defense and offense for our citizens.
  I rise today to pay tribute to one who quietly and humbly personifies 
the best qualities of these public servants. Delegate Lacey Putney of 
Big Island, VA, is the most senior member of the Virginia House of 
Delegates and the only Independent. When he is re-elected today, he 
will tie with former speaker John Warren Cooke's record for the longest 
service in Virginia's General Assembly--38 years.
  Delegate Putney and I were classmates and close friends as students 
at Washington and Lee University a half century ago. I have been 
privileged to count him as a valued advisor since that time.
  As this month's ``Virginia--Capitol Connections'' magazine states: 
``Lacey Putney: The Democrats Want Him, The Republicans Want Him, But 
the People of Virginia Have Him.''
  I ask unanimous consent to place in the Record at this point two 
tributes to Delegate Putney.
  The tributes follow:

                     The Honorable Lacey E. Putney

                       (By Charles W. Gunn, Jr.)

       Some forty-two years ago I first met Lacey Putney, the 
     country gentleman from Big Island, Virginia. This young man 
     was different from most in his comfortable approach to 
     strangers in that he assisted them while thanking them for 
     helping him. I never saw him ask for help, but I saw him 
     carefully seek out those who needed help.
       His deep compassion for his fellow man was quite unique and 
     so needed in our world today. He is a man of action with many 
     personal accomplishments of assisting the most needy without 
     seeking public acknowledgment. When he hears of a need, he 
     responds either in person or else contacts the person or 
     agency who can best address the problem. He is tough and 
     thorough, while coupled with a soft heart. If you decide to 
     debate him, be certain you are well prepared, for he seldom 
     uses all of his ammunition but saves some for the rebuttal. 
     He rarely loses!
       During his thirty-six years of selfless service, thousands 
     of citizens have been helped by his legislative actions. 
     Equally, thousands have been helped by his personal 
     involvement or intervention. He is an Independent by choice 
     (officially since 1967) but has always been independent in 
     making decisions in our government. If it's a matter of 
     principle, Lacey will take his stand even if he is alone. 
     That's integrity at it's best.
       I am grateful to Lacey's wonderful wife, Elizbeth, and his 
     children, Susan and Edward, for their sacrifice in giving 
     Lacey their sincere support during these thirty-six years of 
     service to all Virginians.
       Lacey touched my personal life and family in ways that were 
     miraculous as he did in dozens of lives that I am personally 
     aware of. His private nature and extreme humility prevent me 
     from detailing these ``personal blessings'' that he made 
     possible for many of us.
       I am honored to have the privilege of sharing with you some 
     of the contributions made by the country boy from Big Island; 
     that man of great integrity, wisdom, faith, compassion and 
     humility; the gentleman from Bedford, the Honorable Lacey E. 
     Putney, House of Delegates member, Nineteenth District, with 
     thirty-six years of distinction.
                                                                    ____

       ``Bedford City Council works with a number of Virginia 
     legislators and it is gratifying to see the high level of 
     esteem and respect that Lacey is accorded from both his state 
     peers as well as national representatives.
       ``Lacey has taken a personal interest in assuring that 
     Bedford has received proper recognition and the deserved 
     respect on the following:
       ``Passage of legislation that guaranteed Barr Laboratories 
     locating in Bedford County;
       ``Strong leadership position with respect to the National 
     D-Day Memorial's state funding;
       ``Persistence with the Highway Commission to insure needed 
     work on Highway 501 and the Independence Boulevard project.
       ``Lacey has responded to the needs of our community in real 
     time with real results.
       ``Lacey plays a pretty good game of tennis for an old 
     guy.''--Skip Tharp, Bedford City Council.

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